In a gripping test match at Lahore, South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy stood out with two important wickets, affecting Pakistan’s batting order significantly. Pakistan posted a score of 199 for 4 at tea, with key performances from Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Their partnership was instrumental in giving Pakistan a strong start before South Africa made notable strides.
Muthusamy’s Impact and Pakistan’s Partnership
The opening duo of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood formed a formidable alliance, amassing 161 runs for the second wicket. This partnership was Pakistan’s joint-best against South Africa, equaling the record set by Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan in 2007. Both batters demonstrated strong running between the wickets and adopted an aggressive mindset against spinners, leading Pakistan to a promising 100-plus score before lunch.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Scored 93 runs.
- Shan Masood: Contributed 76 runs.
- Highest partnership: 161 runs for the second wicket.
Turning Point in the Match
As the match progressed, South Africa bounced back by taking three wickets for just 36 runs in a crucial 40-minute spell before tea. Muthusamy dismissed Imam as he attempted to cut a delivery that edged to the short leg. Muthusamy’s delivery to Saud Shakeel resulted in an easy catch, leaving him on the brink of a hat-trick at the break.
South Africa’s bowling lineup utilized three spinners, along with Kagiso Rabada, who made an early breakthrough by dismissing Abdullah Shafique. Rabada’s initial deliveries found swing and movement, putting pressure on the Pakistani batsmen.
Critical Moments and Future Prospects
Babar Azam’s entry into the fold stirred excitement among the local crowd. However, his dismissal was almost met with disbelief when he was initially given out caught behind off Muthusamy but successfully reviewed the call. He quickly settled into rhythm with a series of boundaries.
Despite Pakistan’s promising start, the team remained under pressure as South Africa showed resilience in the latter part of the session. As the match progresses on a dry pitch that is expected to deteriorate, the middle order of Pakistan will face a significant challenge in maintaining momentum.
- Key Takeaways:
- Pakistan’s batting lineup faces challenges ahead with Muthusamy’s threat looming.
- Imam and Masood set a strong foundation despite the loss of key wickets.
- Expect more twists as the match continues on a deteriorating pitch.
The test match remains finely poised, with South Africa’s bowlers eager to capitalize on their recent successes and Pakistan looking to regroup and build on their initial strengths.
