South Africa Bolstered by Maharaj Return as They Eye Comeback in Rawalpindi Test

South Africa Bolstered by Maharaj Return as They Eye Comeback in Rawalpindi Test

South Africa will be boosted by the return of premier spinner Keshav Maharaj as they seek to level the two-Test series against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. After falling short in the first Test in Lahore, the visitors will look to capitalise on familiar conditions with renewed confidence and a more balanced bowling attack.

Despite losing the toss in the series opener, South Africa showed resilience on a turning pitch in Lahore — a surface Pakistan used effectively to gain early control. While Pakistan eventually claimed a comfortable win, South Africa's gritty batting effort in the fourth innings hinted at a potential turnaround heading into the second Test.

All Eyes on Maharaj

Maharaj’s inclusion significantly strengthens South Africa’s bowling arsenal. Known for his control, drift, and ability to exploit both turn and straight deliveries, the experienced left-arm spinner is tailor-made for subcontinental conditions. His return may also allow South Africa to adjust their combination and include an extra seamer, likely Marco Jansen, who brings both bounce and lower-order batting strength.

Jansen could replace Wiaan Mulder, who bowled just two overs in Lahore and had minimal impact.

Pakistan Aim for Series Sweep

For Pakistan, the focus remains on consistency. With World Test Championship points at stake, a series win against South Africa — considered one of the tougher assignments in their calendar — could provide an early platform in the new cycle. Captain Shan Masood is expected to back the same XI that secured the win in Lahore, with only minor scrutiny on opener Abdullah Shafique's form.

Pakistan’s bowling attack will once again be led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who impressed with reverse swing in Lahore. With spin expected to dominate again, left-arm spinner Noman Ali and offspinner Sajid Khan will look to replicate their success on a surface expected to offer assistance.

Conditions and Pitch

The Rawalpindi surface is expected to be more balanced than Lahore’s dusty track, though still likely to favour spinners. Cooler temperatures and the absence of extreme pitch-drying techniques — like the heaters used ahead of England's visit in 2022 — suggest a slightly less aggressive turner. However, slow bowlers will remain the main threat across the five days.

Form Guide (Last Five Tests)

  • Pakistan: W L W L L

  • South Africa: L W W W W

Players to Watch

  • Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): With pace bowlers needing to find ways to contribute on spin-friendly tracks, Afridi’s reverse swing will be crucial.

  • Keshav Maharaj (South Africa): The visitors' go-to weapon in Asia, Maharaj’s control and guile could pose major problems for Pakistan’s middle order.

Team News

Pakistan (probable):
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan.

South Africa (probable):
Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada.

Stats and Trivia

  • Simon Harmer is just eight wickets away from completing 1000 first-class wickets.

  • This will be Shan Masood’s 14th Test as Pakistan captain, tying him with Zaheer Abbas and surpassing Sarfaraz Ahmed and Moin Khan.

With both sides adapting to turning pitches and spinners dominating proceedings, the second Test in Rawalpindi promises to be another battle of attrition — but one with high stakes in the World Test Championship.