RAWALPINDI: Tristan Stubbs played a resilient unbeaten knock to steady South Africa after veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj’s remarkable seven-wicket haul lit up the second day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Despite Stubbs’ composure, Pakistan ended the day in a stronger position.
Pakistan were bowled out for 333 before lunch, with Maharaj claiming superb figures of 7-102. However, debutant Asif Afridi’s late double strike pegged South Africa back to 185-4 at stumps. The visitors still trail by 148 runs, with Tristan Stubbs unbeaten on 68 and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on 10, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive.
Earlier, Pakistan resumed on 259-5, with Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha extending their partnership to 70. Both batsmen looked comfortable before Maharaj spun a web around the lower order. His clever use of flight and turn saw him dismiss Salman for 45 and Saud for 66, dismantling Pakistan’s innings as the last four wickets fell for just 17 runs.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer supported with 2-75, while pacer Kagiso Rabada took 1-60. Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel praised Maharaj’s brilliance, admitting, “He bowled beautifully. The ball was gripping and turning, but we should have added 30–40 more runs.”
In response, South Africa’s top order faced early pressure. Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Ryan Rickelton for 14, while Sajid Khan sent back captain Aiden Markram for 32. At 54-2, Pakistan had the upper hand, but Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi rebuilt the innings with a composed 113-run stand.
Promoted back to number three, Tristan Stubbs showed determination after a lean run of scores. The 25-year-old reached his half-century off 149 balls, showcasing patience and maturity, striking just one six — a straight hit to bring up his fifty in style. His knock reflected his intent to rebuild confidence after facing criticism for his earlier performances in the Lahore Test.
De Zorzi also impressed with a fluent 55 before debutant Asif Afridi struck twice in quick succession — first trapping De Zorzi leg-before and then removing Dewald Brevis for a duck. South Africa slipped from 167-2 to 171-4, shifting the momentum back to Pakistan.
Asif’s spell of 2-24 from 11 overs brought energy into Pakistan’s bowling attack. Saud Shakeel lauded the debutant, saying, “It’s very late for a debut, but I’m so happy for him. He’s worked hard and bowled with real control today.”
Pakistan could have tightened their grip further but missed opportunities, including a dropped return catch off Tristan Stubbs, who remained composed despite the mounting pressure. His unbeaten 184-ball innings underlined his focus and technique as he guided South Africa through testing conditions.
South Africa’s batting coach Ashwell Prince praised Tristan Stubbs and De Zorzi, saying, “Losing those two wickets late wasn’t ideal, but Stubbs and De Zorzi showed great temperament. The pitch is tricky, and every run matters.”
Maharaj’s seven-wicket heroics — his 12th five-wicket haul and first against Pakistan — marked a stunning return after injury. Prince hailed him, adding, “Kesh brings control, skill, and heart. He’s world-class.”
As the day ended, Tristan Stubbs and Verreynne remained unbeaten, with South Africa still 148 runs behind. The Rawalpindi Test remains finely balanced — Pakistan holding the upper hand, but Tristan Stubbs standing firm as the key to South Africa’s resistance.
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