Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble on day three of the Pakistan vs South Africa Test in Rawalpindi, as Simon Harmer’s brilliant spin spell left the hosts reeling at 94/4 by stumps, holding a slender 23-run lead with six wickets already down in the match.
After conceding a first-innings lead to South Africa, Pakistan’s top order crumbled once again. Opener Imam-ul-Haq departed early for just nine, falling to Harmer, who struck again moments later to remove captain Shan Masood for a duck. The quick double blow left Pakistan wobbling at 16-2 within the first six overs.
Kagiso Rabada then joined the party, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for six off 19 balls, increasing the pressure on the home side. With Pakistan in dire straits, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel came together, showing resistance and adding 44 valuable runs for the fourth wicket. Their partnership steadied the innings briefly, but Harmer returned to dismiss Saud for 11, completing his third wicket of the innings and tightening South Africa’s grip on the game.
By the end of the day, Pakistan managed to inch ahead of South Africa’s total, thanks to the calm and composed batting of Babar Azam (49 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (16 not out). The pair will resume the innings on day four, hoping to build a defendable lead in what has become a crucial second innings for Pakistan.
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Earlier in the match, South Africa took control with a solid first-innings performance, posting 404 in reply to Pakistan’s 333. The visitors were powered by Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 and Kagiso Rabada’s stunning 71 off 61 balls, which featured four boundaries and four sixes. The duo added a remarkable 98-run stand for the final wicket, swinging the momentum in South Africa’s favor.
Debutant Asif Afridi was the shining light for Pakistan with the ball, producing a sensational 6/79 in 34.3 overs, while Noman Ali picked up two wickets. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan contributed one wicket apiece.
Pakistan’s first innings had shown promise, with Shan Masood (87), Abdullah Shafique (57), and Saud Shakeel (66) leading the charge. However, Keshav Maharaj’s exceptional bowling dismantled the middle order, as he bagged 7/102 in 42.4 overs. Harmer added two wickets, while Rabada chipped in with one.
As the Pakistan vs South Africa Test heads into its final two days, all eyes will be on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan’s hopes now rest on their shoulders to post a competitive target and give their bowlers something to defend against a confident South African lineup.
