🏏 South Africa Steady at Lunch After Pakistan’s 378 in Lahore Test
At the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa has come alive with a mix of patience, class, and strategy.
By lunch on Day Two, the visitors stood at 10 for no loss in four overs, with openers Aiden Markram (5*) and Ryan Rickelton (4*) seeing off the early swing threat from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali.
While South Africa’s cautious start has set the tone for their reply, the real story of the match so far has been Pakistan’s commanding first innings of 378, powered by Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha — all playing with a balance of patience and aggression that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
Cricketory brings you a detailed insight into how Day One and the early Day Two sessions unfolded — a tale of partnerships, spin mastery, and tactical composure.
🇵🇰 Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood Lay the Foundation
After a shaky start where Abdullah Shafique fell lbw to Kagiso Rabada for just 2 runs in the first over, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood joined Imam-ul-Haq to craft a partnership that steadied the ship.
The duo added 161 runs for the second wicket, demonstrating classic Test cricket at its best — disciplined leaves, precise footwork against spin, and controlled aggression when bowlers missed their lines.
Imam looked elegant from the outset, punishing anything short with crisp cuts and well-timed drives. Shan, meanwhile, absorbed the pressure and rotated the strike efficiently.
🏏 Cricketory Insight: This partnership was a perfect blend of senior composure and tactical clarity. It reflected the kind of stability Pakistan’s top order has been searching for in home conditions.
When Prenelan Subrayen finally trapped Shan Masood lbw for 76 (off 147 balls), the foundation had been laid — Pakistan were 163/2, and the innings looked set for a big total.
💥 Imam-ul-Haq’s Comeback Fizz: A Statement of Maturity
Returning to Test cricket after a year, Imam-ul-Haq showcased why he remains one of Pakistan’s most technically equipped openers.
His knock of 93 off 153 balls, featuring seven fours and a six, was a masterclass in temperament and shot selection.
He resisted Rabada’s pace barrage early on and played Senuran Muthusamy’s left-arm spin with soft hands, minimizing risk on a turning surface.
Cricketory Observes:
- Imam’s ability to shift gears between defensive play and attacking intent was key.
- His 90+ score underlines consistency, but missing the century due to a sharp catch by de Zorzi off Muthusamy adds a bittersweet note.
At 199/3, Pakistan seemed comfortable, but the game quickly tilted when Muthusamy struck again.
🌀 Senuran Muthusamy’s Magic: Six Wickets and a Spell of Turnaround
Every Test match has its momentum-shifting spell — and in Lahore, Senuran Muthusamy delivered it.
The left-arm spinner picked up career-best figures of 6 for 117, dismantling Pakistan’s middle and lower order with relentless accuracy.
He removed Imam, Saud Shakeel (0), and later cleaned up the tail with precision. His variations in pace, angle, and drift kept Pakistan guessing.
🎯 Cricketory Technical Breakdown:
- Muthusamy bowled 32 overs with six maidens — maintaining an economy of 3.65.
- His ability to lure right-handers into defensive pokes was a highlight.
- Against Salman Ali Agha and Rizwan, he cleverly mixed loop and undercut deliveries to create uncertainty.
For South Africa, Muthusamy’s spell prevented Pakistan from crossing 450 — a potential match-defining containment act.
🧠 Babar Azam’s Milestone: 3,000 World Test Championship Runs
Even though Babar Azam made only 23 off 48 balls, his innings carried a historic note.
He became the first Pakistani batter to cross 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship, joining an elite list of only eight batters worldwide.
Cricketory Insight:
While his stay was brief, Babar’s touch looked fluent — crisp drives and soft hands against spin. His dismissal to Simon Harmer (lbw) came against the run of play, but the landmark underscored his dominance in world cricket.
Babar’s numbers now place him alongside players like Root, Smith, and Kohli in the WTC elite scoring group.
🧱 Rizwan and Salman Agha’s Record Partnership
As wickets tumbled around them, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stood firm.
Their sixth-wicket stand worth 163 runs was the highest for Pakistan against South Africa at home — a remarkable display of resilience and tactical understanding.
Rizwan’s innings of 75 off 140 balls was a blend of calm and calculated aggression. He picked gaps with precision, especially against Harmer’s off-spin.
Salman Ali Agha, on the other hand, played one of his most mature Test innings — 93 off 145 balls, decorated with five fours and three sixes. His confident use of feet against spin frustrated the Proteas.
💡 Cricketory Analysis:
This partnership highlighted Pakistan’s new middle-order maturity. Gone are the days when early wickets triggered collapses. Rizwan’s calmness and Salman’s steady growth symbolize Pakistan’s evolving Test temperament.
⚙️ Day Two Morning Session: Pakistan Fold for 378
Starting Day Two at 313/5, Rizwan and Salman looked set for big hundreds.
However, Muthusamy’s relentless attack paid off — he dismissed Rizwan for 75, breaking the backbone of Pakistan’s innings.
Within minutes, Pakistan’s tail collapsed:
- Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Shaheen Afridi all fell cheaply.
