Muthusamy’s Six Wickets Restrict Pakistan in Opening Test

Senuran Muthusamy’s exceptional performance, claiming six wickets, played a pivotal role in South Africa dismissing Pakistan for 378 during the initial session on the second day of the first Test match held at Gaddafi Stadium this Monday.

Pakistan resumed play at 313 for five, with Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, holding scores of 62 and 52, respectively. The pair showcased a strong batting display early in the day, building a partnership exceeding 150 runs, which became the highest sixth-wicket partnership for Pakistan against South Africa on their home ground.

The duo exhibited confidence and aimed for a 400-run total. However, their impressive 163-run partnership came to an end when Muthusamy successfully dismissed Rizwan, who scored a solid 75 from 140 deliveries, including two boundaries and two sixes. This dismissal left Pakistan at 362 for six after 101.3 overs.

The left-arm spinner continued his momentum in the same over, taking the wickets of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan for ducks. This achievement completed his five-wicket haul and significantly shifted the game’s momentum in favor of South Africa.

Shaheen Afridi managed to add a few runs before Muthusamy claimed his wicket for seven, marking his sixth dismissal and leaving Pakistan struggling at 378 for nine in 109.3 overs.

Prenelan Subrayen concluded the innings by dismissing Salman Ali Agha, who scored a well-composed 93 from 145 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes.

Muthusamy concluded his spell with impressive figures of 6/117 in 32 overs, while Subrayen secured two wickets for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer each contributed with one wicket.

Earlier, on the first day, Pakistan faced an early setback as opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed LBW by Rabada for only two runs from three balls in the opening over.

Nevertheless, captain Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings, establishing a 161-run partnership for the second wicket.

Imam, returning to Test cricket after 2023, achieved his 10th Test half-century, while Shan recorded his 12th. Their partnership concluded when Subrayen dismissed Shan for 76 off 147 balls, an innings that included nine boundaries and a six, leaving Pakistan at 163 for two in 47.3 overs.

Babar Azam demonstrated fluency upon his arrival, achieving a significant milestone by becoming the first Pakistani and the eighth batter overall to surpass 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship.

Before the tea break, Muthusamy struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Imam for a well-played 93 off 153 balls with seven fours and a six, and sending Saud Shakeel back for a golden duck, reducing Pakistan’s score to 199 for four.

Following the interval, Babar was dismissed for 23 off 48 balls by Simon Harmer. Subsequently, Rizwan and Salman reconstructed the innings, establishing a 50-run stand for the sixth wicket.

Both batsmen displayed composure under pressure, with Rizwan reaching his 12th Test fifty and Salman achieving his 10th half-century in red-ball cricket.

Pakistan’s total of 378 sets the stage for an exciting contest as South Africa gears up to commence their first innings later in the day.