Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

In a gripping display of spin bowling, Keshav Maharaj took centre-stage in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, claiming 7 wickets for 102 runs to bowl Pakistan out for 333 in the first innings of the second Test. That spell has shifted the balance of the match firmly in South Africa’s favour — at least for now.

Maharaj’s return from injury could not have been timelier for the Proteas, as the series stood at 1-0 in favour of Pakistan after the first Test. On a turning, abrasive pitch in Rawalpindi, the left-arm spinner exploited conditions and composure to devastating effect. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

Let’s unpack how Maharaj achieved this feat, who he dismissed along the way, what it means for the match and the broader series, and why this performance matters for South Africa’s bid to level things up.

Maharaj’s Spell: Key Dismissals

Maharaj’s figures: 7-102 from 42.4 overs (as per the reports).

Here are some of the batters Maharaj dismissed (or triggered their dismissal) during his spell:

• Salman Ali Agha – trapped LBW for 45, breaking the stand with Saud Shakeel.

• Saud Shakeel – caught in the slips off Maharaj for 66. The partnership of 70 runs had threatened to steady Pakistan’s innings.

• Shaheen Shah Afridi – bowled for 0, marking the start of the collapse.

• Sajid Khan – dismissed as part of the tail-end collapse.

• Asif Afridi – one of the last wickets to fall under Maharaj’s spell.

In fact, Maharaj took all of the final five wickets in the Pakistan innings, for just 17 runs. That collapse turned a somewhat healthy total into one that South Africa would view as a platform.

Match Context & Pitch Conditions

Pakistan resumed Day 2 at 259-5 and looked set for a strong first-innings total. However, on a dry, spin-friendly surface in Rawalpindi, Maharaj found the grip and the turn. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

His return from a groin injury (which kept him out of the first Test in Lahore) proved decisive. South Africa captain Aiden Markram had flagged his fitness as a boost for the team.

With Pakistan apparently in control, the last-hour swing brought the match back into the balance. South Africa replied by reaching 185-4 at stumps, trailing by 148 runs. The game is now very much alive. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

Why This Spell Matters

1. Momentum shift – South Africa had lost the first Test by 93 runs. Maharaj’s performance gives them a foothold in this second match and the chance to level the series.

2. Conditions exploited – A dry wicket in Pakistan is usually a spinner’s paradise. Maharaj capitalised, demonstrating not just skill but adaptability in Asian conditions.

3. Psychological impact – When the lower-order collapses, the batting team’s confidence takes a hit. Pakistan’s tail failed under pressure, which will linger.

4. Individual milestone – This was Maharaj’s 12th five-wicket haul in Tests. It added to his growing legacy as one of South Africa’s premier spinners.

The Match Situation Now

After Maharaj’s demolition of the Pakistan batting line-up, South Africa have a chance to press. With 185-4 at stumps and the lead at 148 runs, they can shape the match on Day 3. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

Pakistan will need to dig deep – their lower order failed when it mattered, and now they must rely on their bowlers and batters to regroup. On the flip side, South Africa’s batters must consolidate and turn this bowling advantage into a lead.

If South Africa build a substantial lead, Pakistan may be forced into a follow-on scenario or a situation where they must bat again under pressure. That would tilt the series significantly.

What to Watch for in the Remaining Days

• Can South Africa add a 200-plus run lead and put Pakistan under real pressure?

• Will Pakistan’s second-innings batting bounce back, or will the psychological damage from this collapse linger?

• How will Maharaj perform in the next innings? Will Pakistan target him early to reduce his impact?

• Will the pitch continue to deteriorate and favour spin heavily, or will pace bowlers get a look-in?

Historical & Statistical Notes

• Maharaj now ranks among the few South African bowlers to take a seven-wicket haul in the subcontinent. He broke a 22-year-old record previously held by Paul Adams, who took 7-128 in Lahore in 2003.

• His tally of five-wicket hauls (12) underscores his consistency in Test cricket.

• Pakistan’s collapse reinforces the point that on turning wickets, lower-order resilience becomes vital.

Conclusion

Keshav Maharaj’s seven-wicket haul in Rawalpindi is more than just an individual triumph. It is a match-turning spell that has shifted momentum firmly towards South Africa. For Pakistan, this is a cross-roads moment: salvage the match with resilience or risk seeing the series slip away. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

In Test cricket, especially on turning pitches, moments like these define series. Maharaj created one. Now, it is up to both teams: South Africa to press the advantage, and Pakistan to dig in and counter-attack. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

If you’re tracking the series, keep an eye on how Pakistan bat next, how South Africa’s bowlers and batters build on the platform, and how Maharaj’s influence evolves. This spell may go down as the turning point of the series. Maharaj 7 Wicket Burst Puts South Africa-Pakistan Test in Balance

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