- Muthusamy grabbed three wickets in an over, showcasing pure dominance.
Pakistan eventually ended at 378 all out in 110.4 overs — a total that reflects both solidity and squandered potential.
Cricketory Verdict:
A score of 400+ looked achievable, but Pakistan will still be happy considering the pitch’s growing assistance to spin.
🧤 South Africa’s Bowling Review: Controlled but One-Dimensional
While Muthusamy stole the spotlight, South Africa’s pace attack — Rabada and Mulder — failed to maintain consistent pressure.
Rabada’s opening burst dismissed Shafique but lacked sustained hostility afterward.
Harmer, though disciplined, didn’t get the same bite as Muthusamy.
Cricketory Tactical Note:
South Africa may regret not including a genuine wrist-spinner. On subcontinental pitches, dual spin options (like India’s Ashwin-Jadeja combo) often prove decisive.
Their overreliance on Muthusamy might make later sessions physically taxing for him.
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Cautious Start: Markram and Rickelton Survive
Chasing 378, South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton knew early survival was key.
Facing Shaheen Afridi’s swing and Noman Ali’s early spin, they played within themselves — collecting just 10 runs in four overs before lunch.
Markram (5*) and Rickelton (4*) looked calm, focusing on line judgment and shot discipline.
Cricketory Insight:
This was not a defensive mindset — it was strategic caution. With 62 overs left in the day, survival before lunch sets the platform for middle-order stability.
Pakistan, meanwhile, maintained sharp field placements, with slips active and close catchers in play.
🔍 Pitch & Conditions Report: Lahore’s Balanced Turn
The Gaddafi Stadium surface appears to be playing true so far.
While there’s enough bounce for seamers in the morning, by late afternoon, the surface grips slightly — favoring spinners like Muthusamy and Noman.
Cricketory Projection:
Day Three could see rapid deterioration, turning this into a fourth-innings minefield. Early leads will be crucial.
⚡ Cricketory Tactical Take: What Both Sides Must Do Next
🏏 For Pakistan:
- Use early swing from Shaheen and Hasan to target edges.
- Bring in Noman and Sajid early to exploit rough patches.
- Maintain tight run control to build pressure — no freebies.
🇿🇦 For South Africa:
- Extend the opening stand to at least 100+.
- Utilize Markram’s patience and Rickelton’s touch against spin.
- Middle order — Brevis and Stubbs — must counterattack intelligently to prevent collapse.
Cricketory Key: The first session on Day Three will determine control — either Pakistan extend dominance or South Africa balance the contest.
📊 Cricketory Statistical Snapshot: Day Two Summary
| Category | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| First Innings Score | 378 (110.4 ov) | 10/0 (4 ov) |
| Top Scorer | Salman Agha – 93 | Markram – 5* |
| Best Bowler | Muthusamy – 6/117 | Shaheen – 0/5 |
| Partnership Highlight | Rizwan & Agha – 163 | Opening Stand Unbroken |
| Lead | 368 runs | – |
🧩 Cricketory Analysis: Pakistan’s Growth in Test Stability
This innings underlines Pakistan’s evolving red-ball philosophy — partnership building over flair, patience over panic.
Under Shan Masood’s leadership, batting consistency is finally visible.
Even lower-order contributions, though minimal here, show improved intent in strike rotation.
Bowling-wise, Pakistan have enough firepower to dominate with swing and spin combination — Shaheen’s aggression plus Noman’s control.
Cricketory Verdict:
The home side holds the advantage, but the game remains open if South Africa can post a 300+ reply.
💭 Cricketory Insight: Muthusamy’s Rise and the Spin Legacy
Senuran Muthusamy’s performance marks a turning point for South African spin bowling.
In conditions historically challenging for Proteas spinners, his six-wicket haul shows adaptation and skill.
His figures of 6/117 in 32 overs — with six maidens — are not just statistics but a statement.
Cricketory Analysis: Muthusamy’s success provides South Africa with a blueprint for future subcontinent tours.
If he can maintain rhythm in the second innings, this match could tilt into a nail-biter.
📢 Cricketory Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?
Pakistan’s total of 378 is competitive — not unassailable.
If South Africa can bat deep and bring Markram or Brevis into long innings mode, they could match it.
However, Pakistan’s home advantage and dual-spin attack might make the difference.
Cricketory Prediction:
Pakistan 60% ahead, South Africa 40% chance to level before Day Four.
The first hour tomorrow — with Shaheen and Noman attacking — will likely decide the match direction.
🧩 Cricketory Conclusion: Classic Test Cricket Returns to Lahore
The Lahore Test so far has everything Test purists love — grit, partnerships, milestones, and quality spin bowling.
Pakistan’s batting depth and resilience have set up the match beautifully.
South Africa, on the other hand, have shown enough discipline to stay alive.
As Day Three looms, all eyes will be on Markram’s leadership and how Pakistan’s bowlers respond to early resistance.
Cricketory’s Final Take:
The Test is finely poised — Pakistan lead the charge, but South Africa’s fightback spirit could yet script a classic five-day thriller.