South Africa ended day two of the Rawalpindi Test at 185 for 4 in reply to Pakistan’s 333. The match is part of a two-Test series, with Pakistan already leading 1-0. The home side had a solid first innings after choosing to bat first. By the end of day two, the visitors still trailed by 148 runs and face a tough task ahead.
Pakistan resumed their innings at 259 for 5, with Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman at the crease. Both added important runs, with Saud scoring 66 and Salman contributing 45. However, the rest of the lower order failed to make an impact. Keshav Maharaj bowled brilliantly and took 7 wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 333 before lunch.
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South Africa started their innings cautiously but lost wickets at regular intervals. Shaheen Afridi got the first breakthrough by dismissing Rickelton for 14. Sajid Khan then removed Markram for 32. Asif Afridi later struck twice, removing de Zorzi for 55 and Brevis for a duck.
By the end of the day, South Africa were 185 for 4. Tristan Stubbs played a steady knock and remained unbeaten on 68. Kyle Verreynne supported him with 10 not out. The visitors now need 148 more runs to match Pakistan’s total and avoid a big first-innings deficit.
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Pakistan are in a strong position going into day three. The pitch is still helping spinners, and Pakistan will aim to build pressure. South Africa, on the other hand, must bat carefully and hope their middle order holds firm. The series is at stake, and both teams know the importance of this Test.