Once maharaj

When Noman Ali: Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada engineered a stunning lower-order revival that left Pakistan reeling on the third day in Rawalpindi, as South Africa seized control of the second and final Test of the series with a 71-run first-innings lead.

Muthusamy’s composed 89 and Rabada’s explosive 71 — his maiden Test fifty, coming off just 38 balls — flipped the script after the visitors had slumped to 210 for 7. By stumps, Pakistan were effectively 94 for 4, facing an uphill climb in a match that had swung dramatically in South Africa’s favour.

The day began with debutant Asif Afridi completing a dream five-wicket haul, becoming the oldest man to take a five-for on Test debut for Pakistan. Asif struck in his first over when Kyle Verreynne edged behind, and trapped Tristan Stubbs for 76 and Simon Harmer soon after to leave South Africa tottering. When Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen lbw, the visitors were 210 for 7, still trailing by 48.