Rawalpindi, Oct 22 (NationPress) Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada orchestrated a remarkable lower-order comeback that left Pakistan in disarray on the third day in Rawalpindi, allowing South Africa to gain a 71-run lead in the first innings of the second and concluding Test of the series.

Muthusamy’s steady 89 and Rabada’s explosive 71—his first Test half-century, achieved in just 38 balls—turned the momentum after the visitors had found themselves struggling at 210 for 7. At the close of play, Pakistan stood at 94 for 4, facing a daunting challenge in a match that had dramatically shifted in favor of South Africa.

The day commenced with debutant Asif Afridi completing a remarkable five-wicket haul, making him the oldest player to achieve a five-for on Test debut for Pakistan. Asif made his mark in his opening over by dismissing Kyle Verreynne, who edged behind, and later trapped Tristan Stubbs for 76, followed by Simon Harmer, leaving South Africa in a precarious position. When Noman Ali bowled Marco Jansen lbw, South Africa was at 210 for 7, still trailing by 48.

From that point on, Muthusamy became the backbone of South Africa’s recovery. He formed a 71-run partnership with Keshav Maharaj and a 98-run alliance with Rabada—marking only the second instance in Test history where both the ninth and tenth wickets contributed over fifty runs, the first occurrence since the Adelaide Test in 1998.

Maharaj (30) had his share of luck—dropped at silly mid-off by Imam-ul-Haq, nearly stumped by Asif Afridi, and saved by a missed return catch—but together, they resisted the onslaught from Pakistan’s bowlers.

After Maharaj’s dismissal, South Africa still needed 27 runs to take the lead. However, Rabada launched a fierce counterattack. He struck Noman for four, slog-swept Sajid Khan for six, and hit Shaheen Shah Afridi for back-to-back boundaries before taking another six off Sajid.

Rabada’s fifty came from a clever cut through point, followed by a massive hit over long-on off Salman Agha. While Rabada was on fire, Muthusamy quietly progressed into the 80s, although neither player could reach three figures—Rabada was finally caught at long-on, giving Asif a sixth wicket and Pakistan a much-needed breakthrough.

South Africa’s total of 404 provided them with a crucial 71-run lead, dampening Pakistan’s early momentum. Yet, the visitors were not finished. Despite starting with a no-ball, Rabada quickly found his rhythm and, alongside Harmer, reduced Pakistan to 16 for 3.

Harmer dismissed Imam-ul-Haq (9) lbw and had Shan Masood (0) in his next over, while Rabada sent Abdullah Shafique (6) back for the second time in the series.

Babar Azam, however, stood firm with a composed 49 not out, his best innings of the series. Unfazed by South Africa’s aggression, he found gaps with crisp shots and a commanding pull, receiving brief support from Saud Shakeel (11 off 43).

The duo added 44 runs before Shakeel edged Harmer to Aiden Markram at slip. Mohammad Rizwan, unbeaten on 16, joined Babar, leaving Pakistan at 94 for 4 at stumps.