Maharaj Credits ‘Old-Fashioned Test Cricket’ as South Africa Fight Back in Rawalpindi
Keshav Maharaj hailed South Africa’s disciplined bowling effort and a return to “old-fashioned Test cricket” after they fought back strongly on day one of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
After Pakistan raced to 146 for 1 in the second session, the visitors regrouped, tightening the run flow and striking key blows to leave the match evenly poised. Pakistan ended the day at 259 for 5, with Maharaj playing a central role by dismissing Babar Azam and Shan Masood.
“I think it was an even day,” Maharaj said after stumps. “We managed to control their run rate. When the ball gets softer — which happens quite quickly because the wicket’s quite hard — we just reverted to old-fashioned Test cricket.”
Maharaj, who missed the opening Test in Lahore due to a groin injury, returned to the XI and made an immediate impact. He broke Pakistan’s strong second-wicket stand by removing Babar early, thanks to a sharp catch by Tony de Zorzi. He later dismissed Masood for 87, tempting him into a mistimed sweep caught by Marco Jansen.
Sloppy Start, Strong Finish
South Africa’s day began on a frustrating note, with the team putting down five catches — a repeat of their poor fielding display on day one in Lahore. Abdullah Shafique benefited the most, surviving three chances, and even escaped being bowled when a Jansen delivery clipped his off stump without dislodging the bails.
“No one means to drop catches,” Maharaj said. “It was nice to see the guys bounce back and take the chances later in the day. It’s a bit frustrating, but we regrouped well.”
Despite the dropped chances, South Africa tightened their lines and length in the final session. Kagiso Rabada added a late wicket to pile further pressure on the hosts.
Spin Dominates, Muthuswamy Used Sparingly
South Africa leaned heavily on spin throughout the day. Maharaj bowled 31 overs — the most by any bowler in the series so far — while Simon Harmer supported with 23 overs. Interestingly, Senuran Muthuswamy, the leading wicket-taker from the first Test, was given just four overs.
Maharaj termed the move “tactical,” citing differences in pitch behavior between Rawalpindi and Lahore.
“We felt like the wicket didn’t play like Lahore and wanted to restrict the Pakistani batters,” he said. “There was no issue. Sen came back nicely in his second spell.”
Momentum Shift Possible on Day Two
Pakistan’s total of 259 for 5 was 54 runs fewer than their day-one score in Lahore, a sign of South Africa’s improved control. With Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman at the crease and the lower order to follow, Maharaj believes early inroads on day two could shift the momentum.
“Tomorrow’s an important day. Hopefully, we can get Saud and Agha early and open up the lower order,” he said. “It’s about bowling our best balls for long periods. When we did that today, we created chances.”
South Africa will take heart from Pakistan’s tendency to collapse late in innings — a pattern that saw them lose their last five wickets for just 16 runs in the first Test. One breakthrough in the morning could open the door to another batting implosion.
With the series level and both sides seeking an edge, day two promises to be pivotal in determining which team seizes control in Rawalpindi.