South Africa Recover Against Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test

South Africa resumed their second innings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday after early setbacks. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings, reaching 86 for 2 in 34 overs, while still trailing Pakistan by 247 runs.

Opening batsmen Ryan Rickelton and captain Aiden Markram started confidently. Rickelton was dismissed for 14 by Shaheen Afridi, leaving South Africa at 22-1 in 8.2 overs. Markram then played positively, hitting boundaries and keeping the scoreboard moving as South Africa crossed the 50-run mark in the 20th over.

Markram was eventually dismissed for 32 by Sajid Khan. Tony de Zorzi joined Stubbs, and the pair added 32 runs for the third wicket before the tea break. At the interval, De Zorzi was unbeaten on 13 off 34 balls, while Stubbs was on 23 off 84 balls, providing a solid platform for South Africa to rebuild.

In Pakistan’s first innings, Keshav Maharaj dominated with seven wickets, helping South Africa bowl out the hosts for 333 runs. Shan Masood top-scored with 87, while other key wickets included Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and debutant Asif Afridi. Maharaj’s performance gave South Africa a strong chance in the match.

Pakistan resumed their second innings at 259-5, with Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel providing a steady partnership. Shakeel scored 66, while Agha made 45 runs. Maharaj struck to remove both batsmen, completing his seven-wicket haul and helping South Africa restrict Pakistan’s total.

On the first day, Pakistan had a strong start through Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. Imam was dismissed for 17, and Shafique made 57 runs. Captain Shan Masood joined Shafique, hitting two sixes and scoring 87. Babar Azam contributed 16 runs before being dismissed by Maharaj.

South Africa relied on Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer for key breakthroughs. Maharaj took seven wickets, Harmer claimed two, and Kagiso Rabada added an important wicket. Their efforts ensured Pakistan’s totals were competitive but not unassailable.

South Africa trail Pakistan by 247 runs at this point of the match. Pakistan leads the two-Test series 1–0, after winning the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs. The Proteas aim to recover in the remaining sessions and build a competitive innings.

Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi are crucial for South Africa in stabilizing the innings. Aiden Markram’s contributions and Maharaj’s exceptional bowling have been vital in keeping the match closely contested.