PAK vs SA : Abdullah Shafique survives as bails stay intact despite ball hitting off-stump on Day 2 of Rawalpindi Test

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During the second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa at Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s batter Abdullah Shafique delivered a remarkable performance, surviving a tense moment where the ball struck his off-stump yet left the bails undisturbed. This incident, which occurred on Day 2 of the match, has become a talking point among cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike, highlighting the luck that sometimes plays a crucial role in the game.

Shafique, a key figure in Pakistan’s batting line-up, received a significant reprieve after the ball from Marco Jansen seamed in and narrowly missed hitting the stumps. The delivery, which was part of Jansen’s sixth over, beat Shafique’s defenses and pierced the gap between his bat and pad, sending a loud appeal from South Africa.

However, the on-field umpire did not dislodge the bails, and the decision was challenged by South Africa with a review. UltraEdge technology confirmed that the ball did indeed come into contact with the stumps, yet the bails remained in place, allowing Shafique to live another day on the crease.​

This incident underlines the unpredictable nature of cricket, where luck can often favour the batter. Shafique, who had previously survived a dropped catch and another close, almost-dismissal, capitalized on his fortune to go on and contribute a vital half-century. His resilience and calm under pressure set a strong foundation for Pakistan’s innings, which eventually reached an impressive total of 333 before the close of play.​

Abdullah Shafique 6 Catches drop.

— ShahJahan (@ShahJahanba56) October 20, 2025

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Pakistan’s innings was built on solid partnerships and tactical discipline, with Shan Masood leading the charge with an elegant 87. Shafique’s early survival was crucial, especially in a pitch expected to favour spin, which is evident from the match flow and the pitch behaviour observed during the game. Pakistan’s batters benefitted from South Africa’s lapses in the field, with multiple dropped catches contributing to their ability to amass a substantial total. The Pakistani team capitalized on these moments of misfortune by South Africa, reinforcing their dominant position in the match.​

The South Africans’ efforts were notably spearheaded by Keshav Maharaj, who took seven wickets in the first innings, pulling Pakistan back after a strong start. Despite this, Pakistan’s first innings score of 333 provides them a commanding lead, putting South Africa under pressure to respond effectively in the remaining innings.

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