Rawalpindi, Oct. 20 -- It might not have looked that way when Pakistan were cruising at 146/1, but by stumps, South Africa had fought their way back into the contest enough for spinner Keshav Maharaj to term it an even day. The left-arm spinner, who missed the opening Test due to a groin injury, played a crucial role in South Africa's resurgence, as per ESPNcricinfo.

He first removed home favourite Babar Azam early in his innings and later, in the final session, dismissed Pakistan skipper Shan Masood, who mistimed a sweep straight to Marco Jansen at square leg.

Towards the end, Kagiso Rabada struck again to pick up the fifth wicket, forcing Pakistan to bat cautiously in the last half hour of play and finish on 259/5.

"I think it was an...