In an exciting display of Test cricket on Tuesday, Asif Afridi, making his debut at 38, bowled excellently for Pakistan, capturing two key wickets against South Africa as they concluded Day 2 of the second Test in Rawalpindi, with a score of 185-4. The Proteas trail by 148 runs after Pakistan was dismissed for 333 runs, largely due to an impressive performance from South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, who recorded figures of 7-102 on a challenging pitch.
Tristan Stubbs stood out for South Africa, remaining not out on 68 from 184 balls, as he displayed remarkable patience in front of Pakistan’s spin attack. He shared a significant 113-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi, who contributed a solid 55 before Afridi’s intervention. Afridi made his mark known when he successfully overturned an on-field decision to trap de Zorzi leg before wicket and subsequently dismissed Dewald Brevis for a duck, with Salman Ali Agha taking a clever catch.
The day began with Pakistan at 259-5. Saud Shakeel and Agha extended their partnership to 70 runs, with Shakeel reaching his half-century in a commendable effort. However, the morning session turned dramatically in favor of South Africa as Maharaj claimed the last five wickets for just 15 runs, demonstrating significant control and skill.
Earlier, South African batsmen struggled against the new ball, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan taking early wickets. Despite some missed catching opportunities that could have shifted momentum, de Zorzi’s aggressive approach helped push the score, as he reached his fifty off 86 balls, while Stubbs celebrated his half-century with a six.
Maharaj’s superb spell and South Africa’s improved fielding were crucial, but the match remains finely balanced with the Proteas still trailing. Day 3 promises to be essential as both teams seek to swing the momentum in their favor. Pakistan’s spinners will once again look to capitalize on the spin-friendly conditions, while South Africa will rely on their remaining batsmen to close the gap on the scorecard. This competitive encounter is sure to provide thrilling moments as the Test progresses.