Rawalpindi Test: 38-Year-Old Debutant Shines to Keep Pakistan Competitive After Keshav Maharaj’s Impressive Seven Wickets
In a thrilling second Test match held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, debutant spinner Asif Afridi, aged 38, made a remarkable impact against South Africa. On October 21, 2025, Afridi took two crucial wickets, helping Pakistan conclude Day 2 with South Africa at 185-4. The Proteas trail Pakistan by 148 runs after the hosts were all out for 333 runs.
Match Overview
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj stole the spotlight on Day 2, taking 7 wickets for 102 runs on a challenging pitch. He exhibited exceptional control and skill, particularly in the morning session, where he claimed the last five wickets of Pakistan for just 15 runs.
Key Performers
- Keshav Maharaj: 7 wickets for 102 runs, instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.
- Asif Afridi: Debuted with two wickets, including the vital dismissal of Tony de Zorzi.
- Tristan Stubbs: Remained not out on 68 off 184 balls, showcasing resilience against Pakistan’s bowlers.
- Tony de Zorzi: Scored 55 runs, contributing to a key 113-run partnership with Stubbs.
Match Progression
The day began with Pakistan positioned at 259-5. Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha had extended their partnership to 70 runs, with Shakeel reaching his half-century off 118 balls. Their efforts, however, could not stave off Maharaj’s excellent bowling performance. Agha was dismissed LBW after missing a straight delivery, marking the beginning of Maharaj’s spell of destruction.
Earlier, Afridi’s impressive debut included his first wicket, where he successfully overturned an on-field decision against de Zorzi using television review technology. He followed this up with a dismissal of Dewald Brevis, who was caught without scoring. South Africa greatly improved their fielding, successfully holding onto crucial catches.
Bowling Summary
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keshav Maharaj | 35 | 7 | 102 |
| Simon Harmer | 26 | 2 | 75 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 21 | 1 | 60 |
Looking Ahead
At the end of Day 2, South Africa’s Kyle Verreynne was not out on 10, alongside Stubbs. With the match delicately poised, the visitors will aim to minimize their deficit on Day 3. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s spinners will look to capitalize on their late-day success to secure a vital advantage in this Test match.
