KEY POINTS
- Proteas ended Day 2 at 185/4, trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total by 148 runs
- Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 68*, stabilizing the innings after early wickets
- Debutant Asif Afridi claimed 2 vital wickets while the star spinner Noman went wicketless
- Earlier, Keshav Maharaj’s 7-wicket haul helped dismiss Pakistan for 333 in their first innings
RAWALPINDI: South Africa made steady progress on Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, ending the day at 185/4, still trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total by 148 runs with Tristan Stubbs (68*) and Kyle Verreynne (10*) on the crease.
Resuming their innings after lunch at 22/1, South Africa initially struggled against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack.
Ryan Rickelton’s stay was cut short when he fell to Shaheen Afridi for 14 off 26 balls, leaving the visitors at 22/1.
Aiden Markram, the South African captain, attempted to anchor the innings but was dismissed for 32 off 62 balls by Sajid Khan.
However, it was the partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi that gave South Africa some much-needed stability.
De Zorzi played a solid hand, contributing 55 runs from 93 balls, but his resistance ended when he was trapped lbw by debutant Asif Afridi.
At 171/4, South Africa was still far from Pakistan’s total of 333, but Stubbs’ unbeaten knock of 68 from 184 balls gave them hope of building a significant recovery.
Pakistan’s First Innings – A Strong Foundation
Earlier in the day, Pakistan, having been bowled out for 333 on Day 1, saw their batters put up a resilient performance.
Abdullah Shafique was the top scorer with 57 off 146 balls, while Shan Masood played a gritty knock of 87 off 176 deliveries.
However, South African spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer combined to take key wickets, with Maharaj finishing the innings with 7 wickets for 102 runs.
Maharaj’s brilliant bowling performance helped dismiss Pakistan’s middle and lower order, with significant contributions from Saud Shakeel (66) and Salman Agha (45). Despite a valiant effort from the tail, Pakistan was bowled out for 333 in 113.4 overs.
South Africa’s Bowling – Maharaj’s Masterclass
Keshav Maharaj was the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs, including a spell that saw the quick collapse of Pakistan’s lower order.
Simon Harmer (2/75) and Kagiso Rabada (1/60) also contributed, but it was Maharaj who dominated the proceedings, showcasing his exceptional control and precision on a pitch offering assistance to spinners.
Day 3 Preview
With 148 runs still to be made up, South Africa will need to rely on the steady presence of Stubbs and Verreynne to guide them towards a competitive total.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to break through early on Day 3, hoping to capitalize on their strong position with the ball.
The stage is set for an exciting third day of play, with both teams looking to seize control of the match in the coming sessions.
