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A rookie left-arm spinner, Asif Afridi, delivered an outstanding display by taking six wickets, while captain Babar Azam remained strong with an unbeaten half-century. Pakistan concluded Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa with a slim 23-run advantage at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

At the end of the session, Pakistan was 94 for 4 after 35 overs, with Babar not out on 49 from 83 balls, including seven beautifully hit boundaries, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan scoring 16 from 49 deliveries. The partnership of 34 runs remained intact, providing stability to the home team following a poor start where they fell to 60 for 4 against South Africa’s aggressive spin bowling led by Simon Harmer, who took three wickets to disrupt Pakistan’s top order.

Pakistan started their second innings 71 runs behind, but Harmer’s outstanding performance soon changed the momentum. He dismissed Imam-ul-Haq (9) and Shan Masood (0) with lbw decisions, followed by Kagiso Rabada taking Abdullah Shafique’s (6) wicket, leaving the home team struggling at 16 for 3. Saud Shakeel attempted to steady the innings with Babar, scoring 44 vital runs before being caught by Harmer for 11.

Previously, South Africa, continuing from their overnight score of 185 for 4, put up a strong lower-order defense, raising their total to 404 all out in 119.3 overs. The standout performer of the innings was Senuran Muthusamy, who displayed calmness and determination with an outstanding unbeaten 89 off 155 balls, including eight boundaries.

Muthusamy initially established a reliable partnership with Keshav Maharaj (30) before creating an impressive 98-run stand with Kagiso Rabada (71 from 61 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes) for the last wicket, a collaboration that surprised Pakistan’s bowlers and provided the Proteas with a crucial 71-run advantage.

Asif Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler, ending with figures of 6 for 79 from 34.3 overs, making him the second Pakistani cricketer after Mohammad Zahid to achieve a five-wicket haul on his Test debut in Rawalpindi. Noman Ali took 2 for 92, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan each picked up one wicket.

In the first innings of Pakistan, Shan Masood scored 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, and Salman Ali Agha 45, helping the team reach 333 all out. Maharaj’s outstanding performance, taking 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs, prevented more losses.

With two days left, Pakistan’s chances now depend on the collaboration between Babar and Rizwan to increase the lead and present South Africa with a tough target. The Rawalpindi pitch has begun to provide inconsistent bounce and sharp spin, signaling an exciting conclusion to a thrilling Test match.

BRIEF HIGHLIGHTS – DAY 3 OF 5

PAKISTAN: All out for 333, in 113.4 overs (Shan Masood scored 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, Salman Ali Agha 45; Keshav Maharaj took 7 wickets for 102 runs, Simon Harmer 2-75) and 94-4, in 35 overs (Babar Azam remained not out on 49, Mohammad Rizwan 16 not out; Simon Harmer 3-26) vs SOUTH AFRICA: All out for 404, in 119.3 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 89 not out, Tristan Stubbs 76, Kagiso Rabada 71, Tony de Zorzi 55, Aiden Markram 32; Asif Afridi 6-79, Noman Ali 2-92).

Pakistan is ahead by 23 runs with six wickets remaining.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).