South Africa tightened their grip on the second Test in Rawalpindi after off-spinner Simon Harmer claimed three wickets in quick succession on the fourth morning, bowling out Pakistan for 138 and limiting their lead to just 67 runs on Thursday.
Resuming at 94-4, Pakistan endured an early blow when captain Babar Azam (50) was trapped lbw by Harmer. The spinner maintained his dominance, removing Mohammad Rizwan (18) and Noman Ali (0) in consecutive overs. A run-out of Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) deepened Pakistan’s woes, leaving them struggling at 105-8 after a dramatic collapse.
Sajid Khan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to restore stability with a 24-run partnership, but Keshav Maharaj broke through by dismissing Agha for 28 off 42 balls. Sajid, who scored 13, was the final wicket to fall.
Harmer finished with impressive figures of 6 for 50, while Maharaj supported him with 2 for 38, and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with one wicket.
Earlier, on Day 3, Pakistan had let opportunities slip, dropping several catches that allowed South Africa’s lower order to secure a 71-run first-innings lead. The hosts then faltered again with the bat, as Harmer’s sharp turn and control sparked another batting collapse.
In South Africa’s first innings of 404, Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on a career-best 89, while Kagiso Rabada contributed a brisk 71 off 61 balls. For Pakistan, Asif Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with 6/79, while Noman Ali took two wickets, and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan claimed one apiece.
Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan were dismissed for 333 in 113.4 overs. Skipper Shan Masood led from the front with 87 off 176 balls, supported by Abdullah Shafique (57), Saud Shakeel (66), and Salman Ali Agha (45).
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj starred with the ball, taking 7 for 102 in 42.4 overs, while Harmer bagged two wickets and Rabada added one to his tally.
