Rawalpindi, Oct 20 (NationPress) Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs spearheaded South Africa's robust response with a measured 113-run partnership for the third wicket, guiding the visitors to a secure position on the second day's play of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

Their steadfast collaboration enabled South Africa to finish at 185 for 4 at the end of the day, trailing by just 148 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings score of 333. This came after Keshav Maharaj delivered a spectacular seven-wicket haul that triggered a dramatic downturn for the home side earlier in the day.

The day commenced with South Africa regaining momentum through Maharaj's exceptional performance. The left-arm spinner effectively dismantled Pakistan's lower order, claiming all five wickets in the morning session to conclude their innings.

Pakistan saw their last five wickets tumble for a mere 17 runs, resulting in a collapse from 316 for 5 to 333 all out. Maharaj, who labeled the first session of a Test as “the moving session,” ensured that all the movement stemmed from his end, finishing with an impressive 7 for 72 — marking his best figures of the series.

Pakistan had appeared stable earlier that morning as Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha contributed 57 swift runs for the sixth wicket before being bewildered by Maharaj's accuracy and skill. Agha (45) was the first to fall, trapped in front by an arm-ball, and in a swift sequence of 18 deliveries, Maharaj swept through the remainder. Shakeel (66) edged to slip, Shaheen Shah Afridi lost his stumps attempting an ambitious slog, while Sajid Khan and debutant Asif Afridi provided minimal resistance as Pakistan crumbled.

South Africa's innings commenced cautiously, with Shaheen making early strikes. His relentless opening spell accounted for Ryan Rickelton (14), who edged to Mohammad Rizwan for an easy catch, while Aiden Markram (32) fell to a catch at long-on off Sajid Khan. However, from 72 for 2, de Zorzi and Stubbs stabilized the innings with what may not have been the most thrilling but certainly the most effective batting display South Africa has exhibited this series.

De Zorzi, who was reprieved on 5 when Pakistan opted not to review a close lbw appeal off Sajid Khan that later replays showed would have resulted in three reds, capitalized on the opportunity. Together with Stubbs, he absorbed the pressure, defended resolutely, and capitalized on any loose deliveries.

Their partnership — South Africa's initial hundred-run stand of the series — was characterized by patience and control rather than aggression. The first eight overs after tea produced only 17 runs, but the duo remained unhurried, waiting for Pakistan's bowlers to falter.

De Zorzi reached his fifty in style, stepping out to loft Sajid for six, just moments before the 100-run partnership was achieved. Stubbs appeared solid as well, utilizing his footwork to counter spin and avoiding reckless shots. Together, they frustrated Pakistan, who seemed devoid of ideas as the ball aged and the pitch provided little assistance.

However, Pakistan retaliated towards the end of the day through 38-year-old debutant Asif Afridi, who struck twice in quick succession. De Zorzi, on 55, was trapped halfway up the shin, with Pakistan opting to review and being rewarded. Shortly after, Dewald Brevis (0) edged a turning delivery to first slip, where Agha held on. Those wickets ensured South Africa didn’t entirely dominate the day's proceedings, though they were in a favorable position heading into day three.

For Pakistan, Shaheen's early burst and Asif’s late strikes provided some consolation after Maharaj's morning masterclass and South Africa's afternoon consolidation. However, with six wickets still intact and Stubbs remaining unbeaten, the Proteas concluded the day in their best series position — back in contention and finally dictating terms in a match that had previously seemed to slip away.