Day 3 Second Test between Pakistan and South Africa At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the visitors witnessed a friendly sweep as they took control of the contest. After conceding to 333 in Pakistan’s first innings, South Africa mustered a strong response with the bat, posting 404 runs to secure a lead of 41 runs.
The court proceedings of the day were shown Senuran Muthusamy’s Grit (155 Balls) and Kagiso Rabada’s Explosive lower-order attack (71 off 61) that frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers. In reply, Pakistan endured an overlapping top-order collapse at stumps on 94/4 Babar Azam (49) * keeping shots in increasingly dangerous positions. With a slim tally of just 23 runs, the home side’s build-up now rests entirely on their captain to avoid two consecutive defeats.
PAK VS SA: Senuran Muthusamy Anchors South Africa’s Battle of Gutsy 89
Muthusamy’s steady knock proved a remarkable recovery from South Africa’s 210/7 to a total of 404. With his side looking in deep trouble next to him, the left-sided, defensive back technique to sharpen Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack. He displayed exceptional shot selection and patience, forming a crucial lower-order partnership that marred the hosts.
Muthusamy added 96 runs for the 9th Wicket Keshav Maharaj (30) and then a blistering 98-run stand with Rabada, a fourth over at a strike rate of 35 and a plot from the intensity and bottomless stroke, both of which turned into a bold conversion. Pakistan, for the debutant Asif Afridi stood tall with a brilliant 6-wicket haul (6/79). Noman Ali (2/92) gave important advances. However, once again unable to polish off the tail, South Africa’s lower order proved their dictatorial conditions in the fading afternoon light of Rawalpindi.
Read: List of captains for Pakistan Odi Cricket ft. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan
PAK VS SA: Babar Azam bowled after Simon Harmer, restart Pakistan in 2nd innings
Led by South Africa’s Spin Duo Simon’s appearance (3/26) and the pace of Rabada (1/22) combined to do early damage to Pakistan’s second innings. Harmer struck three times in quick succession, dismantling the top order with precision and flight that opened up Pakistan’s vulnerability to the innings. Both openers, Imam-ul-haq (9) and Abdullah Shafiq (6), cheap, fell during the slide Shan masood Departed for a duck, edged by Harmer.
The collapse left Pakistan indifferent at 16/3 inside the first six overs. It took Babar’s class and temperament to stop the innings. With a fine touch from the right-hander, he looked at a fine cover drive and a wristless slip drive, 39 from 83 balls to go to waste, but found little support from the other end. Saudi seakel (11) He added 44 runs with his captain before falling to Harmer once again and Muhammad Rizwan (16) * Living the end of the day.
Pakistan’s position in the last over was held at 94/4 as they led the series by just 23 runs, saving the match and perhaps due to Babar’s tenacity. Buoyed by Muthusamy’s all-round influence and the relentless accuracy of the bowlers, South Africa will now end the series commanding on Day 4 early to seal the series.
Here is the reaction of the fans:
He shouted for Muthusamy as he was stranded on 89, but no one was beaten. He is a really good all round cricketer. We won’t lean too much on the 1st innings, but that didn’t stop him from putting in a performance with the bat in hand. These shots were massive for us!#Savpak
– Lawrence Bailey 🇿🇦 (@lourrencencawa) October 22, 2025
There is no point in comparing Rabada to Lara when compared to the greatest fifty of all time: Senuran Muthusamy.
— Dale (@ncakos316) October 22, 2025
It is important not to be too quick to put faith in someone’s ability, as shown by years of first-class cricket
Muthusamy does it for all those who doubt his batting ability https://t.co/9mr442y4zj
– Werner (@werries_) October 22, 2025
Corbin Bosch, Robin Peterson, Philander, Symcox and now Muthusamy.
I’ve seen a few examples where a SA lower order fruit took the game away.
Pak fans will be hoping that Muthusamy’s result is different.
– Battle (@coverpoint_) October 22, 2025
Rabada and Muthusamy played like they played for their lives. Absolutely bonkers! Such a mercy for Pakistan. You can’t always trust a 40-year-old spinner. pic.twitter.com/t90zg0kohi
– Zarif Punter 🏏 (@punterlost) October 22, 2025
This Rabada and Muthusamy Partnership is one to remember pic.twitter.com/mrirx4bo0i
– RIBBIANS OFFICIAL (@RCIBIBIFFIFIAL) October 22, 2025
South Africa score 71 runs in the first innings https://t.co/piohz8qciu#Pakvsa # 2ndtest #cricket pic.twitter.com/wif6jc43x9
– CricketTimes.com (@crickettimeshq) October 22, 2025
The stands are full just for one guy, oh man This nation loves you man. pic.twitter.com/qp421jwkpw
– Ayesha Masroor (@ayeshamasroor56) October 22, 2025
Babar Azam without 50+ marks in home tests since December 2022. Now is a great time to break the drought with a massive drought problem.#Pakvsa
– Cricblog ✍ (@cric_blog) October 22, 2025
I never criticize Babag if he scores a century in this toss and proves to be the Savior of Pakistan cricket.
– 𝐀. (@was_abdd) October 22, 2025
See also: PAK VS SA: Abdullah Shafique survives intact despite Bails batting on Day 2
