Keshav Maharaj starred with the ball as South Africa fought their way to 185 for four, leaving the second Test against Pakistan finely poised at Rawalpindi.
Maharaj, returning after missing the first Test with injury, produced a sensational display on a spin-friendly pitch, claiming 7 for 102 in Pakistan’s first innings. His effort marked his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and helped bowl Pakistan out for 333.
Pakistan resumed on 259 for five and moved to 316 before Maharaj unleashed his spell. He trapped Salman Agha leg-before for 45, ending a 70-run partnership with Saud Shakeel. Shakeel reached a composed half-century but was soon caught in the slips for 66, triggering a collapse. Maharaj also removed Shaheen Shah Afridi for nought, and wrapped up the innings with the wickets of Sajid Khan (five) and Asif Afridi (four), leaving Pakistan’s last five wickets to fall for just 17 runs.
Shaheen Afridi struck early for Pakistan, removing Ryan Rickelton for 14. Captain Aiden Markram attempted to attack the home spinners, hitting debutant Asif Afridi for six before holing out off Sajid Khan at long-on for 32.
Tristan Stubbs anchored the innings alongside Tony de Zorzi, adding a crucial 113-run partnership for the third wicket after South Africa had slipped to 54 for two. Stubbs remained unbeaten on 68 at stumps, while Kyle Verreynne was 10 not out, with South Africa still trailing by 148 runs.
Debutant Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi claimed key wickets, dismissing De Zorzi leg-before for his first Test wicket and Brevis for nought in his next over. Sajid Khan and Shaheen Afridi took a wicket each in the innings.
Maharaj’s performance on the dry Rawalpindi pitch highlighted his mastery of spin, giving South Africa hope of squaring the series after their 93-run defeat in the first Test at Lahore.
