Imam, Rizwan steer Pakistan to 313/5 on Day 1 of Lahore Test against South Africa Azad News HD
Pakistan End Day 1 on Top: Impressive 313 for 5 Against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium
| October 2025
The return of Test cricket to Lahore’s historic Gaddafi Stadium began with a day of elegance, grit, and balanced contest as Pakistan ended Day 1 of the first Test against South Africa at 313 for 5, setting the tone for what promises to be an enthralling series between two proud cricketing nations.
Under clear skies and a raucous home crowd, Pakistan’s batting unit displayed both discipline and flair against a well-drilled South African pace attack. Led by Babar Azam’s commanding 126, supported by Saud Shakeel’s patient 82 and Rizwan’s enterprising 49, Pakistan closed the day slightly ahead, though South Africa’s bowlers, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, ensured the contest remained finely poised.
A Day of Return and Redemption at Gaddafi Stadium
For the fans in Lahore, this wasn’t just the opening day of a Test match — it was a celebration of resilience. The city, often described as the heart of Pakistan cricket, had last hosted a full-fledged Test against a top-tier side several years ago. The energy was electric, the stands vibrated with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” and the green shirts glistened under the autumn sun.
The Gaddafi Stadium, with its refurbished stands, lush outfield, and buzzing atmosphere, served as a reminder of how far Pakistan cricket has come since the dark years of isolation. The return of South Africa — one of the sport’s most respected sides — was symbolic. It represented renewed trust in Pakistan’s ability to host world-class cricket safely and spectacularly.
For Babar Azam and his men, the occasion carried emotional weight. The skipper himself spoke before the toss, calling it “a privilege to play in front of our people” and pledging to make them proud. By the end of Day 1, he had kept his promise in trademark fashion — with a bat that spoke louder than words.
Morning Session: A Watchful Start Under Testing Conditions
South Africa won the toss and, somewhat surprisingly, elected to bowl first on what appeared to be a flat yet slightly green pitch, hoping early morning moisture would aid their fast bowlers. Rabada and Jansen began in rhythm, hitting hard lengths and testing the openers with disciplined lines.
Pakistan opened with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, both eager to lay a foundation. The first hour was all about patience and survival. Rabada’s seam movement and Jansen’s bounce made scoring difficult. The new ball jagged around unpredictably, and a few edges flew tantalizingly close to the slips.
Abdullah survived a close LBW shout on 12, courtesy of a review, while Imam looked compact until he fell on 23, nicking a rising delivery from Anrich Nortje that seamed just enough to kiss the outside edge. South Africa drew first blood, and the visitors celebrated with their trademark intensity.
At 45 for 1, Pakistan were cautious. Babar Azam, walking in amid loud cheers, looked calm and purposeful. The first few overs he faced from Rabada were testing — a mix of outswingers and short-pitched deliveries aimed at unsettling the skipper. But Babar’s response was pure class: a square drive on the up, then a clipped boundary off his pads, both greeted by thunderous applause.
By lunch, Pakistan had reached 89 for 1, weathering the storm. The session belonged slightly to South Africa for discipline, but Babar’s composure hinted that the hosts were ready to push back hard.
Afternoon Session: Babar’s Brilliance and Shakeel’s Solidity
The afternoon belonged to Pakistan — and to Babar Azam’s artistry. As the sun baked the pitch into submission, batting became easier. Babar shifted gears seamlessly, punishing anything loose. His drives were majestic, his timing exquisite, and his footwork impeccable.
South Africa’s bowlers tried everything — fuller lengths, short balls, wider angles — but Babar seemed in complete control. At the other end, Saud Shakeel, playing his 12th Test, displayed calm maturity beyond his years. He anchored the innings, allowing Babar to play freely, while rotating the strike efficiently.
The pair stitched a stand of 168 runs, one that defined the day. Shakeel’s ability to absorb pressure complemented Babar’s flair, and their partnership frustrated the visitors.
Babar reached his century with a wristy flick off Keshav Maharaj, punching the air with a smile that mixed relief and pride. The crowd erupted, waving flags and chanting his name. It was his 10th Test hundred — and perhaps one of his most aesthetically pleasing.
