Pakistan wrest momentum with late strikes in Rawalpindi

Masood’s contributions extend beyond the boundary ropes as well; he has been involved with charity initiatives in Karachi, raising funds for flood relief and sponsoring cricket camps for underprivileged children. His holistic approach to leadership – blending performance, mentorship and community service – has endeared him to fans who value role models as much as run‑makers.

The Rawalpindi Test swung back and forth until a crucial spell late on day two. After Pakistan were bowled out for 333 – thanks largely to Keshav Maharaj’s seven‑wicket haul – South Africa started their reply confidently. Opener Ryan Rickelton drove fluently through the covers, and debutant Tony de Zorzi displayed a tight defence. When de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs came together at 72 for 2, the Proteas looked set to overhaul Pakistan’s total. They negotiated Nauman Ali’s left‑arm spin with caution and punished loose balls. Stubbs, batting at number three, curbed his natural aggression to defend resolutely, facing over 150 deliveries for his half‑century. Their partnership crossed 100, and the visitors moved to 185 for 2, trailing by less than 150 runs with eight wickets in hand.

At that moment, Pakistan needed inspiration. It came from debutant Asif Afridi, who had toiled without success for more than an hour. Bowling from around the wicket to the left‑handed de Zorzi, Afridi found a patch of rough outside off stump. He delivered an arm ball that skidded straight on, trapping de Zorzi lbw as he attempted to play for spin. The dismissal broke a 113‑run stand and sparked jubilation. Two overs later, Afridi tossed one up to the right‑handed Dewald Brevis, enticing him into a drive. The ball dipped and turned late, taking the outside edge and flying to slip where Babar Azam held a sharp catch. In the space of nine deliveries, Pakistan had reduced South Africa to 186 for 4.

The momentum shift was palpable. Shaheen Shah Afridi, reinvigorated by his namesake’s breakthroughs, produced a spell of reverse swing that removed Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen. Salman Agha bowled tight off‑spin at the other end, conceding just one boundary in eight overs. By stumps, South Africa were 230 for 6, still trailing by over 100 runs. The day underscored the value of patience and persistence on turning tracks. South Africa had been composed for long stretches but were undone by a brief lapse in concentration. Pakistan’s ability to seize such moments separated the sides. The following morning, Pakistan’s bowlers polished off the tail quickly, securing a first‑innings lead that laid the foundation for victory.

Despite the pressure, the Rawalpindi crowd’s energy never waned. Chants of “Pakistan zindabad” reverberated across the stadium, spurring the players to greater feats. Veteran commentators likened the atmosphere to classic Karachi tests of the 1990s, noting that the synergy between crowd and team seemed to sap South Africa’s resolve. Long after stumps, fans lingered outside the ground singing patriotic songs, a testament to the emotional release that a hard‑fought Test victory can provide. ## 13. Honours even after an attritional opening day in Lahore For Pakistan supporters, the Rawalpindi thriller reinforced their team’s resilience. Social media buzzed with tributes to Asif Afridi’s dream debut and Shaheen’s decisive spells, while pundits lauded Saud Shakeel’s cool head in a tense chase. The victory not only secured a series sweep but also restored faith in the side’s ability to execute game plans under pressure. Analysts suggested the match would be a reference point for future tours, illustrating how Pakistan can exploit home conditions and yet adapt when momentum shifts. In a crowded cricket calendar, it stood out as an example of Test cricket’s enduring allure. The result triggered an outpouring of pride on social media, with Rawalpindi crowds hailed for their passionate support and the resilience of Pakistan’s lower order applauded by pundits. Many fans felt the victory vindicated the team’s decision to back spinners and signaled a template for future home series. For spectators, the slow burn of day one proved that not all intrigue comes from rapid scoring; sometimes, the tension of bat and ball locked in stalemate can be equally absorbing. Those who persevered through the grind were rewarded with a match that ebbed and flowed dramatically thereafter. Day three and four continued to swing like a pendulum. South Africa’s second innings began with greater intent, as Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi attacked Pakistan’s spinners, adding 85 in the first session. However, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s post‑lunch burst reversed fortunes again; he uprooted Markram’s off stump with an in‑swinging yorker and had Stubbs caught behind with a ball that seamed away. Salman Agha then spun a web around the middle order, and South Africa collapsed to 221. Chasing 130, Pakistan stumbled to 35 for 3 under pressure from Marco Jansen’s bounce. It required a mature partnership between Saud Shakeel and Sarfaraz Ahmed to steady nerves. They rotated strike and punished loose deliveries, whittling down the target with calm assurance. Fittingly, Asif Afridi struck the winning boundary, sealing a five‑wicket victory that gave Pakistan a 2‑0 series win and vindicated their tactical choices on spin‑friendly pitches.

The series opener in Lahore provided a contrasting template to the fireworks often associated with limited‑overs cricket. After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat, hoping to put up a substantial first‑innings total on a dry pitch. However, South Africa’s spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer ensured that runs were hard to come by. Imam‑ul‑Haq was bowled through the gate by a Harmer off‑break that drifted in and straightened. Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood then embarked on a long partnership, adding 111 runs at a glacial pace. Both batters were determined to occupy the crease; boundaries were rare, and singles required deft nudges. Maharaj bowled unchanged for 20 overs, varying his flight and pace to keep the batters guessing.

South Africa’s discipline paid off when Maharaj bowled Shafique around his legs with a delivery that spun sharply. Babar Azam, under pressure to score big, lasted only six balls before falling lbw to Maharaj. Masood continued to grind but eventually fell for 73. Saud Shakeel provided resistance with a dogged 54 not out, using his strong wrists to work the ball into gaps. At stumps, Pakistan were 251 for 5 – neither a dominant position nor a disaster. The day was characterised by attritional cricket: 90 overs produced just five wickets and 251 runs. Purists appreciated the absorbing contest, while some viewers found the slow tempo challenging.

From a strategic standpoint, the day highlighted the importance of defensive batting on turning pitches. Both teams recognised that attacking unnecessarily could lead to collapse. Fielding became an art of patience, with catchers stationed around the bat waiting for the slightest error. The umpires were called upon to adjudicate close lbws and bat-pad catches. The crowd, though smaller than for limited‑overs matches, responded with applause for every single and occasional boundary. By the end of the day, neither side could claim momentum; honours were even, setting the stage for a gripping match where each session would have its own narrative.