Senuran Muthusamy has urged his South Africa team-mates to be resilient following a difficult day against Pakistan.

Muthusamy’s six-wicket haul had earlier wrapped up Pakistan’s innings for 378, despite a vital 163-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.

South Africa made a composed start through Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, but once Noman Ali found his rhythm, the tide turned.

The left-arm spinner dismissed Markram and Wiaan Mulder, before Babar Azam’s sharp slip catch ended Rickelton’s fluent knock on 71.

A brilliant spell from Senuran Muthusamy!

A career-best effort with a maiden five-for, marking the third-best Test figures by a South African in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/yck5r99adp

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 13, 2025

And though South Africa will resume play on Tuesday on 216-6, Muthusamy is confident the Proteas are well in the contest, with Tony de Zorzi unbeaten on 81.

“The conditions are as spin-friendly as I’ve played in,” said the 31-year-old, who finished with figures of 6-117 in just his sixth Test.

“I was focused on landing the ball in a consistent area. We were not as consistent as we wanted to be on the first day.

“I wasn’t too worried about the pace I was bowling; I did want to vary it, but it was more about our lengths, and I thought I and the other guys did that well today.

“We bowled well as a unit; we all contributed. I’m really grateful to pick up the wickets.

“We have to be resilient, strong defensively and show good intent.”

The tourists, who lost four wickets for 26 runs in the final hour, still trail Pakistan by 162.