South African tail secures lead over Pakistan in second Test Rawalpindi

South Africa's lower-order batsmen Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada played a pivotal role in overturning the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, securing a 71-run first-innings lead after a remarkable rearguard effort. Muthusamy scored an unbeaten 89 while Rabada recorded his maiden Test fifty with a rapid 71 runs, forming a crucial 98-run partnership for the last wicket, only the second time in Test history such high contributions have come from the ninth and tenth wickets. Earlier, debutant Asif Afridi impressed by taking six wickets for Pakistan, becoming the oldest player to take a five-for on Test debut at age 38. Despite Afridi's efforts, South Africa's tail-end resistance, including a 71-run stand between Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj, frustrated Pakistan's bowlers and shifted momentum. By stumps, Pakistan were struggling at 94 for 4 in their second innings, trailing by 23 runs, with key batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease. The match remains finely poised with two days remaining, as South Africa gained the upper hand following a dramatic third day of play.