Shan's 87 guides Pakistan to 259-5 on day one against South Africa

Pakistan captain Shan Masood led from the front with a composed 87, while Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel also made valuable contributions as the hosts reached 259-5 in 91 overs on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Monday.

At stumps, Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 42, and with him at the other end was Salman Ali Agha on 10.

After winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first, aiming to post a solid first-innings total on a pitch expected to assist spinners as the match progresses.

Shan anchored the innings but unfortunately missed out on his seventh Test century, getting dismissed to veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj, who floated one outside off stump as the left-hander only managed a top edge.

During his 176-ball knock with three sixes and two fours, Shan shared a crucial 111-run partnership for the second wicket with Abdullah Shafique. Coming off a first-innings score of 76 in the opening Test in Lahore, Shan looked in fine touch, playing several elegant strokes throughout his innings.

Pakistan opened with Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. Shafique had an early reprieve in the first over from Kagiso Rabada when Tristan Stubbs dropped him at the third slip for zero.

South Africa struck in the 13th over when Simon Harmer removed Imam-ul-Haq with his very first over. The ball drifted in and spun sharply past Imam’s bat, crashing into the off stump. Imam scored 17 runs off 35 balls, including two boundaries, leaving Pakistan at 35-1.

Shafique and Shan then consolidated the innings, guiding Pakistan to 95-1 at lunch. Post-lunch, the duo continued to bat sensibly, reaching a vital century stand that stabilized the innings.

Harmer eventually broke the partnership. A delivery that pitched on middle stump and turned saw Shafique edge it behind to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Although the on-field umpire was unmoved, South Africa reviewed the decision, confirming the faint edge.

Shafique, who had been dropped on 0, 15, and 41, made a gritty 57 off 146 balls, laced with four boundaries.

Babar Azam then joined Shan but failed to capitalize, getting dismissed for 16 after a sharp catch by Tony de Zorzi at silly mid-off off Maharaj just before tea. The score at the break was 177-3.

Following tea, Maharaj continued his effective spell and dismissed Shan, his second time being dismissed after 70 against South Africa in the last three innings.

Mohammad Rizwan joined Saud Shakeel and the pair batted cautiously, adding 34 runs for the fifth wicket. However, with the second new ball taken after 84 overs, Rabada made an immediate impact, trapping Rizwan lbw. The delivery nipped in just enough to hit Rizwan in front. Although he reviewed the decision, the umpire's call stood. Rizwan scored 19 off 39 balls, including two boundaries.

Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha then ensured there were no further losses, steering Pakistan safely to the close of play. Saud played a composed innings, hitting two boundaries in his unbeaten 42.

Among the bowlers, Keshav Maharaj, returning to the side after missing the first Test, was the pick with 2-63 in 31 overs. Simon Harmer also impressed, taking 2-75 in 23 overs while Rabada finished with 1-41 in 13 overs.