Pakistan ended the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in control at 259-5 after choosing to bat on a difficult Rawalpindi surface.

Shan Masood led the way with 87, while Abdullah Shafique made 57 as the pair added 111 for the second wicket. Saud Shakeel finished unbeaten on 42 at stumps.

The pitch offered little for spinners early on but showed signs of variable bounce, with South Africa later finding reverse swing. Pakistan's batters adopted a cautious approach, scoring at under three runs an over but preserving wickets on a surface that promises to get tougher.

The Proteas were left frustrated after dropping four clear chances, three of them off Shafique, and watching several edges fall short of the cordon.

Simon Harmer (2-75) bowled Imam-ul-Haq to make the early breakthrough before Keshav Maharaj (2-63) removed Shafique and later dismissed Masood, the tourists' most effective bowler on the day.

Babar Azam struck 16 before a sharp one-handed catch from Tony de Zorzi gave Maharaj his third wicket. Late in the day, Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan lbw with the second new ball, but Pakistan closed strongly after 91 overs, holding the upper hand in Pindi.

Stumps on Day 1.

A day of resilience and fight from #TheProteas Men as Pakistan close the day on 259/5 after 91 overs.

The battle continues tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/4lO0Oq7PqQ

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 20, 2025

Data Debrief: Pakistan make encouraging start to second Test

South Africa have lost 10 of their last 12 men's Tests played in Asia (W2) and each of their last three played in Pakistan, and they will feel they could have started better.

The drops on Shafique at 0, 15 and 41 might prove costly, as he was able to claim a sixth Test half-century.

The hosts are on course to claim only their second Test series win over South Africa since 2003-04.