KEY POINTS
- South Africa posts 404 in reply to Pakistan’s 333 in first innings
- Simon Harmer’s three-wicket spell reduced Pakistan to 16-3, but Babar Azam’s 49* steadied the innings
- Pakistan holds a 23-run lead at the close of day three, with Rizwan (16*) supporting Babar (49*) at the crease
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Simon Harmer’s three-wicket burst put South Africa on top on day three of the Rawalpindi Test, but Babar Azam’s resilient unbeaten 49 helped Pakistan stay in the contest, finishing at 94-4 with a slender 23-run lead on Wednesday.
Pakistan resumed their second innings with disappointment as Harmer struck twice in quick succession.
Imam-ul-Haq fell early for 9, followed by captain Shan Masood, who was dismissed for a duck, leaving Pakistan struggling at 16-2 after just six overs.
As the pressure mounted, Kagiso Rabada added to the woes, removing Abdullah Shafique for just 6, and Pakistan were on the back foot at 16-3.
However, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a crucial 44-run stand, taking Pakistan to 55-3 at the 18-over mark.
But Harmer returned to the attack and struck again, dismissing Saud for 11 off 43 balls. At 55-4, Pakistan looked vulnerable, but Mohammad Rizwan joined Babar at the crease and managed to lift Pakistan past their 71-run deficit, helping them to a modest 94-4 at stumps.
Babar, who remained unbeaten on 49 off 83 balls, was the anchor of Pakistan’s resistance, showing composure and skill in a difficult situation. Rizwan, who was 16 not out at the close of play, will look to support Babar in the crucial final day.
South Africa’s Resilient Fightback
Earlier, South Africa had fought back in style in their first innings, with some stellar performances. After Pakistan’s total of 333 in the first innings, South Africa posted 404, thanks to contributions from Senuran Muthusamy (89*) and Kagiso Rabada (71) in the lower order.
The Proteas’ top order had an excellent start, with Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram putting together a solid opening stand, before Shaheen Afridi dismissed Rickelton for 14. Markram, who made 32 off 62 balls, was then removed by Sajid Khan.
However, the highlight of South Africa’s recovery was the third-wicket partnership between Tristan Stubbs (76 off 205 balls) and Tony de Zorzi (55 off 93 balls), which put on 113 runs, propelling South Africa to 185-4 by the 65th over.
Asif Afridi provided Pakistan with some respite by dismissing both de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis in quick succession.
Pakistan’s Task Ahead
With the match delicately poised, Pakistan will need Babar Azam to continue his defiant knock and see off South Africa’s bowlers.
Rizwan, who has been solid in his brief stay at the crease, will also be crucial if Pakistan is to hold onto their slender advantage.
The hosts, trailing by just 23 runs, will look to take advantage of the early morning conditions on day four, while South Africa will aim to break through quickly, with Harmer, Rabada, and Muthusamy providing the key threats.
Key Moments from Day Three:
- Harmer’s early breakthroughs put Pakistan in trouble, reducing them to 16-3.
- Babar Azam’s 49* anchored Pakistan’s fightback, with Rizwan (16*) helping to steady the innings.
- Asif Afridi’s six-wicket haul on debut was the highlight of Pakistan’s bowling performance, dismissing key South African batters.
- Rabada’s fiery 71 helped South Africa build a lead, with Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89* guiding them to 381-9.
