PAK vs SA, 2nd Test Day 3: South Africa tail wags to get upper hand over Pakistan

South Africa put up a rearguard partnership to turn the second Test against Pakistan on its head and take the upper hand after an enthralling third day’s play in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Spinner Simon Harmer took three wickets to leave Pakistan 94 for four at stumps in its second innings, with a slender 23-run lead, but it was the comeback from the South African tail that saw the tourist go on top with two days left.

Seerun Muthusamy scored an unbeaten 89 and Kagiso Rabada a maiden Test fifty as South Africa’s lower order hauled the side out of trouble and secured a 71-run lead.

South Africa started the day on 185 for four, trailing by 148 runs, and was in trouble when it lost three wickets in the first hour to be 210 for seven, well behind Pakistan’s first innings total of 333.

But Muthusamy led a comeback. He was stranded 11 runs short of a maiden Test century while Rabada’s 71-run knock, which ended as he was caught slogging, was his highest Test score. It was only the third time a South African No. 11 batter had scored a Test half-century.

The pair put on 98 for the last wicket after Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj had a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket, frustrating the Pakistan bowlers. Maharaj was stumped for 30.

Pakistan’s hopes now rest on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were unbeaten at stumps.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

The home side snagged its first wicket with the fourth ball of the day, with its 38-year-old debutant Asif Afridi going on to post figures of six for 79.

But his performance was overshadowed by the tourist’s tail, which scored 119 runs in the middle session and took the run rate up to 4.67 before being finally dismissed at tea.

Pakistan’s reply was full of nerves and saw its opening trio of batters removed cheaply, to be reeling at 16 for three before the highly-rated Babar Azam came to the crease to wild applause at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. He will be key to Pakistan’s chances on Thursday, as he is unbeaten on 49 with Mohammad Rizwan on 16. Pakistan is ahead in the two-test series after winning by 93 runs in Lahore last week.

Published on Oct 22, 2025