Proteas Show Grit in Rawalpindi Test
The South African cricket team displayed resilience and skill in the second Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After a shaky start and missed opportunities, the Proteas fought back to keep the series alive.
Day 1: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, reaching 259/5 in 91 overs. Captain Shan Masood led the charge with 87, supported by Abdullah Shafique's 57. South Africa's Keshav Maharaj (2/63) and Simon Harmer (2/75) bowled well, while Kagiso Rabada took a late wicket.
South Africa will be reflecting on missed chances after dropping Shafique four times. Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj were all guilty of putting down chances.
Day 2: Keshav Maharaj stole the show, claiming a magnificent 7-102, his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His efforts helped bowl Pakistan out for 333 on a pitch favouring spin. However, Pakistan's debutant spinner Asif Afridi responded, taking crucial wickets of Tony de Zorzi (55) and Dewald Brevis (0) to restrict South Africa's progress.
Tristan Stubbs, however, stood firm, ending the day on 68 not out, partnering with De Zorzi for a valuable 113-run stand. South Africa closed the day at 185/4, trailing by 148 runs.
South Africa need a solid batting performance on Day 3 to get back into the match. Maharaj's bowling has given them a chance, but they need to capitalise.
Key Moments:
- Maharaj's exceptional bowling performance.
- Stubbs and De Zorzi's crucial partnership.
- Afridi's debut wickets for Pakistan.