Tristan Stubbs Anchors South Africa’s Fightback in a Well Balanced Rawalpindi Test

The second test between South Africa and Pakistan is looking well balanced, as Tristan Stubbs is holding the key for SA’s fightback in the 1st innings. It is turning out to be a great knock, because Stubbs is playing the spin attack of Pakistan quite comfortably. A lot of responsibility is on his shoulders now, because the top order of Proteas has been removed by Pakistan. At the end of the day, South Africa managed to score 185 runs by losing 4 wickets.

When the second day of the Rawalpindi test started, Pakistan was looking well set to go past 400 runs. Both Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel started the innings well, as they played the South African spin cautiously. Due to their smart batting, Pakistan went past the 300 runs easily without losing any wicket.

Things were looking well set, until Salman Ali Agha got out to Keshav Maharaj after making 45 runs. Soon after, Saud Shakeel was also dismissed, leading Pakistan into chaos once again. This double-wicket blow dented the plans of Pakistan, as South Africa seized the opportunity to put more pressure on Pakistan.

They cleaned up the lower order of Pakistan quickly, making sure to wrap the innings inside 350. The fine bowling performance of the Proteas worked well, and Pakistan were bowled out after making just 333 runs in the first innings. Keshav Maharaj remained the star bowler of the 1st innings, as he demolished the Pakistan batting order single-handedly by picking seven wickets.

When South Africa came out to bat, they started the innings cautiously. However, a fine bowling spell by Shaheen Shah Afridi made the first breakthrough for Pakistan when Ryan Rickelton got out after making just 14 runs. It was then Tristan Stubbs came to the crease and showcased a solid batting display. He was well supported by Tony de Zorzi at the other end, who also showcased his class by playing spin comfortably.

Tony de Zorzi’s splendid batting eased the pressure on Stubbs. He took down the bowlers confidently by utilizing sweeps regularly. It was indeed a great batting display that put the Pakistan bowlers under a lot of pressure. He scored a valuable 55 runs before getting out to the debutant Asif Afridi in the last session of the day.

Tristan Stubbs, on the other end, remained firm, as he knew how important his role was in the match. Due to his strong resistance, South Africa managed to score 185 runs while losing 4 wickets at the end of the second day.

After the match, the South African batting coach, Ashwell Prince, praised the performance of the players. He said that there is a lot of game still left, so batters have time to find their rhythm in the match.

"I don't think with three days to go it's necessary to go a lot quicker but the important thing is for every batter who goes out there to find his natural rhythm of play," said Ashwell Prince.

He further said that batters need to find out areas where they can hit the ball for singles and doubles. He added that players should not be in a hurry, because there is a lot of time still left to score big in the innings.

"What we try and emphasise is finding your tempo and marrying strong defence with good scoring opportunities. It's important for all of them to know where their singles are and to understand which kind of boundary options they may be looking at but as far as time is concerned I don't think there's any rush." said Ashwell Prince.

South Africa will start the third day on a high note, as Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne are currently looking firm at the crease. Pakistan will try to pick quick wickets in the first session, so that the charge of South Africa can be halted. It would therefore be a great day at Rawalpindi in which both teams will try to execute their plans to get a lead in the first innings.