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.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
From injury to milestone!
Keshav Maharaj made a brilliant comeback by taking seven wickets!
An excellent performance from #proteas Men’s leading spinner. pic.twitter.com/z11EXmRVbM
– Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) 21 October 2025
Keshav is always the king. He is easily the best finger spinner in the world in Tests at the moment. A big challenge for the Proteas batsmen on such a pitch, which is already asking many questions from the batsmen.
– Prasanna (@prasannalara) 21 October 2025
Keshav. Maharaj finished with 7/103 as we bowled out Pakistan for 333 runs
The batsmen need to make a big effort today on a pitch that appears to be a little less turning than the previous match. pic.twitter.com/b2km5NsYSH
– Werner (@Werries_) 21 October 2025
Keshav Maharaj is on fire! The seven wickets in Pakistan show why he is among the elite spinners of the modern era. pic.twitter.com/UraVITxRFB
– Choudhary Kapil (@choudhary_119) 21 October 2025
Due to some reason he returned to the team and took seven wickets. Salute you Keshav Maharaj 🔥🤌 pic.twitter.com/3PIHhYmvtT
– Paarl Royals (@paarlroyals) 21 October 2025
They can never make me hate Keshav Maharaj! 🥺 The man who put forward his hand to captain the Test team during a very difficult transitional period when we were going through a leadership crisis https://t.co/utoFxIdMKi
– 🇿🇦 Sabiha Majid 🏏/DA Miller Stan Account❤️ (@Sabiha Majid) 21 October 2025
Aaqib Javed has the best eye for talent in this country, he made Noman and Sajid superstars and now it is Asif Afridi’s turn, on the track he has done nothing special
– 🦅🦅🦅 (@leggiewicket) 21 October 2025
Two valuable wickets from Asif Afridi and that too at the crucial juncture of the game.
– 38 year old Blood proved his selection right, after taking 33 wickets in the last 5 first class matches, he reached here and also performed well in international cricket.#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/DtWYRe2Sf3
– Ahmed Haseeb (@iamAhmadhaseeb) 21 October 2025
This day is from South Africa
We are 60 runs behind,
Asif Afridi brings us back to the game
Tomorrow, the first session is important, we need to win it,
We have to reach the end quickly and restrict them to under 250.Now just a lead of 80 runs is needed.
– We are winning World Cup 26 (@Depressed_Daani) 21 October 2025
Asif Afridi is out after scoring 5 runs here
– Brent (@magwaya_) 21 October 2025
Pakistan moved from 211-3 to 333-10
– 7 wicket haul for Keshav Maharaj 👏#KeshavMaharaj #PAKvsSA #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/8TBJcxbkko
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 21 October 2025
