🏆 Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Lahore Test Day 1 Highlights: Senuran Muthusamy Strikes Twice Before Tea
Cricket fans at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, witnessed a gripping turn of events on Day 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa. What began as a confident batting display from the hosts turned into an evenly poised contest as left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered two decisive blows late in the second session.
At tea, Pakistan found themselves 199-4 in 57 overs, losing momentum after dominating the morning session. Imam-ul-Haq’s elegant 93 anchored the innings until Muthusamy’s late burst turned calm into chaos.
🇵🇰 🌅 Morning Session: From Early Jolt to a Commanding Stand
Pakistan’s innings began shakily when Abdullah Shafique was trapped LBW by Kagiso Rabada in just the third delivery. With the scoreboard reading 2-1, early tension spread through the Lahore crowd.
But then came Shan Masood, Pakistan’s left-handed aggressor, who refused to let South Africa dictate the rhythm.
✨ Shan Masood’s Counter-Punch
- Drove Rabada through covers with authority
- Punished width from Lungi Ngidi
- Rotated strike to keep Imam comfortable
Together, Imam and Shan stitched a 161-run partnership, rebuilding Pakistan from rubble to command. Their understanding was sharp — Imam anchoring, Shan attacking.
By lunch, Pakistan sat at 107-1 (28 overs), firmly on top.
💫 Imam-ul-Haq’s Redemption Story
Returning to Test cricket after 2023, Imam-ul-Haq looked hungry. He was watchful early but soon unleashed his fluent drives and leg-side flicks.
🏏 Milestones:
- Reached his 10th Test fifty with a crisp boundary off Rabada
- Surpassed 2,500 Test runs in style
- Showcased textbook patience against spin
Imam’s innings stood out for its calm composure. Unlike his previous dismissals outside off-stump, this time he played close to the body, minimizing risk.
He looked destined for a century — until Senuran Muthusamy intervened.
⚡ Afternoon Session: Senuran Muthusamy Rattles Pakistan
The post-lunch period began positively for Pakistan. Babar Azam, fresh to the crease after Shan’s dismissal for 76, immediately found rhythm. Elegant cover drives and flicks through mid-wicket reminded everyone why he’s one of world cricket’s most stylish batters.
But South Africa needed a breakthrough — and they found it through Senuran Muthusamy.
🎯 The Double Strike That Changed Everything
🕐 56th over — Imam ul Haq (93)
Imam attempted a drive against a fuller ball from Muthusamy, only to edge it to Aiden Markram at slip. The dismissal broke Pakistan’s backbone.
🕐 Next ball — Saud Shakeel (0)
A flighted delivery gripped sharply; Saud tried to defend but the ball caught the inside edge and lobbed to short leg. A golden duck!
From 163-2, Pakistan suddenly collapsed to 199-4 by tea.
Muthusamy’s over wasn’t just a statistical moment — it was psychological dominance.
🧩 Babar Azam and the 3,000 Run Milestone
In between Muthusamy’s heroics, Babar Azam quietly reached a massive milestone:
Becoming the first Pakistani batter to cross 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship.
It’s a testament to his consistency across formats. His 35-run cameo at tea might appear modest, but it was crucial in preventing a total collapse.
Babar’s approach — compact defense, precise shot-selection — showed why he remains Pakistan’s stabilizer in crises.
🇿🇦 🔥 South Africa’s Bowling Strategy: Patient Pressure, Not Pace War
South Africa began the day with an overreliance on pace, but as Lahore’s surface flattened, Dean Elgar’s captaincy shifted gears.
Key Tactical Moves:
- Shorter bursts for Rabada and Ngidi to conserve energy.
- Double-spin attack featuring Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen.
- Smart field placements — two catchers in close and a deep mid-wicket to tempt drives.
The move paid off. While Subrayen dismissed Shan Masood, Muthusamy’s double blow defined the session.
📊 Session-by-Session Breakdown
| Session | Overs | Pakistan Score | Wickets Lost | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 28 | 107/1 | Abdullah out early | Imam-Shan stand dominates |
| Afternoon | 29 | 92 runs added | 3 wickets lost | Muthusamy double strike |
| Total (Tea) | 57 | 199/4 | – | Match evenly poised |
🧠 Cricketory Insights & Analysis
1️⃣ Momentum Shift Defined by Spin, Not Speed
Despite South Africa’s pace attack boasting Rabada and Ngidi, the Lahore surface rewarded slower bowlers. Muthusamy proved that patience and flight still matter in Asian conditions.
