Pakistan’s Babar Azam played a crucial role in keeping his team in the match with an impressive unbeaten 49 runs as South Africa staged a remarkable comeback in the second Test in Rawalpindi. Spinner Simon Harmer took three wickets, leaving Pakistan at 94 for 4 by stumps in their second innings with a narrow 23-run lead. However, it was South Africa’s lower-order batsmen who turned the tables with a strong performance, putting them in a commanding position with two days left in the game.
Following a late surge from the South African tail-enders, Pakistan found themselves effectively at 23 for 4, chasing South Africa’s 71-run lead. Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada delivered exceptional batting displays, with Rabada scoring his first Test fifty off just 38 balls. This marked a shift in momentum as Pakistan, for the first time in the series, faced pressure and had to play catch-up.
Rabada’s impressive innings overshadowed Muthusamy’s contributions, showcasing audacious strokes and powerful hits. The duo shared crucial partnerships, including a significant 98-run stand, which handed South Africa a rare advantage on a deteriorating pitch. The day witnessed a historic moment as it was only the second time in Test history that both the ninth and tenth wickets added fifty-plus runs, the first instance dating back to 1998.
Pakistan struggled against South Africa’s late onslaught, with their bowlers failing to contain the opposition. Despite a shaky start at 16 for 3, Babar Azam’s resilient knock guided Pakistan to 94 for 4, well-supported by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. Babar’s composed innings against a strong South African attack kept Pakistan’s hopes alive as he neared his 30th Test fifty.
The day also saw debutant Asif Afridi making an impact by becoming the oldest player to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut. However, South Africa’s lower order, led by Muthusamy and Rabada, counterattacked brilliantly, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers. Rabada’s aggressive batting display, culminating in a crucial fifty, tilted the game in South Africa’s favor, giving them a significant first-innings lead.
As the match progressed, Pakistan faced an uphill task after losing early wickets but found stability through Babar and Rizwan. South Africa, starting the day trailing by 148 runs, showcased resilience through their tail, particularly Muthusamy and Rabada, to secure a valuable lead. With the series currently led by Pakistan 1-0, the third day’s play in Rawalpindi marked a momentum shift in favor of South Africa.