Afridi and Spinners Apply the Brakes as South Africa Dig In

A disciplined bowling performance led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Pakistan’s spinners kept South Africa in check on Day 2 of the second Test in Rawalpindi, as the visitors reached tea at 86 for 2 in response to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 333.

South Africa managed to add just 77 runs in the second session, with Pakistan’s spin attack, led by Sajid Khan, applying sustained pressure on a surface that is yet to fully aid the slower bowlers. While the session lacked the drama of the morning, it was defined by tight bowling and patient batting, with neither side taking clear control.

The highlight of the session came early when Afridi produced a fiery new-ball spell to dismiss Ryan Rickelton. After testing Aiden Markram with movement and a failed lbw review, Afridi found the edge of Rickelton’s bat in his following over, with Mohammad Rizwan completing a regulation catch behind the stumps. It was a deserved breakthrough after Afridi's probing lines and bounce had kept both openers on edge.

However, Markram and Tristan Stubbs regrouped and steadied the innings. Pakistan's spinners took over after Afridi's six-over burst, and although runs were hard to come by, the South African pair resisted bravely. Markram, however, perished just before tea attempting to break the shackles. Dancing down to Sajid Khan, he failed to get the elevation he wanted and picked out Saud Shakeel at long-on.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan's innings collapsed dramatically after a strong start. Resuming on 276 for 5, the hosts lost their last five wickets for just 17 runs, bowled out for 333. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was the chief destroyer, claiming all five wickets in a lethal morning spell. His final figures of 7 for 102 are now the best by a South African in a Test match in Pakistan.

Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel had earlier added a crucial 57-run stand for the sixth wicket, controlling proceedings with a mix of aggression and finesse. But once Maharaj removed Agha with an arm ball, the collapse began. Shakeel was caught at slip in Maharaj’s next over, and Afridi, Sajid, and debutant Asif Afridi followed soon after, all falling within just 18 deliveries.

Despite the swift end to their innings, Pakistan managed to retain some control thanks to their bowlers. With South Africa still trailing by 247 runs and two wickets down, the final session promises to be crucial in deciding the momentum of the match.

Score Summary:

Pakistan 1st innings: 333 (Shakeel 66, Agha 45, Maharaj 7-102)
South Africa 1st innings: 86 for 2 at tea (Markram 32, Stubbs 23*, Afridi 1-13)
South Africa trail by 247 runs