Tristan Stubbs produced a determined unbeaten 68, while Keshav Maharaj delivered a masterclass with the ball, as South Africa fought back strongly on day two of the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

After Pakistan were bowled out for 333 in the morning session, thanks to Maharaj’s superb 7 for 102, South Africa closed on 185 for 4 in their first innings, trailing by 148 runs. The Proteas owed much to a 113-run third-wicket partnership between Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi, who steadied the innings after the early loss of openers Aiden Markram (32) and Ryan Rickelton (14).

Stubbs, who has struggled for runs in recent Tests, batted with resilience across 184 balls, defying Pakistan’s spinners on a slow surface. De Zorzi was equally composed, reaching 55 before debutant Asif Afridi trapped him lbw for his maiden Test wicket.

Afridi struck again shortly after, dismissing Dewald Brevis for nought, but Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne (10*) saw South Africa safely to stumps.

Earlier, Maharaj’s spin dismantled Pakistan’s lower order after Saud Shakeel (66) and Agha Salman (45) had lifted the hosts past 300.

Pakistan lost their final five wickets for just 17 runs, with Maharaj claiming all of them to secure his fourth Test seven-for and the best figures by a South African in Pakistan.

Maharaj is now equal with Hugh Tayfield, as the only South Africans who have taken seven wickets in a Test innings four times

With Stubbs still at the crease and six wickets in hand, South Africa will look to narrow the deficit on day three and build on a day shaped by patience, precision, and a return to form from their most seasoned spinner.