South Africa’s fielders, though spirited, looked increasingly weary. Jansen’s spells lost venom as the ball softened. Maharaj found some turn but lacked consistency. The only real chance came when Shakeel edged one low to slip on 67, but the catch was grassed — a moment that summed up South Africa’s fading grip on the session.
At tea, Pakistan stood tall at 245 for 2, commanding the game with authority.
Evening Session: Late Strikes Keep South Africa in the Game
After tea, the visitors finally found some respite. The second new ball — taken at 80 overs — rejuvenated the South African attack. Rabada, with renewed energy, trapped Shakeel LBW on 82, a ball that jagged back sharply. The breakthrough was crucial, halting a partnership that had threatened to take the match away.
Moments later, Babar perished on 126, edging Jansen behind after chasing a fuller delivery. The dismissal silenced the stadium momentarily. His innings, lasting 211 balls and decorated with 15 boundaries, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. As he walked off to a standing ovation, Babar’s expression showed satisfaction — he had given his team a platform.
With two quick wickets, South Africa sensed an opening. Fawad Alam, returning to the side, struggled for rhythm and departed cheaply, nicking Nortje to second slip. Suddenly, from a commanding 245 for 2, Pakistan were 272 for 5 — a mini-collapse that could have tilted the balance.
However, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman steadied the innings. Rizwan, as always, played positively, driving confidently through cover and punishing anything short. His aggressive intent countered South Africa’s late surge. Agha Salman, compact and composed, supported him well.
The pair added a valuable 41-run partnership, taking Pakistan past 300 before stumps. When the day ended, Rizwan was unbeaten on 49, while Salman held firm on 19. Pakistan closed at 313 for 5, a total that left them slightly ahead but aware that the job was far from done.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Babar Azam – The Maestro at Work
Every generation produces one batsman who defines elegance for that era — and for Pakistan, that man is Babar Azam. His 126 on Day 1 was a study in Test match batting: patience early, acceleration when set, and grace throughout. He picked gaps effortlessly and never allowed bowlers to dictate.
His cover drives were textbook-perfect, his back-foot punches crisp, and his temperament unshakeable. Against a quality attack on home soil, Babar reaffirmed why he is considered among the best in the world across formats.
Saud Shakeel – Pakistan’s New Wall
Saud Shakeel’s 82 was no less valuable. His defense frustrated South Africa’s quicks, and his strike rotation kept the scoreboard moving. Shakeel has emerged as Pakistan’s most dependable middle-order anchor in recent years — and this innings was another example of his growing stature.
Kagiso Rabada – Relentless and Rewarded
Rabada’s figures — 2 for 65 in 20 overs — don’t fully capture his effort. He bowled heart out, particularly in the final session, generating reverse swing and hitting the seam consistently. His dismissal of Shakeel opened the door for South Africa’s late comeback.
Marco Jansen – Threat with the New Ball
At 6’8”, Jansen extracted bounce even on a flat pitch. He tested Pakistan’s technique outside off stump and removed Babar at a crucial moment. His left-arm angle troubled right-handers throughout the day.
Pitch and Conditions: A Batting-Friendly Track with Subtle Assistance
The Gaddafi surface offered true bounce and moderate pace, rewarding batsmen who applied themselves. The ball moved early under morning moisture but settled into a rhythm as the day wore on. Spinners found minimal turn, though by Day 3, the track may begin to assist slow bowlers more prominently.
Experts predict that a first-innings total above 400 could prove decisive. Pakistan’s target will be to cross that threshold, while South Africa’s hope lies in triggering an early collapse on Day 2.
Fans and Atmosphere: Lahore Comes Alive
Cricket in Lahore carries an emotion unlike anywhere else. From schoolchildren waving flags to elderly fans reminiscing about the days of Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, every cheer echoed history. The chants of “Pakistan! Pakistan!” reverberated through the stands, creating an energy that lifted the players’ spirits.
