Rawalpindi, October 21, 2025 – South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a sensational performance, claiming seven wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s middle and lower order on the second day of the Pakistan vs South Africa Rawalpindi Test. Despite his brilliance, the Proteas still trail by 148 runs at the close of play.
Pakistan began Day 2 looking to build on their innings, and a solid partnership between Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha helped the hosts reach a competitive 333 runs. However, Maharaj’s masterful spell turned the tide, as he ripped through Pakistan’s batting lineup to register his best figures in the series.
When South Africa came in to bat shortly before lunch, they managed to survive an early burst from Shaheen Afridi, who laid a strong foundation for the spinners. In the second session, the conditions favored batting, but South Africa struggled to accelerate. Aiden Markram tried to inject momentum before falling, while Sajid Khan struck in his very first over to dismiss the Proteas captain, tilting the advantage back to Pakistan.
In the final session, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs showed resistance, adding valuable runs with patient half-centuries. Debutant Asif Afridi broke the partnership, removing de Zorzi and later dismissing Dewald Brevis for a duck, leaving South Africa under pressure once again.
At stumps on Day 2, Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne were at the crease — South Africa’s last recognized batting pair. They face a tough challenge on Day 3, which begins Wednesday, October 22 at 5:00 AM GMT, as Pakistan eye early breakthroughs to strengthen their grip on the match.