In a tight and shifting SA vs PAK Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Tony de Zorzi was South Africa’s unexpected hero on Day 2. On a wicket more and more favouring spin, de Zorzi built a solid unbeaten 81 from 140 deliveries, holding his team together through day 2.
A Day of Survival: De Zorzi’s Battle Against the Odds
De Zorzi tackled the Pakistani attack for almost three hours, the left-hander dug in, scoring runs as wickets fell around him. South Africa ended Day 2 at 6 down and trailing by 162, but with De Zorzi still at the crease, there remains hope.
LBW Appeals in SA vs PAK Thriller
De Zorzi’s innings wasn’t without drama. Pakistan’s spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali challenged him repeatedly with sharp turns and bounce. Just before tea, Sajid caught him on the pads, and the umpire signalled. De Zorzi appealed and survived.
During the last session, two other close lbw decisions were forthcoming. Both were referred by Pakistan, and both supported the “not out” decision on the field. One of his appeals was dismissed because de Zorzi had nibbled the ball onto his pad.
De Zorzi Shatters His Lean Test Spree
Before this match, Tony de Zorzi had gone through a terrible Test run, with no individual score above 20 in his previous nine innings. He had faced more than 35 deliveries just once in that time.
His most recent notable Test knock was a 177 at Chattogram (October 2024). Bowlers have largely had the upper hand since then. But on this challenging Lahore track, he demonstrated the sort of patience and intent that were lacking earlier.
Shot Selection for Survival, Not Style
9 fours – three edged, two flicked, the rest pulled, cut or swept with purpose.
1 six – a beautifully timed slog sweep over the turn off Sajid Khan, played with conviction.
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Played within himself, rarely chasing the perfect stroke, focused instead on preserving his wicket.
Calm Under Fire: De Zorzi’s Zen Moment
Perhaps the most telling moment came not with a boundary or a reprieve, but with a calm gesture. After Salman Khan beat his bat with a vicious turner, keeper Mohammad Rizwan whipped off the bails in hope. One bail fell close to de Zorzi, who went along without breaking step, bending down, collecting it and returning it to Rizwan.
Pakistan Collapse After Bright Start
Pakistani five wickets were lost earlier in the day for only 16 runs in less than 10 overs, disintegrating rapidly on a spinning track. South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy was taking the lead as a wicket taker for the team, taking 6 for 117, his best in Tests.
South Africa’s batting began shakily too, with four wickets falling for just 26 runs late in the day. But with de Zorzi at one end and Muthusamy joining him for the final 26 minutes, the visitors survived to stumps.
Muthusamy: “It’s About Finding Resilience”
Speaking after play, Muthusamy praised De Zorzi’s knock and emphasized the importance of mental strength in such conditions:
“It’s not perfect to have lost those wickets so near the close of play, but it does happen in Test cricket. It’s all about coming back and showing some resilience.”
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