Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood on Wednesday described the team’s victory over reigning World Test Champions South Africa in the first Test as “encouraging”.

Talking to the media after winning the first Test in Lahore, he praised Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali as ideal choices for reverse swing bowling, noting that Shaheen proved himself a world-class bowler capable of performing under varied conditions.

Masood also commended opener Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Babar Azam for making strong comebacks in the match.

South African captain Aiden Markram acknowledged that his team put up a good fight in challenging conditions and noted that Pakistan’s spinners took full advantage of the pitch.

He highlighted the pivotal partnerships between Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood, as well as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, which turned the course of the match in Pakistan’s favour.

Markram added that similar conditions are expected in Rawalpindi for the upcoming match, and South Africa will plan new strategies accordingly.

He also stated that there is no pressure on captaincy despite the loss.