SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF PAKISTAN 2025
Tristan Stubbs stroked an unbeaten 68 © Getty
Pakistan slightly nudged ahead in the second Test in Rawalpindi against South Africa after striking late before stumps. South Africa are now 148 runs behind with six wickets in hand, pinning their hopes on Tristan Stubbs who has hit a patient unbeaten half-century.
Salman Agha made a stuttering start on the second day but Saud Shakeel at the other end completed his half-century. The two batters were watchful and added vital runs to push Pakistan’s total beyond 300 to slowly exert their dominance. Just when things appeared bleak, South Africa found a saviour in Keshav Maharaj who broke the partnership with Agha’s wicket. That triggered a collapse as Maharaj then removed the well-set Shakeel for 66 to peg Pakistan back, and from thereon the home side just didn’t have answers against Maharaj. The left-arm spinner cleaned up the tail as well to finish with a seven-wicket haul.
Losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs, Pakistan needed a good start with the ball at least to make amends. Shaheen Afridi gave them the perfect start by sending Ryan Rickelton back early and that brought Stubbs out to the middle. Known for his flamboyant style in white-ball cricket, Stubbs curbed his natural instincts to play the long haul. At the other end, Aiden Markram failed in his attempt to loft Sajid Khan cleanly over long on as the game was now interestingly poised.
One more wicket at that stage would have put Pakistan completely on top but Tony de Zorzi combined with Stubbs to thwart the hosts. Stubbs finally hit his first boundary off the 61st ball he faced as the two batters continued to bat patiently, much like Pakistan on the opening day. De Zorzi broke a dull period with a six and followed it up with another one that went all the way that took him past Stubbs’ score. The two batters brought up their respective fifties in the same over and their partnership went past 100 as well.
At this stage, it appeared like South Africa would go back to the dressing room as the happier outfit. However, in a late twist, Asif Afridi bagged his maiden wicket in Test cricket by trapping de Zorzi lbw to end the frustrating stand and give Pakistan some respite. In a body blow to South Africa, Asif struck again in his very next over with Dewald Brevis edging one to slip to depart for a duck. Kyle Verreynne and Stubbs then batted out a tricky period of play before stumps but the duo have their task cut out tomorrow.
Brief scores: Pakistan 333 (Shan Masood 87, Saud Shakeel 66; Keshav Maharaj 7/102) lead South Africa 185/4 (Tristan Stubbs 68*, Tony de Zorzi 55; Asif Afridi 2/24) by 148 runs
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