South Africa will take confidence from the fact this wasn’t a session Pakistan’s bowlers threatened to overwhelm them
Lunch South Africa 94 for 2 (Elgar 46*, du Plessis 14*) vs Pakistan
The tactical battles of a Test match are often compared to chess, and the opening moves in Karachi signalled a balanced game so far. South Africa began on the front foot after winning the toss and opting to bat, with an obvious plan not to let Pakistan’s bowlers bog them down. While the runs flowed relatively freely, Pakistan did strike back with a couple of wickets that pegged the visitors back somewhat. Each side can enjoy lunch with the satisfaction that the plans they developed were executed effectively, but 94 for 2 after one session means this is a Test match not yet ready to show its hand.
It looked like South Africa had bought Pakistan’s line about this being a series dominated by spin as they prepared to field three spinners. That Tabraiz Shamsi pulled up because of back spasms just…