Spin was the story of day two at the Gaddafi Stadium as Pakistan tightened their grip on the opening Test, leaving South Africa reeling at 216/6, still 162 runs adrift of the hosts’ first-innings total of 378.
Muthusamy’s Career-Best Six-for Leads South Africa’s Fightback
The morning belonged to Senuran Muthusamy, who produced a spell of guile and control to claim a career-best 6-117, helping South Africa bowl out Pakistan for 378. His effort ensured the visitors did not let the game slip away despite a strong start from the hosts.
It’s really special. It’s something that’s taken quite a while. It’s been a journey — I actually started as an opening batter and gradually bowled more and more as I moved into the middle order.
The 30-year-old made full use of conditions that he described as “as spin-friendly as I’ve ever played in”. “I was just focused on landing the ball consistently. We weren’t as disciplined as we wanted to be on the first day, so it was nice to contribute and open up the game,” he added.
Muthusamy’s incisive spell began by ending Mohammad Rizwan’s resilient 75 in the 102nd over. He then removed Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in the same over before dismissing Shaheen Shah Afridi to wrap up the innings. Salman Ali Agha, who looked set for a century, was the last man out for 93, his dismissal closing Pakistan’s innings at 378 after they resumed the day at 313/5.
De Zorzi, Rickelton Keep South Africa Afloat
Rickelton batted fluently for 71 off 137 balls before falling to Salman Ali Agha, while de Zorzi remained unbeaten on 81 off 140 balls — an innings laced with nine fours and a six — to ensure the Proteas had some fight left.
Ricks and Tony batted really nicely. We have to be resilient and strong defensively while showing intent. It’s not ideal losing wickets late in the day, but that’s Test cricket — it’s about bouncing back.
Noman Ali Strikes Back as Pakistan Reassert Control
Just as South Africa looked set to consolidate, Noman Ali spun the contest back in Pakistan’s favour. The 38-year-old finished the day with 4-73, extracting bounce and drift to dismantle the middle order.
The visitors slipped from 174/2 to 200/6, losing three wickets in quick succession. De Zorzi was left to hold the innings together as Pakistan’s spinners turned the screws.
A Day Owned by Spin and Discipline
It was a day where both teams’ spinners showcased control and patience, but Pakistan’s consistency edged them ahead. With South Africa still trailing by 162 runs, the hosts will eye an early finish on day three to seize the series initiative.
We’re still fighting, still batting. It’s about staying patient and showing some grit. There’s plenty of cricket left in this match.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 378 all out in 110.4 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 93, Salman Ali Agha 93, Shan Masood 76, Mohammad Rizwan 75; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117, Prenelan Subrayen 2-78) South Africa 216/6 in 67 overs (Tony de Zorzi 81*, Ryan Rickelton 71; Noman Ali 4-73). South Africa trail by 162 runs
