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Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada produced a stunning lower-order rescue act to help South Africa post 404 in 119.3 overs, gaining a valuable 71-run first-innings lead over Pakistan by Tea on Day 3 of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The duo’s partnership transformed South Africa’s innings from despair to dominance after they had slumped to 235 for 8 earlier in the day.
Kagiso Rabada’s fearless fifty turns the tide
After Keshav Maharaj’s dismissal for 30, Pakistan looked well on course to bowl South Africa out cheaply. But Rabada walked in with purpose and turned the tables in style. The right-hander batted with a mix of control and aggression, taking calculated risks and punishing loose deliveries with authority.
Rabada went on to register his maiden Test fifty, a knock that will be remembered for both its impact and importance. His 71-run innings off 87 balls included crisp boundaries and confident strokeplay against both pace and spin. In doing so, he also became the highest-scoring No. 11 for South Africa in Test history, surpassing a record that had stood for decades.
Senuran Muthusamy anchors the fightback with unbeaten 89
At the other end, Muthusamy showed remarkable temperament and maturity. The left-hander stood firm amid Pakistan’s persistent bowling and slowly built his innings with patience and precision. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps ensured South Africa kept the scoreboard ticking even as wickets tumbled around him.
Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 was a study in calmness under pressure. Although he missed out on a well-deserved century, his partnership with Rabada — worth 98 runs for the 10th wicket — completely shifted the course of the Test. Their stand followed a crucial 71-run ninth-wicket partnership between Muthusamy and Maharaj, which had earlier steadied the innings.
Pakistan let advantage slip despite Asif Afridi’s five-for
Pakistan started the day brightly, with left-arm spinner Asif Afridi continuing his dream spell. He claimed a career-best 5-wicket haul and looked set to wrap up South Africa’s innings quickly. But as the day progressed, fielding lapses and a lack of consistency from the bowlers allowed the visitors back into the contest.
The lower-order resistance frustrated Pakistan’s attack, and the missed opportunities proved costly. By the time Rabada was dismissed, the Proteas had not only erased the deficit but also built a commanding lead.
At the Tea break, South Africa’s total of 404 gave them a 71-run cushion — a position few would have predicted when they were reeling at 235 for 8. The Rawalpindi crowd watched in disbelief as Muthusamy and Rabada walked off to loud applause from the South African camp.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
Muthasamy and Rabada (maiden test 50) powered us through this morning – nice one 🙌
— Francis_co 🇵🇹🇿🇦 🙌 (@FrancisGersbach)
Rabada and Muthusamy played like they were playing for their life. Absolute bonkers! Such a pity for Pakistan. Can't rely on 40 year old spinners all the time.
— Mindful Punter 🏏 (@PunterLost)
Pakistan was in a commanding position, and then Senuran Muthusamy came to bat.
His partnership with Kashav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada changed the game. His partners got out, and he remained not out on 89. | | | |
— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992)
Test cricket at its peak! Incredible batting by lower of proteas particularly Muthusamy and Rabada.
— Hasnat Chattha (@daaspiderman)
Muthusamy deserves huge credit for showing such awareness, playing second fiddle to Rabada despite being within reach of his maiden Test 💯. Not many batters would’ve made that choice in the same situation. Elite game awareness and team play right there.
— Sarb (@ChandlerStinso1)
How im seeing muthusamy and rabada atm
— TS (@Taimoorr2)
Great partnership from Rabada and Muthusamy. Need some wickets before the close of play
— Sello (@LoloKale)
Muthusamy, Rabada and Maharaja lifted the spirit of team , interesting test match ahead
— Yasir Hameed (@Yasir_HameedQ)
This Rabada and Muthusamy partnership could be the match-winning partnership.
— Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60)
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! 👏
— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01)
Rabada and Muthusamy have put this game on its head.
Not normally a statement associated with their batting.
— babize bonke (@mcaslind)
From 235/8 sa scored 404/10 💥
Courtesy S Muthuswamy 89* and rabada's Maiden half century – 71(60)— cricmawa (@cricmawa)
No idea why we're comparing Rabada to Lara when we should be comparing him to the greatest left-handed batter of all time: Senuran Muthusamy.
— Dale (@ncakos316)
Thanks to Maharaj, Muthusamy and Rabada for changing the game
🥰😍🤩😘🇿🇦❤️🤍💚🖤💛💙
— Mosibudi Madidimalo (@SibuuuM)
I came back just to say… Kagiso Rabada and Senuran Muthusamy, I appreciate you both so much 😭😭
I was sure we were taking another L.
Thank you, boys! ♥️♥️♥️🇿🇦
— Queen Charlotte (@LadyCharlotte01)
Well played Muthusamy & Rabada 👏🔥
What a comeback by South Africa 🇿🇦❤
— Prabhakar (@itz_Prabhaa)
Imagine getting out-batted by Maharaj, Muthusamy & Rabada at home. 💀😂
Babar Azam 😂😂😂
— Ash (@Ashsay_)
Muthusamy and Rabada marathon partnership
— Tingus Pingis (@bent_copper)
