Muthusamy's Maiden Five-For Rattles Pakistan as South Africa Begin Solid Reply

Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy produced a stunning spell on Day 2 to claim his maiden Test five-wicket haul, helping South Africa bowl Pakistan out for 378 in the first Test in Lahore. Despite a resilient 163-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs, courtesy of Muthusamy's 6 for 117 – his best figures in Test cricket.

South Africa ended the morning session at 10 without loss, successfully negotiating a tricky four-over period before lunch and trailing by 368 runs.

Pakistan’s Collapse After Strong Stand

Resuming on a solid overnight platform, Rizwan and Agha picked up where they left off, with Rizwan playing the anchor role and Agha continuing his fluent strokeplay. Agha looked in commanding touch, sweeping Simon Harmer behind square and lifting him over the sightscreen for six, before dispatching Muthusamy to the boundary to move into the 90s.

Pakistan appeared set for a 400-plus total on a pitch expected to deteriorate quickly. But Muthusamy had other plans.

The left-armer triggered a dramatic collapse just past the hour mark, starting with Rizwan's dismissal for 75 — extra bounce taking the edge to the keeper and breaking the record sixth-wicket partnership. What followed was a masterclass in spin bowling.

Muthusamy bowled Noman Ali with a beautiful flighted delivery that turned past the outside edge to hit off stump. The very next ball, Sajid Khan edged to Aiden Markram at slip, giving Muthusamy two wickets in two balls for the second time in the innings.

Agha Falls Short of Century

With wickets tumbling at the other end, Agha tried to shepherd the tail. But Shaheen Afridi’s aggressive charge ended in disaster as he was bowled attempting a big shot, again by Muthusamy.

Agha, now running out of partners and time, attempted to reach his century quickly, but a mistimed slog off Prenelan Subrayen found Muthusamy at the boundary. He fell for a well-made 93, his second time in the innings missing out on a ton after Imam-ul-Haq had fallen on 93 the previous day.

South Africa Off to Steady Start

Despite the flurry of wickets, South Africa showed composure as they began their reply. Openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram saw out four tense overs before lunch without any damage, setting the stage for a pivotal second session.

With South Africa trailing by 368 runs and the pitch already showing signs of turn and variable bounce, Muthusamy’s spell could prove to be a turning point in the match.

Score Summary:

Pakistan – 378 all out (Salman Ali Agha 93, Mohammad Rizwan 75; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117)
South Africa – 10/0 (Elgar 4*, Markram 6*) trail by 368 runs