ISLAMABAD: Debutant spinner Asif Afridi delivered a stunning five-wicket haul, putting Pakistan in control of the second Test in Rawalpindi. South Africa resumed Day 3 at 185-4, but Asif struck in the very first over. He dismissed Kyle Verreynne for 10, breaking South Africa’s resistance early.
South Africa Crumbles Under Pressure
Asif continued his spell by removing Tristan Stubbs for 76 and Simon Harmer for just two. Earlier, Ryan Rickelton (14), Aiden Markram (32), Tony de Zorzi (55), and Dewald Brevis (0) were dismissed on Day 2. Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan also claimed one wicket each, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the match.
Pakistan Collapses After Strong Start
Pakistan had earlier suffered a dramatic collapse, losing its last five wickets for only 17 runs. The hosts were cruising at 316-5 before being bowled out for 333. South African spinner Keshav Maharaj triggered the collapse, taking five wickets in a brilliant spell.
Masood and Shafique Build Early Momentum
Pakistan’s innings started steadily as Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique added 35 runs for the first wicket. Simon Harmer bowled Imam for 17. Shafique batted patiently, combining composure with aggression. Captain Shan Masood joined him, hitting two towering sixes as Pakistan reached 65-1 after 20 overs.
Pakistan Strengthen Position Before Collapse
Masood and Shafique extended their partnership past 100 runs, with Masood reaching his 13th Test fifty. Shafique scored his sixth half-century before falling for 57. Their 111-run stand anchored Pakistan’s innings before Maharaj and Harmer struck again.
Middle Order Adds Valuable Runs
Babar Azam added 16 runs before Maharaj dismissed him. Masood fell short of a century, scoring 87 off 176 balls. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel built a brief 34-run stand before Kagiso Rabada trapped Rizwan lbw for 19.
Shakeel and Agha Stabilize the Innings
Resuming at 259-5, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a 70-run partnership. Shakeel completed his ninth Test fifty, while Agha scored 45 with five boundaries. Maharaj dismissed both batters, ending Pakistan’s resistance.
Maharaj Dominates with Seven-Wicket Haul
Maharaj wrapped up the innings, finishing with figures of 7 for 102. He dismissed Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and debutant Asif Afridi to complete his haul. Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada took one wicket each. For Pakistan, Shan Masood top-scored with 87, while Saud Shakeel contributed 66.
Pakistan Take Command After Bowling Brilliance
With Asif Afridi’s five-for and disciplined bowling from the attack, Pakistan ended Day 3 in full control. South Africa face an uphill battle as Pakistan aim to secure victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
