Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test Day 3: Muthusamy and rabada save the day

Day 3 Summary:

Day 3 of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test delivered a thrilling shift in momentum. Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada’s brilliant lower-order stand gave South Africa a strong response to Pakistan’s dominant start to the day. Their counterattack altered the match, giving South Africa a crucial 71-run lead in the first innings. Subsequently, Pakistan’s second innings faced a challenging start as early wickets fell under pressure. Then Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam steadied the innings late in the day. Day 4 saw the match remain evenly matched, with Pakistan closing at 94 for 4, only 23 runs ahead. 

South Africa’s Innings: The Tale of Grit and Guts

South Africa was 148 runs behind Pakistan’s first-inning total of 333 when they started the morning at 185 for 4. Pakistan’s bowlers were outstanding, but the visitors needed patience and concentration. Pakistan’s hold on the game was strengthened by two early wickets from debutant Asif Afridi, who quickly removed Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa appeared on the verge of collapse at 210 for 7, well short of Pakistan’s total. The match, however, then turned upside down. What appeared to be a lost cause was transformed into a partnership that was gaining momentum thanks to Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding fightback.

Rabada counterpunched with sharp drives and bold stroke play, while Muthusamy absorbed pressure with composed defense. Both hitters played with purpose and clarity. Their combined 98-run contribution frustrated Pakistan’s assault and helped them regain control of the match.

Rabada tipped the scales in favor of South Africa with his 71 runs. Muthusamy, who was still undefeated at 89, led his team to 404 all out and gave the Proteas a crucial 71-run lead in the opening innings that fundamentally altered the course of the Test.

Pakistan’s Bowling: Asif Afridi Shines

Before the game slipped away, South Africa was under a lot of pressure thanks to Pakistan’s bowlers’ energetic and controlled start to the day. Asif Afridi spearheaded the attack with an incredible 6 for 79 in his debut. In order to outfox both set and lower-order batters, the left-arm spinner took full advantage of the Rawalpindi surface, obtaining sharp turn and bounce while combining pace and flight.

Sajid Khan and Shaheen Afridi contributed early innovations, but neither was able to maintain their beat for extended periods of time. Noman Ali bowled hard and deliberately, but the pitch did little to help him.

Early on, Pakistan held South Africa behind, but Muthusamy and Rabada retaliated with unwavering determination. Their partnership gradually reduced the bowlers’ intensity and slowed Pakistan’s attack.

When South Africa reached 404 at the end of their innings, Pakistan’s bowlers appeared exhausted and irritated. A late charge that totally changed the tide of the game put the Proteas in control of what had begun as a dominant session for the hosts.

Pakistan’s Second Innings: A Rocky Start Under Pressure

Pakistan needed a strong start to rally from a 71-run deficit going into the second innings. Instead, South Africa’s unrelenting speed attack caused their top order to collapse. Kagiso Rabada struck first, making the most of the cloudy weather. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood quickly followed Abdullah Shafique’s low score, which left Pakistan reeling at 16 for 3.

South Africa grabbed control of the game, and the Rawalpindi audience grew silent. But when his team most needed him, Babar Azam came through. He took the pressure and started to rebuild the innings by batting calmly and selecting his shots carefully. Together, they steadied Pakistan with a tough 78-run stand for the fourth wicket when he was joined by Mohammad Rizwan.

Late in the day, the South African bowlers were unable to find a breakthrough due to Babar’s fluid stroke play and composed demeanor. Babar held steadfast at 49 not out at stumps, while Rizwan was undefeated at 16, leading Pakistan to 94 for 4, only 23 runs ahead.

Despite their comeback, Pakistan was once again exposed by their brittle top order. If Pakistan is to record a manageable total and survive this hotly contested Test, Babar and Rizwan will need to put in a lot of effort and make a strong stand as Day 4 approaches.

What to Expect on Day 4:

As Day 4 of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test begins, the match is extremely close. The pitch at Rawalpindi is getting old; the bounce is inconsistent, the cracks are getting wider, and the spinners are starting to get a firm hold. Both teams are aware that the first session could determine how the game plays out.

The aim for Pakistan: Babar Azam needs to take the lead. He can anchor the middle order and move the lead into safer territory if he builds on his strong overnight start to have a strong innings. He will need support from Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and the lower order to extend the lead above 150, a total that might put South Africa to the test on this worn surface.

In the meanwhile, South Africa will want to take quick wickets. Gerald Simons and Kagiso Rabada will try to use the early morning movement, while Keshav Maharaj is anticipated to take over as the ball begins to grip. The Proteas are feeling upbeat following the heroics of their tailenders on Day 3, and if they can defeat Pakistan at a low cost, they will see a genuine chance to even the series.

Conclusion:

Day 3 of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test had everything. Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada’s outstanding partnership helped South Africa roar back in the afternoon after Pakistan dominated the morning session. Not only did their courageous stand save the innings, but it also fundamentally altered the match’s tenor and perhaps the course of the series.

Pakistan is currently under pressure once more, despite Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan’s consistent efforts. They are in a difficult position going into Day 4 because of their weak top order and slim lead. South Africa will have a fantastic opportunity to seize the initiative and attempt to win the series if they are unable to amass a respectable score.

Due to the pitch’s continued preference for spin and seam movement, South Africa’s bowlers, buoyed by their success in the lower order, will launch a fierce attack from the first ball. Day 4 of cricket promises to be exciting, with fierce skirmishes, tactical changes, and potentially pivotal moments. This Rawalpindi Test has already demonstrated why Test cricket is still the best test of skill, endurance, and mental toughness, regardless of what happens next.