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Keshav Maharaj helps South Africa regain control despite Asif Afridi’s late strikes for Pakistan on Day 2 of Rawalpindi Test, netizens react

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South Africa are back in contention on the second day of the match rawalpindi test As Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket masterclass Before this, Pakistan’s first innings was derailed. Tristan Stubbs And Tony De Zorzi The chase continued with a strong partnership of 113 runs. After Pakistan was out for 333 runs. The visitors reached 185/4 at stumps.Trailing by 148 runs, Stubbs unbeaten on 68 runs and wicketkeeper kyle verrin On 10th.

Earlier in the day, Maharaj demolished Pakistan’s middle and lower order, and claimed career-best figures of 7/102, giving South Africa a strong hold after a promising start by the hosts. Shan Masood (87) And Saud Shakeel (66)However, late wickets by the debutant Asif Afridi This ensured Pakistan remained in the race, making the third day crucial in determining which side takes control of this tough encounter.

PAK vs SA, 2nd Test: Pakistan all out for 333 runs due to the magic of Keshav Maharaj

Pakistan started the morning at 259/5, hoping to build on the foundation laid by Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel. But their plans were soon exposed as Keshav Maharaj produced one of his most clinical spells in Test cricket. His variations in flight, angle and pace constantly tested the Pakistani batsmen, who struggled to match his sharp turn on a gradually deteriorating pitch. Salman Agha (45) And Saud Shakeel (66) Tried to take control of the innings, but Maharaj’s relentless accuracy demolished the lower order.

From 316/6, Pakistan collapsed to 333 runs, losing their last four wickets for only 17 runs. Masood, who had earlier played a strong innings of 87 runs with three sky-scraping sixes, fell victim to the ploy of Maharaj, who edged the turning ball to Johnson at short leg. Maharaj’s seventh wicket, Afridi, came with a classic arm-ball that hit the off-stump, taking a memorable seven-wicket haul and cementing his dominance on subcontinent pitches. Pakistan’s inability to convert promising partnerships into big scores is once again hurting them, with the pressure on their bowlers to respond quickly.

Also read: List of captains of Pakistan in ODI cricket ft Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan

PAK vs SA, 2nd Test: Tristan Stubbs and Tony De Zorzi resist Asif Afridi’s late onslaught

South Africa lost in reply Ryan Rickelton (14) Shaheen Afridi has to hurry before the captain Aiden Markram (32) After a promising start it flops due to Sajid Khan’s sharp turn. However, the visitors found stability through Stubbs and De Zorzi, who combined calculated aggression with patience in a vital third-wicket partnership of 113 runs. De Zorzi’s brilliant 55, which included two sixes, provided the flow, while Stubbs impressed with a maturity far beyond his years and scored 68 off 184 balls.

This pair blunted Pakistan’s spin pair. Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali, Demonstrating discipline and mental toughness over two seasons. However, Asif Afridi took the final decision before stumps, dismissing De Zorzi LBW dewald brevis Cheaply enough to revive hopes for Pakistan. The first spell of 2/24 in 15 overs came from his control and subtle variations, which is a promising sign for the hosts. At 185/4, South Africa are 148 behind, but with stubs well set and plenty of batting left, the third day promises to be a decisive battle between South Africa’s composure and Pakistan’s tenacity.

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See also: PAK vs SA: Abdullah Shafiq saved by bails intact despite ball hitting off stump on second day of Rawalpindi Test

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