🏏 South Africa Take Control After Keshav Maharaj’s 7-Wicket Heroics in Rawalpindi Test 🇿🇦🔥
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium witnessed a spectacular display of spin bowling mastery as Keshav Maharaj produced one of his finest Test performances to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup. His stunning figures of 7 for 102 in 42.4 overs turned the momentum in South Africa’s favor on Day 2 of the second Test.
While Pakistan’s batters fought valiantly — led by Shan Masood’s 87 and Saud Shakeel’s 66 — it was Maharaj’s relentless accuracy and guile that stole the show. By lunch on the second day, South Africa were 9-0, trailing by 323 runs, firmly in control of the contest.
Let’s break down this gripping encounter with Cricketory’s in-depth analysis, covering every key phase, turning point, and tactical insight from the Rawalpindi Test.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Early Promise: Imam and Shafique Lay the Foundation 🌅
Pakistan began their innings with intent and composure on a dry and slightly turning surface. Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid opening stand, adding 35 runs before the first breakthrough came from Simon Harmer, who bowled Imam for 17.
The early exchanges reflected Pakistan’s game plan of patience mixed with aggression. The duo left the seamers well and targeted spinners through the gaps.
Cricketory Insight: Pakistan’s openers displayed improved technique against the new ball, something they struggled with in the first Test. Their front-foot defense looked solid, and their decision to attack Harmer early showed confidence — but Maharaj’s introduction changed everything later.
🧠 Shan Masood’s Captain’s Knock: Positive, Calculated, and Commanding
With the score at 35-1, skipper Shan Masood joined Abdullah Shafique and immediately stamped his authority. Using his feet effectively against spin, he smashed two towering sixes and rotated the strike smartly.
Masood’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, perfectly balancing risk and patience. His partnership with Shafique blossomed beautifully, taking Pakistan past 100 with confidence.
By the time Harmer broke through, dismissing Shafique for 57, Pakistan were well-placed at 146/2 — but that’s where Maharaj began to weave his magic.
Cricketory Tactical Note: Masood’s proactive footwork disrupted Harmer’s rhythm, but Maharaj’s clever use of angles and variations in pace neutralized Pakistan’s captain later in the innings.
⚡ Keshav Maharaj Turns the Game: Spell of Precision and Pressure
When Babar Azam joined Masood, Pakistan looked set for a total well beyond 400. But Keshav Maharaj had other plans.
His first big strike came with the dismissal of Babar Azam (16) — a flighted delivery that dipped late, turning enough to clip the off stump. It was the start of a devastating spell of sustained pressure and relentless accuracy.
Maharaj operated in long spells, attacking both edges of the bat. His ability to vary flight, pace, and length on a wearing surface made him almost unplayable.
🪄 Maharaj’s Key Wickets:
- Babar Azam (16) – Beaten by flight and dip.
- Saud Shakeel (66) – Edged to slip, deceived by the extra bounce.
- Salman Ali Agha (45) – Trapped on the crease by one that held its line.
- Shaheen Afridi (0) – Classic left-arm spinner’s dismissal; beaten on flight.
- Sajid Khan (5) – Loose drive, caught at short extra cover.
- Asif Afridi (1) – Beaten through the gate by a ripping delivery.
Every wicket showed a different dimension of Maharaj’s brilliance — control, intelligence, and variation.
Cricketory Analysis: What stood out most was Maharaj’s patience. He didn’t chase wickets — he built them. His spell was reminiscent of traditional subcontinental spin dominance, but executed with South African discipline.
🏏 Pakistan’s Middle Order: Promise Without Conversion
While Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel kept the innings steady, Pakistan’s middle order once again struggled to convert starts into big scores.
- Masood (87 off 176) missed a well-deserved hundred after an inside edge off Maharaj.
- Shakeel (66 off 147) played a patient knock but couldn’t accelerate.
- Rizwan (19 off 39) fell to a sharp in-swinger from Rabada.
The lower order’s collapse — losing the last 5 wickets for just 57 runs — underlined the team’s recurring issue with finishing strong.
Cricketory Verdict: Pakistan’s batting lacked the killer instinct. On pitches that demanded application and rotation of strike, they allowed South Africa’s spinners to dictate terms.
🧩 South Africa’s Bowling Strategy: Spin + Reverse Swing Combo
South Africa’s success on this pitch wasn’t just about spin — it was about strategic balance. The Proteas used reverse swing and tight lines from pacers like Kagiso Rabada to build pressure before unleashing their spin pair.
🔍 Tactical Breakdown:
- Rabada’s Early Impact: Removed Rizwan with a beautiful late swinger.
- Harmer’s Support Role: Maintained pressure from the other end, striking twice early.
- Maharaj’s Masterclass: Controlled middle and lower order with flight and drift.
Cricketory Insight: South Africa’s bowlers operated like a well-drilled unit. Their discipline in length and patience in attack mirrored the blueprint often used by teams in subcontinental conditions.
