Keshav Maharaj’s 7-for restricts Pakistan to 333

Keshav Maharaj has claimed a 12th career five-wicket haul to bowl Pakistan out for 333 on the second day of the second Test in Rawalpindi. 

Maharaj finished with 7/102, claiming all five Pakistan wickets to fall on Tuesday. But the hosts were able to add a further 74 to their overnight 259/5. 

There was enough time for Saud Shakeel to reach his 10th Test half-century, and second against the Proteas after his 84 last year at Centurion. 

Shakeel and Salman Agha added an invaluable 70 for the sixth wicket to push Pakistan past the all-important 300.

From injury to milestones! 💥

Keshav Maharaj marks his return in style with a brilliant seven-wicket haul! 💫

A masterful performance from #TheProteas Men’s premier spinner. 👏 pic.twitter.com/z11EXmRVbM

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 21, 2025

But just as the pair were looking to take the game away from the Proteas altogether, Maharaj struck the first blow of the morning when he trapped Salman Agha LBW. The decision was reviewed, but was upheld after the television replays showed the ball to be hitting leg stump.

From thereon it was a procession with Maharaj running through the lower order as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 17 runs.

Shakeel’s vigil was brought to a close when Aiden Markram finally held on to a chance at slip before Shaheen Shah Afridi attempted a wild swipe, but missed entirely. 

Thirty-eight-year-old debutant Asif Afridi swatted one boundary before he became Maharaj’s seventh victim to bring Pakistan’s innings to a close. 

Proteas openers Markram and Ryan Rickleton survived a tense 15 minutes, particularly against Shaheen Shah Afridi who had a close LBW appeal turned down in the last over before lunch.

Second Test, Day 2, Lunch

Pakistan: 333 all out (Shakeel 66, Salman Agha 45, Maharaj 7/102)

South Africa: 9/0 (Markram 6*, Rickelton 3*)

South Africa trail by 324 runs