South Africa’s left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj produced a masterclass in spin bowling, claiming seven wickets to dismantle Pakistan for 333 runs on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test. His relentless accuracy and clever variations turned the game on its head after Pakistan had appeared to take command with a steady first-day batting display.
Pakistan Start Strong but Falter in Morning Collapse
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan began confidently. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq laid a careful foundation against South Africa’s seamers. Shafique looked solid throughout his innings, scoring 57 from 146 deliveries. Captain Shan Masood led from the front, crafting a composed 87 off 176 balls and striking three sixes to lift the team’s momentum.
As the innings progressed, Saud Shakeel continued his consistent form, contributing a gritty 66 from 147 balls. Salman Agha added a crucial 45, taking Pakistan beyond the 300 mark. At that point, Pakistan seemed poised for a total exceeding 400 runs.
Maharaj’s Masterclass Dismantles Pakistan’s Middle Order
The turning point came when Salman Agha fell leg-before to Maharaj. His dismissal opened the floodgates. In a span of only eight overs, Pakistan lost their final five wickets for just 17 runs. Maharaj’s spell was a blend of control, flight, and sharp turn that left Pakistan’s lower order struggling for answers.
His final figures, 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs, stood as one of his finest Test performances on foreign soil. Maharaj’s precision against key batters like Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, and Sajid Khan ensured South Africa seized full control before lunch.
Support from Harmer and Rabada Complements Maharaj’s Effort
Simon Harmer provided excellent support, taking two wickets for 75 runs with disciplined off-spin. Kagiso Rabada added the important scalp of Mohammad Rizwan for 19, maintaining pressure on Pakistan’s middle order. Together, they built sustained pressure that helped Maharaj dominate through long spells of probing accuracy.
Pakistan’s Tail Fails to Resist Spin Pressure
From a strong position at 316 for 5, Pakistan’s innings fell apart, finishing at 333 in 113.4 overs. The sudden collapse exposed Pakistan’s continued vulnerability against quality spin, particularly on dry, turning surfaces.
As the hosts walked off, frustration was visible. Their inability to convert a promising start into a dominant total could haunt them later in the match. Debutant Asif Afridi will now shoulder a major responsibility alongside Noman Ali as Pakistan prepare to bowl on a pitch showing increasing signs of turn and uneven bounce.
South Africa Eye a Strong Reply
South Africa will now look to capitalize on their bowling success by building a commanding first-innings lead. With the Rawalpindi pitch expected to deteriorate further, batting in the fourth innings could become challenging. Maharaj’s heroics have not only restored South Africa’s confidence but also set the stage for a potential series-leveling performance.
Score Summary
Pakistan 1st Innings: 333 all out in 113.4 overs
Top Scorers: Shan Masood 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, Salman Agha 45
Best Bowling: Keshav Maharaj 7/102, Simon Harmer 2/75, Kagiso Rabada 1/60
