South Africa closed Day 2 of the second Test against Pakistan on 185/4, thanks to a calm middle-order effort that kept them firmly in the game.
After losing an early wicket, the Proteas rebuild began with a patient knock from their number 4, who weathered some tight bowling and tricky bounce to add a composed fifty.
Pakistan never let the visitors settle for long. Their pace duo maintained a nagging line outside off stump, forcing cautious leaves and faint edges.
In the 30th over, a superb spell from the young quick saw him beat the bat repeatedly, but luck wasn’t on his side as several chances went begging. Later, the spinners chipped in with tidy overs, tightening the screws before lunch.
When play resumed, South Africa’s middle order showed grit. The skipper joined forces with their No. 6 to put on a 60-run stand, blending watchful defense with well-timed drives through the off side. That partnership injected momentum, allowing the Proteas to edge ahead of the required run rate without losing further wickets.
With two days gone, the contest is delicately poised. Pakistan will look to exploit the pitch’s turn on Day 3, while South Africa must guard against another late collapse.
Fans can expect a tense morning session, where quick breakthroughs could swing the match back in Pakistan’s favor, or the Proteas may build on their current advantage and push for a lead.
