RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again in the Rawalpindi Test, setting South Africa a modest target of just 68 runs after a disappointing second innings performance on the fourth day of play.
Resuming their second innings with a 71-run deficit, Pakistan struggled from the outset as wickets tumbled rapidly in the morning session. Key batters Imam-ul-Haq (9), captain Shan Masood (0), Abdullah Shafique (6), and Saud Shakeel (11) all failed to make an impact, leaving the hosts in deep trouble.
Earlier, Pakistan had scored 333 runs in their first innings, while the visitors replied strongly with 404, thanks to valuable lower-order partnerships.
South Africa’s tail-enders delivered a remarkable performance — Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy added 71 runs, followed by a 98-run stand between Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada.
Later, Marco Jansen contributed 25 runs, while Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi combined for another 113-run partnership. The final three wickets collectively added 194 runs, giving South Africa a crucial first-innings lead.
For Pakistan, Asif Afridi was the standout bowler with six wickets, while Nauman Ali claimed two, and Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan picked up one wicket each.
