South Africa Steady in Rawalpindi Test Against Pakistan

South Africa resumed their second innings in the Rawalpindi Test against Pakistan after lunch, facing an early challenge from Pakistan’s bowlers. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings, helping the team reach 86 for 2 in 34 overs, still trailing Pakistan by 247 runs.

The innings began with Ryan Rickelton and captain Aiden Markram opening. Rickelton was dismissed for 14 off 26 balls by Shaheen Afridi, leaving South Africa at 22-1 in 8.2 overs. Markram then took control, hitting boundaries and keeping the scoreboard ticking, taking the total past 50 runs in the 20th over.

Markram was eventually dismissed for 32 by Sajid Khan, ending a 32-run partnership with Stubbs. Tony de Zorzi then joined Stubbs, adding 32 runs for the third wicket before tea. De Zorzi remained unbeaten on 13 off 34 balls, while Stubbs was 23 off 84 at the break.

In Pakistan’s first innings, Keshav Maharaj starred with a seven-wicket haul, helping South Africa bowl out the hosts for 333. Maharaj’s figures included dismissals of Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and debutant Asif Afridi. Shan Masood top-scored with 87.

Pakistan resumed their second innings on 259-5, with Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel providing stability. Shakeel scored 66 and shared a 70-run partnership with Agha, who contributed 45. Maharaj removed both batsmen, leaving Pakistan at 333 all out.

On day one, Pakistan had started well with Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique adding quick runs. Imam was dismissed for 17, while Shafique scored 57. Captain Shan Masood joined Shafique, hitting two sixes and reaching his 13th Test fifty before being dismissed for 87. Babar Azam added 16 runs before Maharaj struck again.

For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer were key, with Maharaj claiming seven wickets in the first innings and Harmer taking two. Kagiso Rabada also contributed with a crucial wicket. Their bowling ensured Pakistan’s total remained manageable and gave South Africa a chance to recover.

South Africa trail Pakistan by 247 runs at this stage of the Rawalpindi Test. Pakistan leads the two-match series 1–0, after winning the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs. South Africa aim to stabilize their innings and put pressure on the hosts in the remaining sessions.

Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi are anchoring the South African innings. Captain Aiden Markram’s earlier contributions, along with Maharaj’s outstanding bowling performance, have been instrumental in giving South Africa a fighting chance in this match.