Key points
- Asif Afridi shines with six wickets on debut
- South Africa post 404, lead Pakistan by 71 runs
- Test evenly balanced heading into day four
ISLAMABAD: Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada produced crucial lower-order performances to guide South Africa to 404 in 119.3 overs, securing a 71-run first-innings lead over Pakistan on third day of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Resuming to Pakistan’s 333, openers Ryan Rickelton and captain Aiden Markram made a cautious start before Shaheen Afridi removed Rickelton for 14. Markram added 32 before falling to Sajid Khan, while Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings with a 113-run partnership.
De Zorzi made 55 and Stubbs 76 before debutant Asif Afridi sparked a collapse, taking quick wickets to leave South Africa reeling at 204-6. Asif completed a memorable debut five-for, finishing with 6-79 in 34.3 overs, while Noman Ali added two wickets.
Lower order
Muthusamy anchored the lower order with a resilient half-century, adding 50 with Keshav Maharaj (30) before Kagiso Rabada launched a late counterattack. The pair added 98 runs for the final wicket, helping South Africa surpass Pakistan’s total. Rabada struck four fours and four sixes in a blistering 71 off 61 balls before falling to Asif, ending the innings at 404.
Earlier, Pakistan were dismissed for 333 after captain Shan Masood top-scored with 87, supported by Saud Shakeel (66), Abdullah Shafique (57) and Salman Ali Agha (45).
Keshav Maharaj led South Africa’s bowling with 7-102, while Simon Harmer and Rabada claimed two and one wicket respectively.
With the Proteas holding a slender lead, the match remains evenly poised heading into day four, with Pakistan aiming to seize control in their second innings.
