Shan Masood misses out on maiden Test ton at Gaddafi Stadium

Lahore, 12 October 2025:

Pakistan captain Shan Masood fell agonisingly short of a maiden Test century at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, dismissed for a well-crafted 76 on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa.

Playing his first Test match in Lahore, Shan appeared set for a memorable hundred before he was adjudged leg-before to off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen after a patient 147-ball stay that featured nine boundaries and a six. His composed innings anchored Pakistan’s top order after an early wobble and reflected the discipline that has become the hallmark of his leadership since taking over the red-ball captaincy.

The 35-year-old, who made his Test debut against South Africa in Abu Dhabi in 2013, was featuring in his 43rd Test match for Pakistan. Over a decade-long career, Shan has scored six Test centuries, the most recent coming in Cape Town earlier this year against the same opposition, and has been widely praised for his technical solidity and calm presence at the crease.

Sunday’s knock, though short of three figures, carried personal and symbolic weight. It was Shan’s first appearance at the historic Gaddafi Stadium, a venue where he never previously represented Pakistan in a Test.

Pakistan and South Africa are contesting the first match of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, with the second and final Test scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.