Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj displayed remarkable effort to help South Africa recover from a morning collapse in the second Test against Pakistan in a gripping Day 3 contest at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Moreover, the unbreakable partnership of the pair steadied the innings after the debutant Asif Afridi ripped through the middle order of the Proteas with a sensational 5-wicket haul.
Asif Afridi Dominates Early Morning Session
Pakistan began the day on a high, as Asif Afridi delivered a dream spell to destroy the batting lineup of South Africa. Resuming at 184-5, the visitors lost Kyle Verreynne for just 10. However, he became Asif’s third victim after edging to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.
After that, Tristan Stubb anchored the innings with a composed 76 off 205 balls, but he fell lbw to the sharp and quicker delivery of Asif. Moreover, the debutant continued to bowl with relentless accuracy. Later, he trapped Simon Harmer for 2 to complete his maiden five-for. Plus, his figure of 5 for 61 made him the oldest player (38 years, 299 days) to achieve a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
At this point, the Pakistan cricket team appeared fully in command as the Proteas slipped to 235-8, but it was still trailing by 98 runs. However, the composure of the lower order in South Africa was a testament to their character.
Senuran Muthusamy and Maharaj Resist Pakistan’s Charge
Senuran Muthusamy took charge as wickets were falling from the other side. Moreover, he bats with poise and patience, as the left-hander absorbed pressure and rotated the strike smartly to frustrate the bowlers of Pakistan. Moreover, he remained unbeaten on 48 runs at lunch because he handled spin and pace with maturity.
On the other side, Keshav Maharaj (23) joined him at the crease. Moreover, his experience attacking instincts provided the perfect foil. Hence, the duo combined for an important fifty-run stand, which steered the South Africa team from 235-8 to 285-8 by the lunch interval, narrowing the deficit to just 48 runs.
The partnership was developed on intelligent shot selection and calm temperament. Muthuswamy showed excellent footwork against spinners. However, Maharaj mixed alerted with aggression, as he attacked Noman Ali and Sajid Khan whenever they erred in length.
Pakistan’s Missed Chances Prove Costly
The bowlers and fielders of Pakistan missed many chances that could have wrapped up the innings earlier. Maharaj survived many chances. However, Imam-ul-Haq put him down with a tough catch at silly mid-off. Plus, Rizwan missed the chance for stumping, who was unsighted as Maharaj crossed down the track.
These missed moments allowed the Proteas to inch closer to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 333. Despite the spinners maintaining the pressure, the experienced lower-order pair ensured the South Africa cricket team stayed competitive heading into the final session.
A Partnership That Could Change the Match
The unbeaten stand between Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj has revived the innings for South Africa. In addition, it has also shifted the momentum in their favor. Moreover, the frustration of the Pakistani bowlers grew as both batters punished loose deliveries and frustrated the bowlers.
The partnership has also symbolized determination under pressure for South Africa in the Pakistan vs. South Africa test match. Moreover, it is an example of how low-order resilience can redefine the complexion of the test match.
As of now, Senuran Muthusamy is still standing on the crease with 77 runs at the time of writing. It means that he could also score a century in this match. Plus, Kagiso Rabada is also supporting him with an impressive performance.
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