Cricket fever peaks as Pakistan face South Africa

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Cricket fever gripped Rawalpindi on Tuesday as enthusiastic fans turned out in large numbers to witness the second day of the ongoing Pakistan–South Africa Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Amid pleasant weather and a festive atmosphere, the stands were filled with students, families, and local residents who cheered passionately for their favourite players throughout the day.

To promote greater public engagement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced free entry for spectators in the Javed Miandad, Yasir Arafat, and Miran Bakhsh enclosures for the duration of the Test match. The initiative aims to bring fans closer to red-ball cricket and enhance the live match experience while promoting stadium attendance and cricket culture across the country.

Meanwhile, on the field, South Africa reached 86-2 at tea in reply to Pakistan’s first innings total of 333. Spinner Keshav Maharaj dominated the morning session, claiming seven wickets for 102 runs, his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, after missing the opening match due to injury.

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Pakistan, resuming from an overnight score of 259-5, looked solid as Saud Shakeel (66) and Salman Agha (45) added a 70-run stand before Maharaj triggered a late collapse. The hosts lost their last five wickets for just 17 runs.

In South Africa’s reply, Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early to remove Ryan Rickelton (14), while captain Aiden Markram (32) fell to Sajid Khan after briefly attacking debutant Asif Afridi.

At the break, Tristan Stubbs (23) and Tony de Zorzi (13) were at the crease with South Africa trailing by 247 runs.

Pakistan, who won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, are looking to seal a series sweep against the visitors.