Rawalpindi Test: South Africa Stage Brilliant Comeback, Take 71-Run Lead Over Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: South Africa produced a stunning lower-order recovery on the third day of the Rawalpindi Test, posting 404 runs in their first innings to take a 71-run lead over Pakistan, who were bowled out for 333 in their opening innings.

Resuming at 185 for 4, South Africa initially stumbled when debutant Asif Afridi struck early, dismissing Dewald Brevis without adding to the overnight score. Afridi continued his dream debut by removing Kyle Verreynne and Tristan Stubbs, completing a five-wicket haul in his very first Test innings.

However, South Africa’s tailenders turned the match around with a remarkable display of resilience and attacking intent. The last three wickets added 194 runs, led by Siyamthanda Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj, who built a 71-run stand, followed by a 98-run partnership between Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada.

Rabada smashed 71 runs off quick succession, including four sixes and four fours, before falling to Afridi as his sixth victim. Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89, guiding his team to a total of 404 all out.

For Pakistan, Asif Afridi was the standout performer with 6 wickets, while Nauman Ali claimed 2, and Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan took one apiece.

Earlier, Pakistan’s first innings featured solid contributions from captain Shan Masood (87), Saud Shakeel (66), and Abdullah Shafique (57). South Africa’s spin spearhead Keshav Maharaj had dominated that innings, taking seven wickets to restrict the hosts to 333.

With South Africa now holding a first-innings advantage, the match is finely poised heading into the fourth day, with Pakistan looking to reclaim control in their second innings.