Keshav Maharaj from South Africa claimed seven wickets, positioning the second Pakistan Test in Rawalpindi in a tight contest as the visitors ended at 185-4 on Tuesday.
The left-arm spinner Maharaj achieved figures of 7-102, marking his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests, and played a key role in bowling Pakistan out for 333 on a pitch that favored spin.
Pakistan’s seasoned debutant spinner Asif Afridi took pivotal wickets of Tony de Zorzi (55) and Dewald Brevis for zero, curbing South Africa’s response.
By the end of day two, Tristan Stubbs was unbeaten on 68, having formed a crucial 113-run partnership for the third wicket with De Zorzi, who contributed a polished half-century, lifting the visitors from 54-2.
Just as the pair seemed to stabilize the innings, 38-year-old Asif trapped De Zorzi leg-before, securing his first wicket upon review.
In his subsequent over, he dismissed Brevis in the slips without scoring.
Kyle Verreynne remained not out at 10 as South Africa trailed by 148 runs, aiming to level the series after a 93-run loss in the first Test in Lahore.
Asif recorded figures of 2-24, while Sajid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi each took a wicket.
In South Africa’s innings, fast bowler Shaheen quickly dismissed Ryan Rickelton, caught behind for 14.
Visiting captain Aiden Markram attempted aggression against the home spinners, hitting debutant Asif for a six before being caught off Sajid at long-on for 32.
The highlight of the day was Maharaj’s outstanding bowling performance.
The left-armer, who missed the first Test due to injury, effectively utilized the dry Rawalpindi pitch.
Pakistan started at 259-5, reaching 316 without trouble before Maharaj’s impact began.
After taking two wickets on day one, he broke through Salman Agha’s defense, trapping him leg-before for 45, giving World Test champions hope of a swift innings closure.
Agha hit five fours and shared a 70-run stand with Saud Shakeel for the sixth wicket.
Shakeel appeared steady, reaching his 10th half-century with a couple off Maharaj.
However, Maharaj had Shakeel caught in the slips for 66, triggering a collapse.
Maharaj bowled Shaheen for zero, marking his first five-wicket haul against Pakistan.
Maharaj closed the innings by taking wickets of Sajid (five) and Asif (four) as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 17 runs.
