Pakistan ended Day 3 of the second Test in Rawalpindi on a tense note, reaching 94 for 4 in their second innings and taking a narrow 23-run lead over South Africa. The day belonged largely to the visitors, thanks to a gritty lower-order fightback and a clinical bowling display led by spinner Simon Harmer.
Earlier in the day, South Africa turned the match on its head after resuming at 210 for 7. The pair of Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71) frustrated the Pakistani bowlers with a stubborn 98-run last-wicket partnership. Their resilience lifted South Africa to 404 all out, giving them a valuable 71-run first-innings lead after being in serious trouble the previous evening.
In reply, Pakistan’s top order once again faltered under pressure. Simon Harmer struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood with sharp turners that caught them on the crease. Soon after, Rabada got rid of Abdullah Shafique, leaving Pakistan tottering at 16 for 3 and still trailing by over 50 runs.
Captain Babar Azam then steadied the innings with a composed and patient knock. He mixed caution with authority, driving through the covers and using his feet effectively against the spinners. At stumps, Babar was unbeaten on 49 off 83 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan was batting on 16 off 49 deliveries. The pair added a vital 34-run partnership that kept Pakistan afloat heading into Day 4.
Harmer remained the standout bowler, ending the day with 3 for 26 in 13 overs, exploiting the turn and bounce on offer.
