South Africa fight back strongly as Pakistan are rattled on day 3 of 2nd test

 


South African lower order scripted a stellar fightback as the tourists take a sizeable first innings lead & then had the hosts in trouble in the 2nd innings .

Babar Azam has taken charge during a difficult phase for Pakistan — the team’s hopes now rest squarely on his shoulders. Pakistan’s top order collapsed in the second innings, with Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood failing once again. On the third evening in Rawalpindi, Pakistan reached 94 for 4, holding a slender lead of 23 runs over South Africa, with six wickets remaining.

At the end of Day 2, Pakistan seemed to be in control. South Africa’s batting was under pressure, and Pakistan appeared poised to take a significant first-innings lead. However, they were unprepared for the counterattack launched by Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada. The last two South African wickets added a remarkable 169 runs. First, Muthusamy put on a 71-run partnership with Keshav Maharaj (30), followed by a record 98-run stand for the tenth wicket with Rabada. Rabada smashed 71 off just 61 balls before being dismissed, while Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89. South Africa’s innings ended at 404, giving them a 71-run lead.

Rabada’s innings was historic — batting at No. 11, he broke a 119-year-old record. The previous highest score by a No. 11 batsman was 62* by Bert Vogler against England in 1906. Rabada’s 71 included four fours and four sixes, rewriting the record books.

Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi also etched his name in history. Making his Test debut at the age of 38, he claimed six wickets in the first innings — the oldest bowler ever to take a five-wicket haul on debut in Test cricket. The left-arm spinner bowled 34.3 overs, conceding 79 runs for his six wickets, breaking a 92-year-old record held by England’s Charles Marriott, who took five wickets on debut at age 37. Without Afridi’s efforts, Pakistan would have been in even deeper trouble, especially as the previous Test heroes, spinners Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan, failed to make an impact this time — Nauman took 2 for 92 and Sajid 1 for 119.

In the second innings, Pakistan’s batting faltered again. South African spinner Simon Harmer tore through the top order, making the batsmen look helpless. Imam-ul-Haq (9), Abdullah Shafique (6), captain Shan Masood (0), and Saud Shakeel (11) all failed. Harmer took three wickets in a brilliant spell.

Amid the collapse, Babar stood firm. He first added 44 runs with Shakeel and then 34 with Mohammad Rizwan, steadying the innings. By stumps, Pakistan were 94 for 4, with Babar unbeaten on 49 and Rizwan on 16. For Pakistan to set South Africa a challenging target, these two must deliver on the fourth day — especially since, beyond Salman Ali Agha, there isn’t much batting depth left. All eyes will now be on how Babar and Rizwan handle the pressure when play resumes.


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