Senuran Muthusamy praised Kagiso Rabada after their 10th-wicket partnership swung momentum firmly South Africa’s way on day three of the second Test against Pakistan.

The pair put on 98 runs, taking the Proteas to 404 all out and earning a 71-run lead after Pakistan’s first-innings 333.

Rabada made a career-best 71, while Muthusamy’s 89* was the highest score of his Test career.

The hosts ended the third day on 94-4 – just 23 runs ahead.

“It was initially just us looking to play what is in front of us,” Muthusamy said. “Rabada’s innings was of the highest standard. His ball striking in those conditions was superb, and he’s a naturally free-flowing batter.

“It was an excellent innings from KG, and I ended up playing a supporting role, but it’s a fantastic partnership that we’ll remember. We hope it puts us in a strong position to win the game. It was some good batting, and credit to KG for how he played.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan vs Proteas (2nd Test, Day 3)

Muthusamy admitted Rabada’s counterattack impacted his batting.

“I did lose a bit of rhythm with my innings,” he said. “It became hard to score because the field was spread and everyone was on the boundary. The idea, though, was to keep batting and continue the tempo that we were batting at.

“He probably didn’t hit the ball as cleanly as he thought [when he was caught on the boundary], but with the natural progression, the pitch will get tougher to bat on.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge of batting last.”

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