Key points
- Shakeel, Agha add steady 70-run partnership
- Masood top-scores with 87 on day one
- Harmer, Maharaj dominate Pakistan’s middle order
ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a stunning spell of bowling on Tuesday, taking seven wickets to dismiss Pakistan for 333 on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test.
Resuming at 259 for 5, Pakistan’s lower order added just 74 runs as Maharaj ripped through the lineup, capping a dominant performance that left the hosts struggling to build on their promising start.
Shakeel batted with composure, registering his ninth Test half-century and forming a strong 70-run partnership with Agha, who made 45 off 76 balls, including five boundaries.
Their stand ended when Agha was caught off Maharaj’s bowling, leaving Pakistan at 316-6 in 105.5 overs. Just one over later, the left-arm spinner struck again, dismissing Shakeel for a well-crafted 66 off 147 deliveries, which included four boundaries.
Five-wicket haul
Maharaj continued his dominance, removing Shaheen Afridi for a duck to complete his five-wicket haul. He went on to dismiss Sajid Khan (5) and debutant Asif Afridi, finishing with superb figures of seven wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 333.
On day one, Pakistan’s openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique provided a steady start, adding 35 runs before Imam was bowled by Simon Harmer for 17.
Shafique then shared a 111-run partnership with captain Shan Masood, who top-scored with 87 off 176 balls. Despite brief resistance from Mohammad Rizwan and Shakeel, Maharaj led South Africa’s disciplined attack to restrict Pakistan effectively.
