Lahore, Pakistan - Pakistan ended the first day of the first Test against South Africa at 313/5, recovering from a mid-innings collapse thanks to unbeaten half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Pakistan lost Abdullah Shafique early, but recovered through a strong partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.

Imam-ul-Haq, playing his first Test in almost two years, scored 93 runs, while skipper Shan Masood contributed 76. The pair put on a 161-run partnership for the second wicket, setting a solid foundation for Pakistan. However, South Africa's spinners triggered a collapse, with Pakistan losing four wickets for just 36 runs, slipping from 163-1 to 199-5. Prenelan Subrayen dismissed Masood, while Senuran Muthusamy removed both Imam and Saud Shakeel in quick succession. Babar Azam, a local favorite, also fell cheaply for 23 runs, disappointing the crowd.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha then combined to steady the innings, forming a crucial 114-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Rizwan remained not out on 62, while Agha scored an unbeaten 52. Rizwan's innings included two fours and two sixes, marking his twelfth Test half-century, while Agha's tenth fifty featured two fours and a six.

South Africa's bowlers found success through their spinners, with Muthusamy taking two wickets. Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer, and Prenelan Subrayen each took one wicket. South Africa's fielding could have been sharper, as they dropped Masood on 61 and Haq on 72, both off Subrayen's bowling.

The pitch in Lahore is expected to favor spin, and South Africa utilized three spinners in their attack. Pakistan will look to build on their strong finish to the day, while South Africa will aim to break the Rizwan-Agha partnership early on the second day. The match is part of the World Test Championship.