Maharaj 7-102 Evens Test; Afridi Debuts

Pakistan posted 333 in the first innings, helped by Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha. South Africa’s recalled left-armer Keshav Maharaj returned figures of 7-102 as the match remained finely balanced. The Proteas steadied from 54-2 with a 113‑run partnership between Tristan Stubbs (68*) and Tony de Zorzi (55). Debutant 38‑year‑old Asif Afridi took 2-24 to keep Pakistan competitive; Afridi is Pakistan’s second‑oldest Test debutant and had previously served a PCB ban under the anti‑corruption code before being cleared. Sloppy South African fielding (several dropped chances) helped Pakistan reach 259/5 on the opening day and underlined how small margins will decide the remaining play in Rawalpindi. Pakistan have signalled continued reliance on spin and will aim to pile up a big first-innings total as they try to seal a 2-0 series sweep while South Africa look to level the two-match series.