Muthusamy, Rabada stand has Pakistan on the mat: 2nd Test, Day 3 (Rawalpindi)

A dramatic third day in Rawalpindi saw South Africa seize control of the second Test after a remarkable lower-order revival where the last pair of Muthusamy and Rabada put on 98 runs to turn the tables on Pakistan.

Resuming on 185 for 4, the visitors slipped to 210 for 7 before Senuran Muthusamy (89*) and Kagiso Rabada (71) combined for a stunning 98-run last-wicket stand that lifted South Africa to 404 and a crucial 71-run lead.

Pakistan’s debutant spinner Asif Afridi was the standout bowler with 6 for 79, but his efforts couldn’t prevent the visitors from gaining momentum.

In their second innings, Pakistan stumbled to 94 for 4 by stumps, with captain Babar Azam unbeaten on 49 and Mohammad Rizwan on 16, leaving the hosts ahead by just 23 runs in a finely poised contest heading into Day 4.

Pakistan 333 and 94 for 4 (Babar 49*, Harmer 3-26) lead South Africa 404 (Muthusamy 89*, Stubbs 76, Rabada 71 Asif 6-79) by 23 runs.

Oct 2025.