2nd Test, Rawalpindi, October 20, 2025, 10:30 AM
Pakistan
333/10(113.4ov)
South Africa
9/0(3.0ov)
Day 2: Lunch Break - SA trail by 324 runs
Win Projections to be updated soon
Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha did well enough to take Pakistan not just past the 300-run mark but a few runs clear of it as well, but they will feel they have left some runs out there. Shaheen Afridi will be key with the new ball but as the day goes on, the spinners will play a big role. The challenge for South Africa will be to see off the new ball, so that they have set batters at the crease when the spinners really start to come into play from both ends. All in all, a fascinating session awaits, so do join us at 7.40 am GMT for the post-Lunch session on Day 2.
Pakistan walked into Day 2 needing a partnership to steady the ship and after a bit of a wobbly start, Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha managed to forge together a telling stand. The duo mustered up quick runs in the second half of the session and Salman was clearly the enforcer. South Africa were always sniffing a wicket which wasn't coming but they kept Keshav Maharaj going from one end and once he got rid of Salman, the floodgates opened. A stellar seven-wicket haul for the left-arm spinner, a very rare feat to achieve as well.
Aiden Markram and South Africa survive a late barrage in the first session and we have all to play for heading into Lunch on Day 2. The Proteas faced just 3 overs before Lunch and in the final over, Shaheen Afridi did really ask some questions of Markram, but he has managed to survive for now. It will be interesting to see how the pitch plays in the next session after getting baked in the Sun.
In over# 3
1
0
0
0
0
0
Shaheen Afridi 5/0(2)
2.6
1
Pitches it up, outside off. Aiden Markram drills it straight to the cover fielder. The fielder fumbles a bit and the batter takes the advantage to take the single. That's Lunch on Day 2!
2.5
.
On a length, pitching it just outside off, angling it away, but shapes it a bit inward. Aiden Markram attempts to defend it away but gets beaten on the inside edge.
2.4
.
Back of a length, on middle. Aiden Markram dabs it down the track.
2.3
.
Fullish, on middle and off. Aiden Markram looks to push it toward cover but the ball gets the inside edge and it rolls toward sqaure leg.
2.2
.
Pitches it up, on off. Aiden Markram pushes it toward mid off.
2.1
.
That was really a close call! Shaheen Afridi scoots from over the stumps and bowls it on a good length, on middle and off. Aiden Markram lunges halfway to push it toward mid off but the ball misses the inner edge and thumps the back thigh pad. After appeals for LBW, Pakistan opts for a review. The UlraEdge shows no bat involvement and the Ball Tracking shows wickets hitting umpire's call. So, Pakistan will retain their review but on field decision stands!
A loud appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Pakistan do go for the review and the third umpire is called in. There is no bat involved and Ball Tracking shows the wickets as Umpire's call which means Aiden Markram survives and Pakistan keep the review as well. NOT OUT!
In over# 2
2
0
1
1
0
0
Noman Ali 4/0(1)
1.6
2
Pitches it up, around the pads of the batter. Ryan Rickelton tickles it away toward left of deep fine leg for a couple of runs.
1.5
.
Tossed up, on off. Ryan Rickelton hangs back and keeps it out.
1.4
1
Short, on middle. Aiden Markram punches it toward long off for single.
1.3
1
Noman Ali drags his length back on off. Ryan Rickelton pushes it toward wide of backward point for the single. Ryan is off the mark as well!
1.2
.
Short, on off, turning it in. Ryan Rickelton pushes it toward the off side.
1.1
.
Pitches it up, outside off. Ryan Rickelton goes deep into the crease and plays the inside line.
Noman Ali to operate from the other end.
In over# 1
0
0
4
0
0
0
Shaheen Afridi 4/0(1)