PAK vs SA 2nd Test: South Africa Dominate With Bat and Ball, Pakistan in Deep Trouble on Day 3 Stumps at Rawalpindi

South Africa ruled the third day at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium with both bat and ball. Their lower order displayed tremendous grit and fight, while their bowlers backed it up with a disciplined performance in the final session. The visitors showed why they are one of the most resilient sides in Test cricket, turning the match on its head after being on the back foot early in the morning.

Morning Session

The day began with Pakistan on top, thanks to debutant Asif Afridi, who struck early to remove Verreynne and Stubbs. His five-wicket haul was a well-deserved reward for consistent accuracy and aggression. Noman Ali joined the act by trapping Jansen in front, and South Africa looked in serious trouble.

However, Pakistan’s sloppy fielding and missed chances in the latter part of the session allowed Muthusamy and Maharaj to steady the innings. Their fifty-run partnership revived the visitors and kept Pakistan from taking full control.

Lunch Score: South Africa still trailed by 48 runs with two wickets remaining.

Afternoon Session

If the morning belonged to Pakistan, the afternoon session was all about South Africa’s remarkable comeback. Muthusamy remained calm under pressure, while Maharaj counter-attacked cleverly. Their 71-run stand for the ninth wicket narrowed the gap considerably. After Maharaj’s dismissal, Rabada walked in with confidence and played one of the most memorable innings by a tailender.

He reached his maiden Test fifty and helped South Africa take a crucial lead. Muthusamy, who looked set for a maiden century, missed out, but their 98-run stand for the final wicket pushed the visitors to a strong position.

Tea Score: South Africa 404 all out, taking a first-innings lead of 71 runs.

Evening Session

The South African bowlers carried the momentum forward, striking early to dismantle Pakistan’s top order. Harmer was outstanding with his variations, trapping Imam and Masood in quick succession. Rabada then joined the party, removing Shafique to leave Pakistan tottering. Shakeel tried to rebuild but fell to Harmer again, putting the hosts in deeper trouble.

Babar Azam looked determined, playing some fluent strokes and showing great patience alongside Rizwan. The pair ensured no further damage before stumps, but the task ahead remains huge.

Stumps Score

South Africa– 1st Innings: 404
Pakistan– 1st Innings: 333 & 2nd Innings: 94/4 (35 overs)
Pakistan lead by 23 runs