Srinagar, October 22: South African spinner Simon Harmer turned the tide with a brilliant three-wicket burst, but Babar Azam’s resilient knock helped Pakistan regain some control as the hosts closed day three of the Rawalpindi Test at 94-4, holding a slender 23-run lead over South Africa in the second and final Test match.
Pakistan’s Second Innings: Harmer Strikes Early
Resuming their second innings with a deficit of 71 runs, Pakistan had a rough start. Harmer got the early breakthrough by removing Imam-ul-Haq for nine. He soon trapped captain Shan Masood for a duck, leaving Pakistan reeling at 16-2 within the first six overs.
The situation deteriorated further when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Abdullah Shafique for six, tightening South Africa’s grip on the match. However, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a patient 44-run partnership, taking Pakistan past the 50-run mark.
Harmer continued his excellent rhythm, striking again to dismiss Saud for 11 off 43 balls, completing a fine three-wicket spell that reduced Pakistan to 60-4.
From there, Babar Azam showed his class and composure, batting fluently and finding a dependable partner in Mohammad Rizwan. The duo helped Pakistan erase the deficit and take a modest lead before stumps.
At the close of play, Babar remained unbeaten on 49 off 83 balls, while Rizwan was not out on 16 off 49 deliveries. The hosts will resume on day four looking to build on their slender advantage.
South Africa’s First Innings: Muthusamy and Rabada Lead Fightback
Earlier, South Africa secured a 71-run first-innings lead, thanks to a strong lower-order recovery led by Senuran Muthusamy (89)* and Kagiso Rabada (71).
After early wickets by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan left the visitors at 54-2, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs rebuilt with a solid 113-run partnership for the third wicket. Both reached their fifties before debutant Asif Afridi sparked a collapse, removing de Zorzi (55), Dewald Brevis (0), and Kyle Verreynne (10).
Stubbs fought hard for his 76 off 205 balls but eventually fell to Asif, who continued his dream debut by cleaning up Simon Harmer for two to complete a six-wicket haul (6/79) — a standout performance in his maiden Test.
However, South Africa’s lower order turned the momentum again. Muthusamy played a composed hand, registering his second Test fifty, while Rabada counterattacked, smashing four fours and four sixes during his entertaining 71 off 61 balls.
The duo added 98 runs for the final wicket, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and propelling the visitors to 404 all out, surpassing Pakistan’s 333.
Noman Ali picked up 2 for 85, while Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan chipped in with one wicket each.
Pakistan’s First Innings: Masood and Saud Anchor Early Effort
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 333 in 113.4 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Captain Shan Masood top-scored with 87 off 176 balls, including two fours and three sixes. Saud Shakeel (66) and Abdullah Shafique (57) also contributed valuable fifties, while Salman Ali Agha added 45.
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj was the star with the ball, delivering a masterclass in control and patience. He finished with 7 for 102 in 42.4 overs, while Harmer claimed two wickets and Rabada one.
Day Four Preview: Momentum in the Balance
As the Test enters its fourth day, the match remains delicately poised. Pakistan will depend heavily on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to extend the lead to a competitive total, while South Africa will aim to exploit the wearing surface through Harmer and Maharaj’s spin duo.
With both teams showing flashes of brilliance, the Rawalpindi Test promises a gripping finish in the coming days.
