South Africa fought hard on Day 2 and turned the match on its head with a gritty lower-order battle and fiery bowling, putting Pakistan under pressure at stumps at 94-4 with a lead of 23.
After a hard-fought opening day, South Africa resumed play at 185-4, with Tristan Stubbs looking calm on 68 and keeping the visitors’ hopes of a competitive total* high.
However, the morning session belonged to Pakistani debutant Asif Afridi, who turned the match on its head with a memorable five-wicket haul. Wickets fell at regular intervals as Afridi dismantled South Africa’s lower order – finding Kyle Verreynne’s edge over the keeper, trapping Stubbs (76) lbw and continuing his breakthrough through the tail.
Despite Afridi’s heroics, South Africa showed resilience, surpassing 200 and closing in on 300. Afridi completed his five-for by trapping Simon Harmer lbw, leaving South Africa reeling at 210-7.
Then came a spirited battle of lower order. Senuran Muthusamy (48) and Kagiso Rabada combined for a record partnership. Rabada produced a remarkable innings, registering the fifth highest score at number 11 in Test history – and the highest ever by a South African. Their 98-run stand also went down as the fourth highest 10th-wicket partnership in Test cricket.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 404, earning a 71-run lead in the first innings.
In the final session, the Proteas bowlers made the most of the momentum. Simon Harmer (3-26) and Rabada (1-22) broke through Pakistan’s top spot to leave the hosts at 60-4.
Stumps had seen Pakistan battle to 94-4, with a slim lead of 23 points heading into Day 3 – what promises to be an exciting continuation of this see-saw test match.
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