During the second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s batter Abdullah Shafique showcased a noteworthy display, navigating a precarious instance where the ball impacted his off-stump yet failed to dislodge the bails. This occurrence, which unfolded on Day 2 of the match, has gained attention among cricket followers and commentators alike, emphasizing the role of fortune in the sport.
Abdullah Shafique’s narrow escape on Day 2 of the Rawalpindi Test
Shafique, an important element in Pakistan’s batting order, experienced a timely stroke of luck when the ball from Marco Jansen deviated in and almost made contact with the stumps. The delivery, part of Jansen’s sixth over, eluded Shafique’s defense and entered the space between his bat and pad, drawing a loud appeal from South Africa.
Nevertheless, the umpire on the field did not remove the bails, and South Africa contested the call with a review. UltraEdge technology verified the ball’s contact with the stumps, but the bails remained unmoved, allowing Shafique to continue his innings.
This episode highlights cricket’s inherent uncertainties, where fortune can often favor the batter. Shafique, who had previously survived a missed catch and another near-dismissal, took advantage of his good luck to make a valuable half-century. His composed nature under duress provided a firm base for Pakistan’s innings, which eventually reached an impressive total of 333 before the day’s end.
Here’s the video:
Abdullah Shafique 6 Catches drop. pic.twitter.com/x62vus1p26
— ShahJahan (@ShahJahanba56) October 20, 2025
Pakistan’s strong position with a sturdy first innings score
Pakistan’s innings was grounded in strong partnerships and careful play, with Shan Masood setting the pace with an elegant 87. Shafique’s early fortune proved crucial, especially on a pitch expected to favor spin, a factor evident from the game’s progress and the pitch’s responsiveness during the match. Pakistan’s batters gained from South Africa’s fielding errors, including several dropped catches that aided their ability to build a significant total. The Pakistani team exploited these lapses by South Africa, solidifying their dominant position in the match.
The South Africans’ efforts were especially led by Keshav Maharaj, who claimed seven wickets in the first innings, holding Pakistan back after a positive start. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s first innings score of 333 gives them a significant advantage, placing South Africa under pressure to deliver a strong response in the upcoming innings.
