South Africa stormed into command on day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi, but Pakistan’s Babar Azam stood firm to keep the contest alive.

After starting the day under pressure, the Proteas rallied from early trouble through a superb 98-run last-wicket stand between Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71). Their partnership lifted South Africa to 404 all out, a first-innings lead of 71, after debutant spinner Asif Afridi claimed an impressive 6/79.

Rabada’s explosive innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, was his maiden Test fifty, while Muthusamy’s composed knock underscored the growing strength of South Africa’s lower order.

Rabda's fifty was also only the third half-century by a South African batting at No 11, after Bert Vogler’s 62 against England way back in 1906, and Pat Symcox’s 54 against Australia in 1998.

Rabada’s 71 was also the fifth-highest score by a No 11 in the history of Test cricket.

In the second innings Pakistan soon sunk to 16/3 before Babar steadied the innings with an unbeaten 49.

With the ball, Simon Harmer led the charge, taking 3/26 with Rabada taking the other wicket to fall.

At stumps, Pakistan were 94/4, holding a slender lead of 23 runs. With six wickets remaining, their hopes rest squarely on Babar and Mohammad Rizwan to fend off a confident South African attack on day four.