Pakistan tighten their grip on the Rawalpindi Test
Day 3 of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test in Rawalpindi belonged entirely to the hosts, as their bowlers and top-order batters combined to push the visitors onto the back foot. What started as a balanced contest tilted firmly in Pakistan’s favor by the end of play, leaving South Africa chasing the game heading into the fourth day.
Resuming the day with a modest lead, Pakistan’s bowlers came out firing with relentless accuracy and reverse swing, dismantling South Africa’s middle order before it could stabilize.
Bowlers set the tone early
The morning session saw Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, produce a fiery spell under overcast conditions. Hasan struck twice in quick succession, removing set batters and exposing the lower order. Spinner Nauman Ali then joined the act, exploiting footmarks to pick up crucial wickets as South Africa folded earlier than expected.
The visitors were bowled out for a below-par total, handing Pakistan a vital first-innings lead that would later prove decisive.
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Solid start from Pakistan’s top order
In reply, Pakistan’s openers made sure there were no early hiccups. Abdullah Shafique looked composed at the crease, while skipper Babar Azam continued his fine form with a fluent half-century. Their partnership frustrated South African bowlers, who struggled to extract assistance from a surface that had flattened out as the day progressed.
Even after the dismissal of Shafique, the middle order built on the foundation, ensuring Pakistan ended the day with a healthy overall lead and strong control of the match.
South Africa fight but face uphill battle
Despite a spirited effort from Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, South Africa couldn’t make consistent breakthroughs. Their fielding lapses and missed chances added to the frustration as Pakistan’s batters punished every loose delivery.
The Proteas now face the daunting task of batting last on a wearing surface, where spin is expected to play a decisive role.
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Key moments from Day 3
- Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi dismantled the South African lower order early.
- Nauman Ali picked up key wickets with turn and control.
- Babar Azam’s fifty steadied Pakistan’s second innings.
- South Africa’s fielding errors proved costly in a crucial session.
- Pakistan closed the day with a commanding lead and full momentum.
What’s next?
With two days left, Pakistan look well-placed to push for a series-clinching win. Their bowlers have dominated the conditions, and with the pitch starting to break up, spin could be the decisive factor on Day 4.
For South Africa, it’s now about resilience and discipline surviving Day 4 sessions will be key if they are to avoid another defeat on subcontinental soil.
Final thoughts
The Pakistan vs South Africa HIGHLIGHTS, 2nd Test Day 3 showed the hosts at their clinical best combining pace, spin, and strategic batting to seize full control of the match. With the crowd behind them and confidence soaring, Pakistan will aim to wrap up proceedings quickly, while South Africa’s hopes now rest on a miracle batting effort.
