RAWALPINDI: South Africa’s off-spinner Simon Harmer ripped through Pakistan’s top order with a brilliant spell of 3 for 26, putting the visitors on course for a series-levelling victory in the second Test at Rawalpindi on Wednesday. By the close of the third day, Pakistan were left reeling at 94-4, holding a slender lead of just 23 runs with two days still to play on a sharply turning pitch.
Pakistan’s hopes of survival now rest firmly on skipper Babar Azam, who remains unbeaten on a fighting 49, alongside Mohammad Rizwan on 16 not out. The pair will need to produce something extraordinary to rescue the hosts after Harmer’s early strikes left them tottering. Pakistan, who won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, must now fight to avoid surrendering their series lead.
Earlier, South Africa piled up 404 runs, powered by a gritty unbeaten 89 from Senuran Muthusamy and a career-best 71 from Kagiso Rabada, giving the visitors a crucial 71-run first-innings lead. Muthusamy’s innings, full of patience and precision, was the anchor as he guided South Africa from a precarious position at 221-7 to a commanding total, adding 169 runs for the final two wickets. Rabada’s attacking stroke play featuring four sixes and four boundaries further demoralized Pakistan’s bowlers.
Pakistan’s debutant spinner Asif Afridi was the shining light for the hosts, claiming 6 for 79 to become the oldest debutant in Test history to take a five-wicket haul at 38 years and 301 days, surpassing England’s Charles Marriott’s 1933 record. Asif’s guile and control initially had South Africa reeling, but skipper Shan Masood’s decision to take the new ball backfired as Muthusamy and Rabada counterattacked superbly.
With spin dominating both innings, Rawalpindi’s pitch has turned into a battleground for patience and precision. Asif and fellow spinner Noman Ali used the conditions to great effect, while Harmer and Keshav Maharaj have done the same for South Africa. As the match heads into its decisive phase, Pakistan’s batting depth and Babar’s brilliance will be put to the ultimate test.