New Delhi, October 20 (Udaipur Kiran): Pakistan made a steady start to the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, finishing the opening day at 259 for 5. Half-centuries from Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood helped the hosts build a solid foundation despite losing wickets at regular intervals.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to bat first on a surface expected to aid batting early on. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq added 35 runs for the first wicket before Imam departed for 17 off 35 balls.

Shafique then joined hands with his skipper for a crucial 111-run partnership for the second wicket, steering Pakistan into a strong position. Shafique played a patient knock of 57 runs off 146 balls, including four boundaries.

Batting at No. 4, Babar Azam failed to convert a promising start, contributing just 16 runs before falling to the South African spinners. Pakistan slipped to 212/4, but captain Masood continued to anchor the innings, adding 45 runs with Saud Shakeel for the fifth wicket.

Masood looked fluent throughout his innings, scoring 87 runs decorated with three sixes and two fours, before being dismissed late in the day. By stumps, Saud Shakeel (42)* and Salman Agha (10)* were unbeaten at the crease.

For South Africa, spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer took two wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada claimed one.

Pakistan had earlier won the opening Test in Lahore by 93 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. South Africa will now aim to level the series in Rawalpindi and avoid a clean sweep.

Following the Test series, both teams will face off in a three-match T20I series (October 28–November 1) in Rawalpindi and Lahore, followed by a three-match ODI series from November 4–8 in Faisalabad.