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RAWALPINDI: South Africa middle-order batters Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi frustrated Pakistan with a century stand, but debutant Asif Afridi struck twice in the final session to put the home side on top at Stumps.
South Africa were 185-4 at the end of the second day’s play here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 68 from 184 balls while Kyle Verreynne was not out on 10 from 25 deliveries. The Proteas are still trailing by 148 runs, Pakistan’s first innings total.
Following the tea break, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi continued on their merry way, notching up half-centuries which kept the visitors afloat.
They added another 81 runs, bringing the total above the 150-run mark. However, Asif trapped De Zorzi lbw to break the 114-run stand.
The left-hander departed after scoring 55 from 93 balls with the help of two fours and a maximum. The long-awaited breakthrough opened the door for Pakistan in the fading light at the Pindi stadium.
Soon after, Asif removed Dewald Brevis for a duck to put his side on top in the Test match.
Besides, Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Sajid Khan picked one wicket each.
At Tea, South Africa had scored 86 runs for the loss of two wickets, with Tristan Stubbs on 23 runs and Tony de Zorzi on 13 runs at the crease.
During the second session, Shaheen Afridi made an early breakthrough by dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 14 runs off 26 balls, leaving South Africa at 22-1.
Meanwhile, Aiden Markram kept the scoreboard moving with regular boundaries before falling to Sajid Khan after making 32 runs off 62 balls. His innings included four boundaries and a six.
Following Markram’s dismissal, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs partnered effectively to prevent any further damage until Tea.
Earlier, Pakistan resumed the day at 259-5. Their lower order added just 74 runs as Maharaj ran riot, exploiting the surface with turn and flight to tear through the batting lineup.
Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel provided early resistance, adding a valuable 70-run stand that steadied Pakistan’s innings.
Shakeel compiled a patient 66 off 147 balls, his ninth Test fifty, while Agha contributed 45 from 76 deliveries with five boundaries.
However, once Maharaj broke their partnership, Pakistan’s resistance quickly faded. The left-arm spinner struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Agha and Shakeel in back-to-back overs before cleaning up the tail.
Shaheen Shah Afridi fell for a duck, Sajid Khan managed just five, and debutant Asif Afridi was the last to go.
Maharaj finished with outstanding figures of 7 wickets, marking one of his finest performances away from home and ensuring South Africa stayed alive in the contest.
Earlier, Pakistan had built a solid platform on day one through skipper Shan Masood’s 87 and Abdullah Shafique’s 57. The duo shared a crucial 111-run stand for the second wicket before South Africa’s spinners began to claw their way back.
READ: Mohammad Amir reacts to Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as captain
