South Africa reach 185-4 after Asif Afridi’s double strike in Rawalpindi Test

South Africa ended day two of the second and final Test against Pakistan at 185 for four, trailing by 148 runs, after fifties from Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs helped the visitors recover from early setbacks on Tuesday.

After bowling out Pakistan for 333 in the morning session, South Africa’s openers Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram aimed to provide a steady start. However, Shaheen Afridi removed Rickelton for 14 with the score on 22. Markram then added 32 runs before being dismissed by off-spinner Sajid Khan.

De Zorzi and Stubbs rebuilt the innings, stitching a 113-run partnership for the third wicket. Both batters reached half-centuries and kept Pakistan’s bowlers at bay through disciplined shot selection and patient play.

Pakistan regained momentum late in the day when left-arm spinner Asif Afridi dismissed de Zorzi for 55 and followed up with the wicket of Dewald Brevis for a duck. South Africa closed the day at 185 for four, with Stubbs unbeaten on 68 and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on 10.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed their first innings on 259 for five and added 74 runs before being dismissed for 333. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 66, while captain Shan Masood made 87 and Abdullah Shafique 57.

For South Africa, spinner Keshav Maharaj was the standout performer, claiming seven wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs. Simon Harmer took two wickets, and Kagiso Rabada picked up one.

The Proteas will look to build on their solid platform when play resumes on day three, while Pakistan will aim to make early inroads to regain control of the match.