There are moments in Test cricket that make you sit up, take notice, and quietly nod in appreciation. Day one of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi delivered exactly that — a masterclass in grit, patience, and calculated aggression. But more than that, it revealed a strategic shift in Pakistan’s approach to playing on home soil — an evolving template led from the front by Shan Masood.
It was a day of subtle battles. Spin versus footwork. Patience versus pressure. Luck versus persistence. And somewhere in the middle of it all, a captain’s innings carved a statement — not just for the day, but potentially for the future of Pakistan’s Test side.
Let’s unpack what happened, where South Africa went wrong, what Pakistan did right, and crucially — what this day tells us about the gap South Africa failed to close, and what the hosts exploited perfectly.
The Hidden Gap: South Africa’s Underutilization of Their Strengths
Before we get into the performances, let’s talk about strategy. South Africa came into this Test trailing the series and desperate to even the score. But surprisingly, they underbowled their most effective weapon from the first Test — Nandre Burger — using him for only four overs on a surface that was abrasive and promised reverse swing.
Instead, they relied heavily on spin — Maharaj bowled 30 overs, Hamza 23 — and only brought the pacers back with the second new ball. This tactical oversight allowed Pakistan to settle in, with little discomfort, on a pitch that wasn’t turning square on Day 1. It was a gamble — and Pakistan capitalized.
Pakistan’s Platform: A Test of Patience
Winning the toss and batting was a no-brainer. The pitch, described as brittle and abrasive, screamed Day 4-5 drama. But Day 1? It was a window for setting a base, and Pakistan did that with maturity.
The Top Order: Risky but Rewarding
Abdullah Shafique may not have looked in supreme touch — playing and missing, edged shots falling short — but his 57 off 146 was a crucial lesson in survival. He found the gap when it mattered, soaked up pressure, and frustrated South Africa’s bowlers into trying too much.
He eventually fell to an innocuous ball down the leg side — a soft dismissal after doing the hard yards. But by then, the platform was solid, the shine off the ball, and Pakistan had won the early exchanges.
Captain Courageous: Shan Masood’s Intentional Shift
Every team talks about “playing positive cricket.” Few actually do it when it counts. Shan Masood walked in with purpose. From ball one, his intent was evident — not slogging, not recklessness — but assured aggression against spin.
Whether it was stepping out to hammer Maharaj down the ground or threading the gaps with drives through cover, Shan controlled the tempo. His 87 off 137 wasn’t just a captain’s knock — it was a blueprint.
Pakistan has often struggled to dominate home Tests with the bat. Either too defensive or overly reliant on collapsible middle orders. But Shan showed that taking the game to the bowlers — especially spinners — is not just possible but necessary.
And that brings us to a very important gap…
The Tactical Gap: Playing Spin Proactively
Historically, subcontinent teams have outclassed visiting sides through spin. But what’s changing is how their own batters approach spin — not just with respect, but with intent. Shan Masood’s approach wasn’t about surviving — it was about dictating.
By stepping out early, he disrupted length. By sweeping regularly, he forced field changes. By rotating strike, he denied bowlers rhythm.
Contrast this with South Africa’s approach — heavy reliance on spin, but without the backup plan when that didn’t yield quick results. That’s the gap Pakistan pounced on.
Key Moments That Shifted the Day
- Imam’s Early Exit
Hamma’s sharp off-break that bowled Imam was a peach — change of trajectory, clever flight, and perfect turn. South Africa were briefly back in it at 35 for 1. - Shan-Abdullah Partnership (111 runs)
This was the backbone. Not flashy, not always fluent, but invaluable. It forced South Africa to abandon aggressive fields and left their bowlers searching. - Babar Azam’s Brief Stay
The crowd favorite walked in with high expectations, smacked a few boundaries, and looked ready to explode. But a stunning catch at short mid-off cut his innings short at 16. South Africa needed that — and celebrated it loudly. - Shan’s Dismissal on 87
Looking to sweep yet again, Shan found the top edge. A soft end to a glorious innings, and a reminder that aggression carries risk. Still, the damage was done.
Middle Order Test: Shaquille, Rizwan, and Salman’s Roles
With Pakistan at 167/3, the middle order was tasked with seeing the day through. Rizwan looked busy, as always, but fell LBW to a peach from Rabada, beaten for pace. Shaquille, however, stood tall — playing spin with soft hands, cutting smartly, and sweeping with control.
Salman Agha, meanwhile, gave glimpses of his stroke-making ability, including a booming drive and a wristy leg glance. Their unbeaten 13-run stand at stumps held the fort at 259/5 — not a commanding score yet, but a very competitive position.
Day One by the Numbers
| Metric | Pakistan |
| Runs | 259 |
| Wickets | 5 |
| Run Rate | 2.84 |
| 50s Scored | 3 |
| Overs Faced | 91 |
Top Performers:
- Shan Masood – 87 (137)
- Abdullah Shafique – 57 (146)
- Saud Shaquille – 42* (105)
Best Bowlers for South Africa:
- Keshav Maharaj – 2/63 (30 overs)
- Hamma – 2/75 (23 overs)
South Africa’s Missed Opportunities
Here’s where South Africa faltered:
- Catching – At least two dropped chances — one of Shan, one of Shaquille — could’ve changed the complexion of the day.
- Underbowling Pacers – Burger, a standout performer in the previous match, bowled only 4 overs.
- Field Placements – Too reactive. Instead of attacking Shan and co., they defended early, especially after lunch.
To win in the subcontinent, you can’t wait for things to happen. You have to make them happen. South Africa did too little, too late.
The Road Ahead: What Day Two Holds
Pakistan will look to stretch this to 350+. If Shaquille and Salman can resist the second new ball, the tail has enough to add crucial runs.
South Africa must strike early. They need to clean up the innings within the first hour and get batting. The pitch, though offering turn, is still good for stroke play. But scoreboard pressure on a spinning pitch is a heavy burden — especially if you’re chasing.
Final Word: A New Template for Pakistan?
Day one of this Rawalpindi Test felt different. It wasn’t just about staying alive till lunch. It was about owning the day. Pakistan batted first, absorbed pressure, and then shifted gears.
Most importantly, their captain led by example. In Shan Masood’s bat swing, in his confident footwork, and in his 87-run statement, there lies the evolution of a Test side learning to dominate — not just compete — at home.
South Africa, on the other hand, must reflect not just on what went wrong but what was left untried.
Because on a dusty Pindi pitch, Pakistan found the gap — and went for four.
