Rawalpindi: South Africa showed resilience on day two of the second Test against Pakistan, finishing at 185 for 4 after Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs hit composed fifties to offset a strong spell from Asif Afridi, who struck twice late in the day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The visitors trail Pakistan by 148 runs after the hosts were earlier bowled out for 333 in their first innings, courtesy of Keshav Maharaj’s superb 7-wicket haul.
De Zorzi and Stubbs Lead Proteas Resistance
After bowling out Pakistan in the morning session, South Africa began their reply with openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram seeking stability against a disciplined Pakistani pace attack.
The start was cautious until Shaheen Afridi made the breakthrough, removing Rickelton for 14 off 26 balls. Markram attempted to rebuild with boundaries and quick singles, but Sajid Khan dismissed him for 32, leaving South Africa at 54 for 2.
That brought Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs together — and the pair proved crucial in steadying the innings. Their partnership of 113 runs for the third wicket frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers as both batters mixed caution with aggression.
Stubbs, playing with confidence, reached his half-century first, followed soon after by de Zorzi, who struck a six over long-on to bring up his milestone.
Pakistan finally broke through when Asif Afridi, making his Test debut, dismissed de Zorzi for 55 off 93 balls, ending the century stand. The left-arm spinner then struck again in the same spell, sending Dewald Brevis back for a duck.
At stumps, Stubbs remained unbeaten on 68, while Kyle Verreynne was not out on 10, with South Africa poised to resume day three at 185/4.
Maharaj’s 7-Wicket Haul Shines in Pakistan’s First Innings
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their innings at 259 for 5, building on a strong start from Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, who shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket.
Masood led from the front with a fluent 87 off 176 deliveries, while Shafique contributed a patient 57 off 146 balls. Saud Shakeel added further stability with a solid 66, while Salman Ali Agha scored 45 to push Pakistan past 300.
However, Keshav Maharaj proved unstoppable, running through the lower order to finish with 7 for 102 in 42.4 overs, his best figures in an away Test. Simon Harmer claimed two wickets, and Kagiso Rabada added one, limiting Pakistan to 333 all out.
What Lies Ahead
With Stubbs and Verreynne at the crease, South Africa will look to narrow the deficit and set up a strong platform on day three. For Pakistan, Asif Afridi’s late double strike has revived hopes of restricting the visitors to a manageable total and maintaining control of the match.