2️⃣ Pakistan’s Middle Order Still Fragile
Saud Shakeel’s first-ball duck exposed Pakistan’s dependence on the top three. Unless Babar and Sarfaraz rescue the innings, the tail could be under early pressure.
3️⃣ Tactical Maturity from Elgar
By introducing spin just after the ball lost its shine, Elgar demonstrated strategic awareness — often missing in previous Proteas tours to Asia.
4️⃣ Imam’s Growth as a Red-Ball Batter
Imam’s shot selection was disciplined and his temperament improved immensely since 2023. He’s no longer just a limited-overs opener but a technically evolving Test asset.
5️⃣ Senuran Muthusamy — The Silent Match-Turner
With figures of 2-38 in 12 overs, Muthusamy proved that it doesn’t take fiery pace to change a game; it takes control, accuracy, and belief.
🧮 Key Stats and Numbers
| Category | Player | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Imam-ul-Haq | 93 (161 balls) |
| Most Fours | Shan Masood | 9 |
| Partnerships 100+ | Imam-Shan – 161 | |
| Best Bowling (So Far) | Senuran Muthusamy 2/38 | |
| Run Rate | 3.49 | |
| Milestone Moment | Babar Azam – 3,000 WTC Runs |
🌦️ Pitch and Conditions Report
The Lahore pitch offered moderate bounce early but quickly flattened. Spin became key as the session progressed. Weather remains clear, humidity low — perfect for sustained batting on Day 2.
Expect the pitch to slow down further, making batting easier on Day 2 but increasing reverse swing later.
🔮 Predictions & What to Expect Next
- If Babar Azam and Rizwan can add another 100-plus stand, Pakistan will eye 350+.
- South Africa will bank on Muthusamy and Subrayen to trigger a collapse.
- Rabada’s second-new-ball burst might determine the match’s direction.
The contest is beautifully balanced — Pakistan’s discipline versus South Africa’s resilience.
🧭 Historical Context: Lahore as a Turning Point
The Gaddafi Stadium has a special place in Pakistan’s Test history:
- In 2021, Pakistan beat South Africa here to seal a historic series.
- In 2023, Babar Azam scored a memorable century against Sri Lanka.
Now, in 2025, another chapter unfolds as the Proteas seek redemption and Pakistan aims to extend home dominance.
🗣️ Expert Opinions and Reactions
Wasim Akram on A Sports:
“Muthusamy showed excellent discipline. Pakistan’s batters must respect him like they did Keshav Maharaj earlier.”
Michael Holding (on commentary):
“This is what Test cricket is about — one moment, one over, and suddenly the whole narrative changes.”
Cricketory Analysis:
Senuran’s over was the defining moment of the day — not just because of two wickets, but because of how he broke Pakistan’s rhythm and tested their composure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1️⃣ Who is Senuran Muthusamy?
A: A South African left-arm spinner known for accuracy and flight. He played a key role in South Africa’s sub-continent strategy.
2️⃣ What was Pakistan’s score at tea on Day 1?
A: Pakistan reached 199-4 in 57 overs, with Imam (93) and Babar (35*) leading the charge.
3️⃣ How did Imam-ul-Haq get out?
A: He was caught at slip off Muthusamy while attempting an inside-out drive on 93.
4️⃣ Who were the top performers of Day 1?
A: Imam (93), Shan Masood (76), and Senuran Muthusamy (2/38).
5️⃣ What’s expected on Day 2?
A: A bat-friendly morning followed by increasing spin in the afternoon. Pakistan must capitalize before reverse swing kicks in.
🏁 Final Thoughts — The Session That Redefined Day 1
As the players walked off for tea, the Lahore crowd was hushed. From dominance to doubt — all within a span of six balls.
Senuran Muthusamy’s double strike was a reminder that Test cricket thrives on patience and precision. Pakistan may still hold an edge, but the Proteas have their claws back in the game.
The next session will decide whether Imam’s grace or Muthusamy’s grit defines the Lahore Test.