Imam, Masood drive Pakistan on first morning

An ongoing 105-run second-wicket partnership between Pakistan's opening batter Imam-ul-Haq and captain Shan Masood made good on their decision to bat first in the opening match of their World Test Championship campaign. Pakistan were comfortable and in control against current mace holders, South Africa and Imam, back in the side for the first time since December 2023, headlined proceedings with his 10th Test half-century.

On a dry Lahore pitch, Imam paced his innings well, played the ball late and worked hard to run between the wickets. He scored 22 singles and seven twos and a three and ran 19 singles and a three off Masood's bat as South Africa struggled to keep Pakistan quiet. Like the hosts, South Africa stacked their side with spinners, leaving themselves only two seam bowling options, and consequently appeared to lack a certain bite. Pakistan blunted the triple threat of Prenelan Subrayen, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy and will go to lunch pleased with how they've set things up.

South Africa started well when Kagiso Rabada struck in the first over after a successful review. His third ball swung in, beat Abdullah Shafique's inside-edge and hit him on the back pad. Ball-tracking showed it would have gone to hit the top of the stumps. As Rabada continued to bowl full in search of swing, Masood finished the over with back to back boundaries.

Wiaan Mulder shared the new ball and bowled just two overs before South Africa turned to spin as early as the fifth over and Pakistan's intent was clear. Masood advanced down the track to hit Subrayen for six at the end of his first over. Rabada stayed on at the other end and tried the yorker and the bouncer, but Masood survived them both and it was soon spin at both ends.

Harmer, who has not played a Test since March 2023, found the most turn and was the trickiest to play. His third ball pitched on middle and ripped past Masood's outside edge. Harmer continued to make use of the bounce on offer, flighted the ball well and varied his pace but South Africa were unable to keep things tight at the other end. Masood continued to target Subrayen, who was replaced by Muthusamy, against whom Masood brought out the reverse sweep. Muthusamy thought he had Masood when he swept and seemed to edge but Kyle Verreynne could not hold on.

By then, Imam was on 49. He reached his fifty with a single off Harmer off the 65th ball he faced. Rabada was brought back for a burst before lunch and reviewed the second ball of his second ball, which stayed low and hit Imam on the front pad. Replays showed the impact was outside the line and Imam made it to the break on 59 not out.