PAK vs SA 2025, 1st Test Day 2 Review: Noman Ali hauls visitors, Zorzi steadies as Pakistan retain upper hand

Pakistan bounced back strongly after South Africa began steadily with the bat on the second day of the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on October 13. By the end of the opening day's play, the visiting side trailed Pakistan by 162 runs.

Pakistan resumed their innings on Day 2 at 313/5 and added 65 more runs to their first-innings total, eventually being all out for 378 in 110.4 overs. Imam-ul-Haq played a well-crafted innings of 93 runs off 153 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 75 off 140 deliveries. Salman Ali Agha also narrowly missed a century, scoring 93 runs off 145 balls, including five fours and three sixes.

Rizwan and Agha shared a crucial 163-run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping the hosts post a challenging total. From the South African bowling attack, Senuran Muthusamy was the standout performer, claiming 6 wickets for 117 runs in 32 overs, including six maidens.

South Africa began their first innings with Aiden Markram dismissed for 20, followed by Wiaan Mulder scoring 17. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with a 94-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Pakistan spinner Noman Ali slowed down the scoring rate and created pressure on the Proteas middle order.

Rickelton fell for 71 off 137 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. South Africa then lost key middle-order batters cheaply, with Tristan Stubbs making 8, Dewald Brevis a duck, and Kyle Verreynne scoring 2. De Zorzi remained resilient, holding one end, while Muthusamy stayed not out at the other. By the close of play on Day 2, De Zorzi was unbeaten on 81 off 140 balls, and Muthusamy remained 6* at the crease.

South Africa ended the day at 216/6 in 67 overs, still trailing by 162 runs. Noman Ali was the most successful bowler for the hosts, finishing with figures of 4/85, while Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha took one wicket each. The Shan Masood-led side's fightback on Monday ensured they retained the upper hand and put pressure on the Proteas going into Day 3.