🏟️ Pitch Report & Conditions: Spin-Friendly but Not a Minefield
The Rawalpindi surface offered slow turn and occasional bounce, making it ideal for classical spin bowling. However, it wasn’t unplayable — batters who showed patience and good footwork scored freely.
Cricketory Field Report:
- Day 1: Slight movement for seamers in morning sessions.
- Day 2: Pitch dried up, favoring spinners with natural variation.
- Expected for Day 3: More turn, with cracks widening — advantage South Africa.
💪 South Africa’s Confident Start: Elgar and Markram Look Solid
By the time the Proteas began their innings, they were brimming with energy. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram confidently negotiated the new ball, reaching 9/0 in 3 overs before lunch.
Their positive intent — running quick singles and punishing loose balls — signaled South Africa’s determination to build a first-innings lead.
Cricketory View: The Proteas’ top order knows the importance of grinding Pakistan’s bowlers down. With Maharaj’s 7-for boosting morale, their openers now have a golden chance to capitalize.
🧮 Day 2 Summary: Pakistan 333 All Out, South Africa Trail by 323
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 333 all out | 113.4 | Shan Masood (87) | Keshav Maharaj (7/102) |
| South Africa | 9/0 | 3 | Dean Elgar (6*) | - |
South Africa’s game plan from here is clear: bat long, take a lead, and let Maharaj and Harmer spin again in the fourth innings.
🧠 Cricketory Tactical Insights: Why Maharaj Dominated
🎯 1. Control Over Flight
Maharaj varied his trajectory perfectly — not too flat, not too loopy. This forced Pakistan’s batters to play uncertainly off the front foot.
🌀 2. Patience and Consistency
He bowled 42.4 overs, maintaining relentless accuracy. Every dot ball built mental pressure that led to wickets.
⚖️ 3. Partnership with Harmer
While Harmer’s figures (2/90) might not seem outstanding, his control from one end allowed Maharaj to attack freely.
🧩 4. Reading the Pitch
Unlike many visiting spinners, Maharaj read the Rawalpindi pitch early — slowing down his pace and allowing drift to do the work.
🔥 5. Leadership Through Action
Even without being captain, Maharaj’s body language lifted the team. Every wicket celebration was followed by tactical chats with Elgar, reflecting his leadership presence.
🏆 What This Means for the Series
South Africa’s dominance puts them in a commanding position to seal the series. Having won the first Test, a win here would complete a historic series victory in Pakistan, something few visiting teams achieve.
For Pakistan, it’s about batting resilience in the second innings. They must counter Maharaj and Harmer with better shot selection and improved intent.
Cricketory Projection:
If South Africa bat well into Day 3 and gain a 100+ lead, Pakistan will face enormous pressure on a crumbling pitch.
🌍 Keshav Maharaj Joins Elite Company
With his 7-wicket haul, Maharaj now sits among the top-performing overseas spinners in Pakistan. His ability to adapt across continents shows his maturity and evolution as a world-class spinner.
Maharaj’s Last 5 Test Innings in Asia:
| Opponent | Venue | Wickets | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Rawalpindi | 7 | 14.57 |
| India | Delhi | 5 | 22.40 |
| Sri Lanka | Galle | 4 | 26.00 |
| Bangladesh | Mirpur | 9 | 15.11 |
| Pakistan | Karachi | 6 | 18.25 |
He’s not just a support act — he’s the main match-winner for South Africa in Asian conditions.
🔮 Cricketory Prediction: What Lies Ahead
- South Africa to aim for a 400+ total with Elgar and Markram setting the tone.
- Pakistan’s spinners to find more turn, but control will be key.
- Maharaj and Harmer likely to play a match-defining role again in the fourth innings.
Predicted Result: South Africa win by an innings or 150+ runs if they bat deep.
🙋♂️ FAQs – South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test 2025
Q1: How many wickets did Keshav Maharaj take in the Rawalpindi Test?
👉 He took 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs — his best performance against Pakistan.Q2: What was Pakistan’s final score?
👉 Pakistan were bowled out for 333 in 113.4 overs.Q3: Who top-scored for Pakistan?
👉 Shan Masood scored 87, narrowly missing a century.Q4: Who supported Maharaj from the other end?
👉 Simon Harmer took 2 wickets, providing crucial control.Q5: What’s South Africa’s current position?
👉 They are 9/0 at lunch on Day 2, trailing by 323 runs with all wickets intact.🏁 Final Thoughts by Cricketory
The Rawalpindi Test has turned into a showcase of spin brilliance. Keshav Maharaj’s spell wasn’t just about wickets — it was about discipline, patience, and tactical mastery.
As South Africa take control, Pakistan face an uphill battle to stay alive in the series. Maharaj’s performance will be remembered as one of the defining moments of 2025 Test cricket — a statement that spin bowling artistry still thrives in the modern era.
Cricketory Insight:
This wasn’t just a spell — it was a statement of intent from Keshav Maharaj and South Africa: we can win anywhere. 🌍🏆