On day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi, Pakistan ended their second innings at 94-4, taking a slim 23-run lead over South Africa. The home side struggled early on, losing four wickets for just 60 runs. However, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showed resilience and held firm till stumps. Babar remained unbeaten on 49 while Rizwan was on 15.
Earlier, South Africa gained a 71-run lead in their first innings thanks to a late surge from the lower order. The visitors were 185-4 overnight but lost quick wickets early in the day. Pakistani debutant Asif Afridi delivered a standout performance, claiming 6 wickets, including a crucial spell that dismantled South Africa’s middle order.
Read more: Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test
Despite the collapse, South Africa’s tailenders fought back strongly. Senuran Muthusamy scored 89* and partnered with Kagiso Rabada for a 98-run stand. Rabada smashed 71 runs, including 4 sixes and 4 fours, before falling to Asif Afridi. Nauman Ali also chipped in with two wickets. South Africa eventually posted 404, overtaking Pakistan’s first innings total of 333.
Pakistan’s second innings started poorly. Imam-ul-Haq fell for 9, Abdullah Shafique managed only 6, and captain Shan Masood was dismissed for a duck. Saud Shakeel added just 11 runs before being sent back. The team was under pressure until Babar and Rizwan steadied the innings.
Read more: Mohammad Amir Criticizes Decision to Replace Rizwan as Captain
With two days remaining, the match hangs in the balance. Pakistan will look to build a defendable lead on day four, while South Africa aim to trigger another collapse. The series is tied, and both teams are pushing for a decisive win in this final Test.