Special Correspondent
Pakistan’s spin duo, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, turned the tide on Day 2 of the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, putting the visitors on the back foot as they closed the day at 216 for 6 in reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 378.
At stumps, Tony de Zorzi was the lone pillar of resistance for South Africa, remaining unbeaten on 81 off 140 deliveries, with Senuran Muthusamy not out on 6. The Proteas still trail by 162 runs, leaving Pakistan firmly in control heading into Day 3.
Muthusamy leads South Africa’s fightback with six-wicket haul
Earlier in the day, South Africa clawed their way back into contention through left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed a career-best 6 for 117 to bundle Pakistan out for 378 just before lunch.
Resuming on 313 for 5, Pakistan appeared well set for a 400-plus total, with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha extending their sixth-wicket stand to 150 runs, the highest for Pakistan against South Africa on home soil.
Rizwan played with trademark resilience, scoring 75 off 140 balls with two fours and two sixes, while Salman displayed aggression and control in his 93 off 145 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes. However, once Muthusamy broke the partnership by dismissing Rizwan with a sharp turner, Pakistan’s innings collapsed dramatically.
Within the space of eight balls, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi perished without scoring as Pakistan slipped from 362 for 5 to 362 for 8. Salman’s counterattack ended soon after when he holed out to long-on, giving Prenelan Subrayen his second wicket. Muthusamy’s six-wicket haul was complemented by Subrayen’s 2 for 78, while Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer picked up one apiece.
De Zorzi stands tall amid spin storm
In reply, South Africa’s openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton survived the remaining overs before lunch but failed to build a strong foundation. Markram departed for 20, trapped LBW by Shaheen Afridi after a successful review, while Wiaan Mulder edged to slip for 17, leaving South Africa reeling at 80 for 2.
Rickelton, however, looked solid and composed, putting together a 94-run partnership with Tony de Zorzi. The left-handed opener compiled a patient 71 off 137 balls, laced with nine fours and two sixes, before he was undone by Noman Ali’s flight and drift.
From there, Pakistan’s spinners took complete command. Dewald Brevis (0), Tristan Stubbs (8), and Kyle Verreynne (2) all fell cheaply, with Noman Ali (4 for 68) weaving his web around the South African middle order. Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha chipped in with a wicket apiece as South Africa stumbled to 216 for 6 by close of play.
De Zorzi held firm, mixing patience with elegant strokeplay, striking nine boundaries and a six in a knock that kept South Africa’s hopes afloat.
Pitch and prospects
The surface at Gaddafi Stadium continued to show signs of variable bounce and increasing turn as the day progressed—conditions tailor-made for Pakistan’s spin trio. With South Africa’s lower order exposed and the deficit still substantial, Day 3 could prove decisive in shaping the course of the match.
For Pakistan, Noman Ali’s control and consistency underlined their home advantage, while for South Africa, much will depend on whether de Zorzi can carry his bat deep and narrow the gap.
As things stand, Pakistan hold the upper hand—thanks to disciplined bowling, patient batting, and a spin-friendly pitch that promises an absorbing third day’s play.
