Middle-order batters Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs produced a gritty rescue act on the second day of the second Test, steering South Africa to safety after Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket haul had sparked a sensational Pakistan collapse.
At stumps, the Proteas were 185 for 4, trailing by 148 runs in reply to Pakistan’s 333 all out — and back in contention to level the series.
Maharaj Spins Web Around Pakistan
It was Maharaj’s brilliance that set up South Africa’s fightback. The left-arm spinner ran through Pakistan’s lower order, claiming all five wickets in the morning session as the hosts crashed from 316 for 5 to 333 all out.
Maharaj, who finished with 7 for 72, produced his best figures of the series. “I’ve always said the first session can change everything — today it certainly did,” he said after play.
Pakistan’s resistance evaporated swiftly. Agha Salman (45) was the first to go, trapped lbw by a skidding arm-ball. In a burst of 18 deliveries, Maharaj sent Saud Shakeel (66), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan and debutant Asif Afridi back to the pavilion, leaving the hosts shell-shocked.
De Zorzi and Stubbs Show Character
South Africa’s reply began shakily as Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Ryan Rickelton (14) and Aiden Markram (32) early, reducing the visitors to 72 for 2. But de Zorzi and Stubbs stood firm with a 113-run stand — the Proteas’ first century partnership of the series.
De Zorzi, reprieved on 5 when Pakistan failed to review a close lbw shout, capitalised brilliantly to reach a composed 55. Stubbs, meanwhile, was unflappable, finishing the day unbeaten on 68 off 184 balls — the longest vigil by any batter in the series.
After a tough first Test, he showed great character. He had clarity in his game plan, understood his scoring areas and defended well. Moving up to No 3 in these conditions, he’s taken that opportunity with both hands.
Asif Afridi Strikes Late, But Proteas Hold Edge
Pakistan clawed back before stumps through 38-year-old debutant Asif Afridi, who dismissed de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis in quick succession. De Zorzi fell lbw after a successful review, while Brevis edged to first slip for a duck.
Still, South Africa ended the day in control. With Stubbs unbeaten and six wickets intact, they had not only survived Pakistan’s pressure but also dictated terms for the first time in the series.