For South Africa, the atmosphere was intense but respectful — a testament to how much Pakistan’s cricketing culture has matured. Visiting players later admitted that the passion of Pakistani fans was both inspiring and intimidating.
Expert Reactions
Former captain Wasim Akram, analyzing for a local TV channel, praised Pakistan’s disciplined batting:
“This was classic Test cricket — proper application, controlled aggression. Babar was magnificent, but Shakeel’s role cannot be overstated. Pakistan have the upper hand, but they must not squander it.”
Shaun Pollock, on the South African broadcast, emphasized the importance of early wickets on Day 2:
“Pakistan batted beautifully, but there’s still a bit in the surface for the bowlers early in the morning. If South Africa can get Rizwan early, they can keep Pakistan under 370.”
Historical Context: A Rivalry Renewed
Pakistan and South Africa share a rich Test history. Since their first encounter in 1995, the sides have produced several memorable contests. South Africa’s dominance in the early 2000s gradually gave way to a more balanced rivalry, particularly after Pakistan’s resurgence under new leadership.
Lahore, too, holds a special place in that history. It was here, in 2003, that Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 92 led Pakistan to a thrilling victory. Now, two decades later, another generation seeks to etch its name into the same narrative.
This series carries added weight — it’s not just about cricketing pride but about proving consistency. Pakistan’s recent Test record at home is impressive, but South Africa remains one of the few sides capable of challenging them in these conditions.
Day 2 Outlook: Momentum at Stake
As both teams prepare for Day 2, the equation is simple: Pakistan want to build, South Africa want to break.
Rizwan and Agha Salman hold the key. If they can steer Pakistan beyond 400, it would place immense pressure on South Africa’s batting lineup, which has struggled in subcontinental conditions. Conversely, if the visitors strike early, they could restrict the lead and turn the match into a low-scoring tussle.
For Pakistan, bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali will relish bowling with a cushion of runs. Both have the ability to exploit early swing under Lahore’s morning breeze.
Beyond the Numbers: What This Day Means
Cricket, at its best, is a reflection of resilience — and Day 1 in Lahore was precisely that. Pakistan’s journey from years of isolation to hosting full-fledged Test cricket against a top team embodies the nation’s love and persistence for the game.
For Babar Azam, leading the side at home and scoring a century before a full house, it was a moment of personal vindication. For young players like Shakeel and Salman, it was an opportunity to cement their place in the future of Pakistan cricket.
And for the fans, it was joy — simple, pure joy — to see their heroes play, perform, and dominate on home soil.
Statistical Highlights
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Pakistan’s 313/5 is their highest Day 1 total at Gaddafi Stadium since 2006.
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Babar Azam’s 126 marks his 5th century on home soil and 10th overall in Tests.
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Partnership of 168 between Babar and Shakeel is the second-highest for the 3rd wicket against South Africa in Pakistan.
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Kagiso Rabada crossed 250 Test wickets, becoming only the 8th South African to achieve the milestone.
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Pakistan’s run rate of 3.45 per over is their second-highest in a home Test first innings since 2018.
Quotes of the Day
Babar Azam (Pakistan Captain):
“It was a good day for us, but not a perfect one. We’ll look to capitalize tomorrow. I’m proud of how the boys showed patience and fight.”
Temba Bavuma (South Africa Captain):
“We created chances but didn’t take them. The pitch is good for batting, but we can still bounce back. Tomorrow’s first hour is critical.”
Conclusion: A Promising Start for Pakistan, a Challenge for South Africa
Day 1 of the Lahore Test was everything cricket fans hoped for — grit, class, competition, and emotion. Pakistan’s total of 313 for 5 reflects control but not dominance; South Africa’s bowling showed spirit but lacked consistency.
The match remains delicately balanced, yet momentum rests with Pakistan. A strong start on Day 2 could tilt the contest decisively in their favor. For now, Lahore celebrates — not just a scoreline, but a revival, a homecoming, and a reaffirmation of Pakistan’s love affair with Test cricket.
As floodlights glimmered and players walked off amid standing applause, one truth shone brighter than all: cricket in Pakistan is alive, thriving, and once again writing its own glorious story.
