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ISLAMABAD, Oct 22 (APP):Pakistan concluded day three of the second Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in a challenging position, holding a 23-run lead over South Africa with six second-innings wickets remaining.
At stumps, Pakistan reached 94 for four in 35 overs, with Babar Azam unbeaten on 49 off 83 deliveries, including seven boundaries, and Mohammad Rizwan not out on 16 off 49 balls with one four. The duo shared an unbroken 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket after the hosts had been reduced to 60 for four in 20.1 overs. Earlier, Pakistan began their second innings with a deficit of 71 runs and slipped to 16 for three as Imam-ul-Haq (9, 14b, 2x4s), Abdullah Shafique (6, 19b) and Shan Masood (0, 5b) all departed inside seven overs.
For the tourists, Simon Harmer picked up three wickets. Resuming their first innings at the overnight score of 185 for four, South Africa were eventually bowled out for 404 in 119.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Asif finished with figures of six for 79, becoming only the second Pakistan bowler after Mohammad Zahid to take five wickets or more on Test debut at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy added two crucial partnerships, one with Keshav Maharaj (30, 53b, 3x4s) and second with No. 11 batter Kagiso Rabada (71, 61b, 4x4s, 4x6s), to steer his side to a substantial first-innings lead. Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89 as the visitors added 169 runs for the last two wickets. Debutant Asif Afridi was the standout performer claiming a six-wicket haul, finishing with six for 79, while Noman Ali claimed two wickets.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of Day 3, South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy lauded teammate Kagiso Rabada for delivering an innings of the highest standards in challenging conditions.
“The ball striking in those conditions was superb. Naturally, it was an incredible innings. I ended up playing a supporting role as the innings progressed. I lost a bit of rhythm towards the end, and it became tougher to score, especially with Rabada batting so well,” Muthusamy said.
Looking ahead, Muthusamy expressed confidence as the final innings approaches. “We are ready for the challenge that lies ahead.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani bowler Asif Afridi shared insights on his debut performance. “Taking the new ball was a decision made on the advice of everyone. I trained, bowled long spells and earned my debut,” he said.
Afridi also commented on the pitch conditions, comparing the current surface to that of Lahore. “This pitch is different from Lahore. The other team’s bowlers were bowling on the Rawalpindi pitch, so I was figuring out how to bowl effectively here.
The plan was simple, target the wicket.”
Noting the batting lineup, Afridi said, “Both batters were left-handers, as am I, which is why I came in to bowl late in South Africa’s innings. Our two great batters (Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan) are holding firm at the crease, and we are hopeful to set a target of over 200 runs.”
Scores in brief: Day 3 of 5- Pakistan 333 all out, 113.4 overs (Shan Masood 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, Salman Ali Agha 45; Keshav Maharaj 7-102, Simon Harmer 2-75) and 94-4, 35 overs (Babar Azam 49 not out, Mohammad Rizwan 16 not out; Simon Harmer 3-26). South Africa 404 all out, 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).