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Pakistan vs. South Africa 2nd Test 2025: Live Updates and Analysis

The ongoing second Test series between Pakistan and South Africa has taken an interesting turn as Pakistan puts on a solid show against the visitors. After a dominant session in Lahore, Pakistan continued their momentum in Rawalpindi, amassing a strong score during the first session. With South Africa needing to bounce back after a tough World Test Championship, all eyes are on how they handle the spin challenge.

Pakistan came out strong after winning the toss, with the opening pair of Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq providing a sturdy foundation. Despite facing probing deliveries from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, the Pakistani openers managed to weather the storm and capitalize on loose deliveries. Shafique and Imam showed resilience and determination, setting the tone for a solid start.

The session saw some standout performances, with Simon Harmer's delivery to dismiss Imam being a highlight for South Africa. However, apart from that breakthrough, the visitors struggled to make further inroads against a determined Pakistani batting lineup. Pakistani skipper Shan Masood showcased his adaptability by using his feet effectively against the spinners, while Shafique rode his luck after surviving a couple of early scares.

As the afternoon session beckons, South Africa will be looking for a breakthrough to stem Pakistan's momentum. The pitch, despite initial speculations about its nature, has not shown any alarming signs, providing a relatively even contest between bat and ball. With the ball getting older, conditions might favor the batsmen as the day progresses, posing a challenge for the South African bowlers.

Marco Jansen's ability to find reverse swing before lunch could be a key factor to watch out for in the upcoming session. The young seamer showed promise with his variations, hinting at the potential to trouble the Pakistani batsmen. As the game unfolds, both teams will be keen on capitalizing on key moments to gain the upper hand in the match.

In the broader context of the series, South Africa, coming off a victory in the World Test Championship, will be eager to avoid a whitewash in their first series post-WTC triumph. With Pakistan asserting their dominance in the series so far, the visitors will need to regroup and come up with a game plan to stage a comeback in Rawalpindi.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and live scores as the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa unfolds. Can South Africa turn the tide in their favor, or will Pakistan continue their strong showing and press for a series win? The action promises to be enthralling as the battle between bat and ball intensifies in Rawalpindi.

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