Netizens react as Keshav Maharaj helps South Africa seize control despite Asif Afridi’s late strikes for Pakistan on Day 2 of the Rawalpindi Test

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South Africa clawed their way back into contention on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test as Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket masterclass derailed Pakistan’s first innings before Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the chase with a composed 113-run stand. After Pakistan were bowled out for 333, the visitors reached 185/4 at stumps, trailing by 148 runs, with Stubbs unbeaten on a gritty 68 and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on 10.

Earlier in the day, Maharaj dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order, claiming career-best figures of 7/102, to give South Africa a firm grip after the hosts began promisingly through Shan Masood (87) and Saud Shakeel (66). However, late wickets by debutant Asif Afridi ensured Pakistan stayed in the hunt, making the third day crucial in determining which side takes control of this hard-fought contest.

PAK vs SA, 2nd Test: Keshav Maharaj’s magic spins Pakistan out for 333

Pakistan began the morning at 259/5, hoping to build on the foundation laid by Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. But their plans quickly unraveled as Keshav Maharaj produced one of his most clinical spells in Test cricket. His variations in flight, angle, and pace consistently tested the Pakistani batters, who struggled to counter his sharp turn on a gradually deteriorating pitch. Salman Agha (45) and Saud Shakeel (66) tried to anchor the innings, but Maharaj’s relentless accuracy triggered a lower-order collapse.

From 316/6, Pakistan folded for 333, losing their final four wickets for just 17 runs. Masood, who had earlier struck a resilient 87 with three towering sixes, fell victim to Maharaj’s guile, edging a turning ball to Jansen at short leg. Maharaj’s seventh scalp, Afridi, came with a classic arm-ball that clipped off-stump, sealing a memorable seven-for and reinforcing his dominance on subcontinental pitches. Pakistan’s inability to convert promising partnerships into bigger scores once again hurt them, leaving their bowlers under pressure to find early breakthroughs in reply.

Also READ: List of captains for Pakistan in ODI cricket ft. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs SA, 2nd Test: Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi resist as Asif Afridi strikes late

In response, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton (14) early to Shaheen Afridi before captain Aiden Markram (32) departed after a promising start, undone by Sajid Khan’s sharp turn. However, the visitors found stability through Stubbs and De Zorzi, who combined patience with calculated aggression in a pivotal 113-run third-wicket partnership. De Zorzi’s elegant 55, featuring two sixes, provided fluency, while Stubbs impressed with maturity well beyond his years, grinding his way to 68 off 184 balls.

The duo blunted Pakistan’s spin duo, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali, for more than two sessions, showcasing discipline and mental toughness. Asif Afridi, however, had the final say before stumps, trapping de Zorzi lbw and removing Dewald Brevis cheaply to reignite hopes for Pakistan. The debutant’s spell of 2/24 in 15 overs stood out for its control and subtle variations, a promising sign for the hosts. At 185/4, South Africa trail by 148, but with Stubbs well-set and plenty of batting to come, Day 3 promises to be a decisive battle of attrition between South Africa’s patience and Pakistan’s persistence.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

Also WATCH: PAK vs SA: Abdullah Shafique survives as bails stay intact despite ball hitting off-stump on Day 2 of Rawalpindi Test

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