South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a stunning spell, claiming seven wickets to bowl out Pakistan for 333 on Day 2 of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan, who elected to bat first after winning the toss, appeared in control early on but collapsed in the morning session, losing their last five wickets for just 25 runs.
Pakistan’s steady start fizzles out
The hosts began solidly, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq providing a cautious start. Shafique anchored the innings with 57 off 146 balls, while captain Shan Masood led from the front, scoring a determined 87 off 176 deliveries, including three sixes.
Middle-order batter Saud Shakeel continued his reliable form, adding 66 runs off 147 balls, while Salman Agha contributed 45 to help Pakistan past the 300 mark.
However, the lower order failed to resist Maharaj’s relentless spin attack, collapsing swiftly before lunch.
Maharaj dominates with 7-wicket haul
It was Keshav Maharaj’s day, as he ripped through Pakistan’s batting lineup with exceptional control and variation. His figures of 7 for 102 in 42.4 overs marked one of his finest Test performances away from home.
He was well supported by Simon Harmer, who chipped in with 2 for 75, while Kagiso Rabada removed wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 19.
Maharaj’s victims included key batters such as Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, and Asif Afridi, ensuring Pakistan’s innings ended before the scheduled lunch break.
Pakistan’s collapse: From 316/5 to 333 all out
At one stage, Pakistan looked set for a total above 400, with Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha’s partnership pushing the score past 300.
But the dismissal of Salman Agha, trapped lbw by Maharaj, triggered a rapid collapse. Within a span of just eight overs, Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 17 runs, highlighting their vulnerability against quality spin.
With Pakistan dismissed for 333 in 113.4 overs, South Africa will now aim to build a strong first-innings reply. The pitch at Rawalpindi has shown signs of turn and uneven bounce, which could bring both spinners and seamers into play as the match progresses.
Asif Afridi, making his Test debut, will likely play a key role alongside Noman Ali when Pakistan bowl later in the day.
Score summary
Top Scorers: Shan Masood 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, Salman Agha 45
Best Bowling: Keshav Maharaj 7/102, Simon Harmer 2/75, Kagiso Rabada 1/60
