Pakistan scored 259 runs for the loss of five wickets at the close of play on the first day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi on Monday.

After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to bat first in the final match of the two-Test series.

Openers Imam-ul-Haq (17), Babar Azam (16), and Mohammad Rizwan (19) failed to make significant contributions, returning to the pavilion early.

Shan Masood led from the front with a composed 87, while Abdullah Shafique added 57 to help stabilise the innings against a disciplined South African bowling attack.

At stumps, Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 42, with Salman Ali Agha on 10 not out.

For South Africa, spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer claimed two wickets each.

Speaking at the toss, Shan Masood announced one change to Pakistan’s lineup, with Asif Afridi making his debut in place of Hasan Ali.

South Africa captain Aiden Markram said his side would also have chosen to bat first had they won the toss, confirming two changes — with Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen returning to the team.

Asif Afridi makes Test debut at 38

Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi made his Test debut at the age of 38 years and 299 days, receiving his Test cap from Shaheen Afridi.

He has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches.

Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 after defeating South Africa by 93 runs in the opening Test in Lahore, giving Pakistan a winning start to their 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship campaign.