Stubbs and de Zorzi dig deep after Maharaj sparks Pakistan collapse

South Africa fought back strongly on day two of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, as Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a composed century stand following Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket haul.

The Proteas closed on 185/4, still 148 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total of 333, but far better placed than they had been at any stage of the series.

Maharaj turns the morning session

Pakistan began the day in control on 316/5, with Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha extending their partnership to 57 runs. But once Maharaj struck, the innings unravelled spectacularly — Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 17 runs.

Maharaj took all five of them to finish with 7/102, his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests. His spell included the dismissals of Agha, Shakeel, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, all within a devastating burst of 18 deliveries.

That effort ensured South Africa was not chasing an even bigger deficit and gave the visiting side a rare foothold in the contest.

Stubbs and de Zorzi show patience

Facing a tricky phase against Shaheen Shah Afridi and Pakistan’s spinners, South Africa began cautiously. Aiden Markram fell to a mis-hit lofted shot off Sajid Khan, while Ryan Rickelton edged behind to Mohammad Rizwan.

De Zorzi and Stubbs then combined for a 113-run partnership, showing the value of patience on a slowing pitch. The pair absorbed pressure during an extended spell after tea that produced just 17 runs in eight overs, waiting for loose deliveries before counter-attacking.

De Zorzi reached his half-century from 93 balls, using nimble footwork to unsettle the bowlers and striking two sixes. Stubbs, who had endured a lean run earlier in the series, found form with an unbeaten 68 off 184 balls, the highest number of deliveries faced by any batter in this series so far.

Pakistan hit back late

Just as South Africa looked to close the day unscathed, Pakistan debutant Asif Afridi, 38, struck twice late in the day. He trapped de Zorzi lbw for 55, confirmed on review, and then dismissed Dewald Brevis for his second duck of the series.

Still, Stubbs’ determined vigil kept the Proteas afloat heading into day three — a patient stand that steadied their series hopes after a turbulent start.

Second Test, Day 2, Stumps

Pakistan: 333 all out (Saud Shakeel 66, Salman Agha 45, Maharaj 7/102)

South Africa: 185/4 (Stubbs 68*, De Zorzi 55, Markram 32, Asif Afridi 2/24, Shaheen 1/43, Sajid Khan 1/55)

South Africa trail by 148 runs.