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Keshav Maharaj shines with 7-wicket spell as Pakistan-South Africa 2nd Test hangs in the balance
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Keshav Maharaj (Image Source: Getty)

Keshav Maharaj shines with 7-wicket spell as Pakistan-South Africa 2nd Test hangs in the balance

DB

Dherandra Bisht

Modified 23 October 2025 at 03:57 AM IST -3 min read

South Africa’s spinner Keshav Maharaj took seven wickets to wreck Pakistan’s batting on day two of the second Test in Rawalpindi. He became the first overseas bowler to do this at the ground. Pakistan scored 333 all out. South Africa reached 185 for four, still 148 runs behind at the end of play.

Keshav Maharaj’s seven wickets change the game for South Africa

Keshav Maharaj came back from injury and bowled brilliantly on the dry pitch in Rawalpindi. Pakistan started the day at 259 for five and looked strong as they added more runs easily. But Maharaj broke through by getting Salman Agha out leg-before with a ball that turned in sharply. This ended a good stand and gave South Africa new hope.

Next, Maharaj caught Saud Shakeel at slip after he made a steady fifty. Shakeel edged a spinning ball that turned away from him. This quick wicket made Pakistan’s batsmen nervous and led to a fast collapse. Maharaj then bowled Shaheen Afridi with a full straight ball for zero runs.

He finished the innings by taking Sajid Khan and Naseem Shah soon after. Pakistan lost their last five wickets for only 17 runs. This was Maharaj’s 12th five-wicket haul in Tests. His captain praised his calm bowling that forced mistakes from the Pakistan batsmen.

Keshav Maharaj’s clever plan beats Babar Azam

Keshav Maharaj talked about his smart bowling against Pakistan’s top batter Babar Azam on the turning track in Rawalpindi. Babar scored 23 and 42 in the first Test but made just 16 this time. He got caught at a silly point after playing hard at a high floating ball from Maharaj.

The ball looped up and took the edge as Babar pushed away from his body. After the match, Maharaj explained his thinking against a batter who attacks spin well.

 “Yeah, look, we know Babar was very proactive against spin. I was fortunate enough to watch the entire previous Test and saw how he approached his innings on a really difficult wicket for batters. The last time I got him out was LBW, but he’s obviously adjusted his game plan against me. We don’t bowl for silly point catches, but sometimes the trajectory in the air can lead to opportunities”, he said.

Maharaj also shared his key bowling tips for tough pitches where runs come slowly. He changes speed and height to make batsmen miss or edge the ball. He uses video to find where batters score and sets fields to stop them. 

“Yeah, I think the one thing, apart from pace, is consistency. I rely heavily on it because I believe that on a wicket that’s not offering much, I have to be consistent; otherwise, the batters find it easy to score. I also focus on good field placements and do a lot of analysis afterwards, identifying areas where the batter scores. With consistency and clarity, I’m able to execute my plans during the game”, Maharaj added.

South Africa batted well later with Tristan Stubbs on 68 not out and Tony de Zorzi on 55. Maharaj’s smart play keeps the Test match very close. Both teams must handle spin well in the coming days.

Dherandra Bisht

Dherandra is a College Football writer at Sports League Season. An athlete-turned-writer, he brings on-field perspective to his coverage, highlighting the energy, rivalries, and culture that define campus football. His reporting emphasizes quick-turn updates and nuanced storytelling, connecting directly with engaged fans. Dherandra believes the vibrant atmosphere at college football games fosters community and is central to the sport’s growth in America.

View all articles by Dherandra Bisht

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