RAWALPINDI – In a dramatic turn of events on Day 3 of the second Test, a record-breaking tenth-wicket partnership between Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada gave South Africa an unlikely first-innings lead, but a steadying partnership from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan helped Pakistan recover from an early collapse.
South Africa’s spirited comeback
After Pakistan's debutant spinner Asif Afridi claimed a historic five-wicket haul to reduce South Africa to 210 for 7, it appeared Pakistan was poised to take a large first-innings lead. However, South Africa's tailenders had other plans.
Muthusamy and Maharaj resisted with a 71-run stand for the ninth wicket.
Muthusamy and Rabada then combined for a scintillating 98-run partnership for the final wicket, the highest score by a number 11 batter for South Africa.
Rabada's heroics: The fast bowler smashed a remarkable 71 runs from 61 balls, including four fours and four sixes, before being dismissed.
Muthusamy's defiance: The batsman remained unbeaten on 89, shepherding the tail to a competitive total of 404 and giving his team a 71-run lead.
Pakistan’s top-order struggles
Chasing a deficit, Pakistan's second innings began poorly, with South Africa's bowlers capitalizing on the momentum.
Early wickets: Rabada struck early, and Simon Harmer ripped through the top order, taking three wickets and leaving Pakistan reeling at 60 for 4.
The recovery: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then combined to stabilize the innings, putting on a defiant partnership to see Pakistan safely to the close of play.
Close of play: At stumps, Pakistan had recovered to 94 for 4, now trailing South Africa by just 23 runs.
The Test match is now evenly poised, with Day 4 promising to be a crucial day in a match that has already witnessed several momentum swings.
