Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada produced a surprisingly low-order rescue act to help South Africa He won the first innings at 404 at 119.3, a valuable 71 runs Pakistan Tea on day 3 of the second test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The duo’s partnership turned their innings into despair after falling to 235 for 235 earlier in the day.
Kagiso Rabada’s fearless fifty turns the tide
After Keshav MaharajFor the 30th dismissal, Pakistan South Africa looked good to get cheap. But Rabada went for it and turned the tables in style. He struck with a mix of control and aggression that worked right, taking calculated risks and punishing loose deliveries with authority.
Rabada went on to register a maiden Test fifty, a knock that will be remembered both for its impact and significance. A blistering innings of 71 from 87 balls, crisp boundaries for both pace and spin and confident strokeplay. In doing so, he surpassed a record that had stood for decades, making him the 11th wicket-taker for South Africa.
Senuran Muthusamy anchors the fight with an unbeaten 89
On the other hand, Muthusamy showed remarkable character and maturity. The left-hander handled Pakistan’s steady bowling and slow innings with patience and precision. His ability to turn the strike and find the gaps that ensured he hit the scoreboard as South Africa hit the wickets around him.
Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 was a study in composure under pressure. Although he ran to a well-deserved century, his partnership with Rabada – 98 runs for the 10th wicket – completely changed the course of the Test. Their stand followed the all-important ninth-innings partnership of 71 between Muthusamy and Maharaj, who stood earlier.
Pakistan’s Asif Afridi’s five-for-three advantage
Pakistan started the day with the left arm spinner Asif Afridi the ghost continues its magic. He claimed a career-best 5-Wicket Haul and set up to shut down South Africa’s innings quickly. But as the day progressed, lack of consistency from the batsmen and bowlers took the visitors by storm.
Lower order resistance frustrated Pakistan’s attack and missed opportunities proved costly. The moment Rabada was dismissed, the Proteas not only erased their deficit but also built a commanding lead.
At the tea break, South Africa’s total of 404 gave them a cushion of 71 runs – a predictable 235 in 8 overs.
Read: Fans to ignore Sarfaraz Khan in India BCCI Slam, a squad for South Africa unofficial tests
Here is the reaction of the fans:
Muthasamy and Rabada (Girls Test 50) boosted us this morning – a nice one @Proteasmencsa 🙌 pic.twitter.com/0p7ugnle4x
– Francis_co 🇵🇹🇿🇦 🙌 (@Francisgersbach) 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
Pakistan were in a commanding position and then Senuran Muthusamy came into bat.
His partnership with Kashav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada was a game changer. His partners left and did not stay in 89.#Pakvsa | #Wtc27 | #Gregenteam | #Ourgameurpassion | #Sportsjunoon pic.twitter.com/7ojdjmzdjw
– Green Team (@greenteam1992) October 22, 2025
Try cricket in the garbage! Incredible batting especially with Muthusamy and Rabada bringing down the proteas. #Pakvssa pic.twitter.com/nnffcqbagj
– hasnat chattha (@daaspiderman) October 22, 2025
Muthusamy deserves a lot of credit for showing such awareness, playing second fiddle to Rabada despite the maiden Test being out of reach. In the same situation, many would not be inclined. Information about the Elite game and the team playing there.
– Sarb (@chandlerstinso1) October 22, 2025
How I see ATM in Muthusamy and Rabada pic.twitter.com/kx3ugcpr8f
– TS (@taimoorr2) October 22, 2025
Big partnership from Rabada and Muthusamy. You need some wickets before the game closes
– Cello (@lokale) October 22, 2025
Muthusamy, Rabada and Maharaja lifted the team spirit, an interesting test match ahead #Pakvssa
– Yasir Hameed (@yasir_hameedq) October 22, 2025
This Rabada and Muthusamy partnership can be a match winning partnership. #Pakvsa
— Vincent Barnes (@vincentbarnes60) October 22, 2025
Senuran Muthusamy – 89 * (155)
Kagiso Rabada – 71 (61)A brilliant 98-run partnership stand between Muthusamy and Rabada for the last wicket against Pakistan. 🏏🔥
Well played! 👏#Senuranmuthamy #Kagizorabada #Pakvsa #Pakvssa pic.twitter.com/Zhrrr2i4ada
– Sabir Zafar (@sabir_saabu01) October 22, 2025
Rabada and Muthusamy dominated this game.
A comment normally related to their batting.
– Call them all (@mcaslind) October 22, 2025
He scored 404/10 💥 from 235/8 SA
Courtesy S Muthuswamy 89* and Rabada’s Golden Half Century – 71 (60) pic.twitter.com/eiam1zghkm– Cricmawa (@cricmawa) 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
Thanks to Maharaj, Muthusamy and Rabada for changing the game
🥰😍🤩😘🇿🇦❤️🤍💚🖤💛💙 #Pakvssa
– Mosibudi Madidimalo (@sibuum) October 22, 2025
Just back to say … Kagiso Rabada and Senuran Muthusamy, thank you both so much
I was sure we were getting another L.
Thanks guys! ♥ ️ ♥ ️ ♥ ️🇿🇦 ️🇿🇦
— Queen Charlotte (@ladycharlotte01) October 22, 2025
Well played by Muthusamy & Rabada 👏🔥
What a comeback by South Africa 🇿🇦❤#Testcricket #Pakvssa #Pakvsa pic.twitter.com/emcrklvgm4
– Prabhakar (@itz_prabhaa) October 22, 2025
Consider it out by Maharaj, Muthusamy and Rabada at home. 💀😂
Babar Azam 😂😂😂#Pakvsapic.twitter.com/1ww4twq7bt
– Ash (@ashsay_) October 22, 2025
Muthusamy and Rabada Marathon Partnership pic.twitter.com/i6sm1zhwqr
– Tingus paint (@bent_copper) October 22, 2025
