Rawalpindi, Pakistan - A late-day surge by Pakistan, spearheaded by debutant Asif Afridi, wrestled back momentum in the second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. South Africa, responding to Pakistan's first innings total of 333, reached 185-4 at the close of play on Day 2, thanks to Afridi's timely strikes.

Earlier in the day, South Africa's Keshav Maharaj exploited the dry Rawalpindi pitch, finishing with an impressive 7-102, his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, to dismiss Pakistan for 333. Pakistan had resumed the day on 259-5. Maharaj's efforts helped South Africa claw back into the contest after a sloppy fielding display on the first day, where they dropped multiple catches.

In South Africa's reply, Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early, removing Ryan Rickelton for 14. However, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi then combined for a 113-run partnership, blunting Pakistan's spin attack for over two hours. Stubbs, displaying remarkable patience, remained unbeaten on 68.

Just as South Africa looked to be gaining the upper hand, the 38-year-old Asif Afridi, playing his first Test match, intervened. Afridi first trapped De Zorzi leg before wicket for 55, a decision that was overturned on review after the on-field umpire initially ruled in the batter's favor. Then, he induced an edge from Dewald Brevis, which was well caught by Salman Ali Agha, sending Brevis back for his second duck of the series. These two quick wickets shifted the momentum back in Pakistan's favor as South Africa slumped to 171-4.

Afridi's debut at 38 years and 299 days makes him the second-oldest Test debutant for Pakistan, surpassing Tabish Khan. Miran Bakhsh remains the oldest Pakistani cricketer to debut in Test matches, having played his first match at the age of 47 in 1955.

Pakistan is aiming to sweep the two-match series, having won the first Test by 93 runs. South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, need to win the second Test to level the series.

The hosts had won the toss and elected to bat, a decision vindicated by the pitch conditions that are expected to favor spin as the match progresses. Captain Shan Masood led from the front on the first day, scoring 87, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 57. South Africa will rue the missed opportunities in the field, which allowed Pakistan to build a competitive first-innings total.

With South Africa trailing by 148 runs, the match is delicately poised. Pakistan will look to capitalize on their late success and put pressure on the South African batting lineup, while the visitors will aim to rebuild and reduce the deficit. Kyle Verreynne will resume on 10, with Stubbs looking to build on his solid innings. The match continues to be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.