South Africa is facing a potential series-leveling victory in their second Test against Pakistan following a dramatic third day at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Pakistan’s first innings of 333 was followed by a powerful reply from the tourists, who amassed 404, thanks largely to a record partnership and disciplined bowling spells. The home side then folded to 94-4 in their second innings, trailing by only 23 runs at stumps as the match turned decisively.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj sparked Pakistan’s collapse with a match-turning spell that included seven wickets, exposing cracks in the home batting line-up. In reply, South Africa’s tail-enders Senuran Muthusamy (89*) and Kagiso Rabada (71) added 169 runs for the last two wickets, taking their team from a precarious 221-7 to a commanding position.
For Pakistan, early hopes were placed on the debutant Asif Afridi — who claimed six wickets, including those of Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis — before the spin-friendly surface worked against his side. By the end of play, Pakistan’s second innings was in complete disarray: openers fell early, senior batters failed to build momentum, and the spin advantage lay firmly with South Africa.
With only two days remaining, South Africa are now well-placed to square the series. The onus is on Pakistan’s batsmen to regroup, rebuild confidence and avoid another collapse as Rawalpindi’s pitch continues to favour spinners and the visitors scent victory.
