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RAWALPINDI: Veteran Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi took five wickets on debut before South Africa battled to 285-8 at lunch on the third day of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

The tourists trail Pakistan’s first-innings 333 by 48 runs with two wickets intact as they attempt to square the two-match series.

Senuran Muthusamy and Keshav Maharaj were at the crease on 48 and 23 respectively at the break, having added a fighting 50 for the ninth wicket.

Asif, who at 38 years and 299 days became the second-oldest Pakistani to make his Test debut, has figures of 5-61.

Like fellow left-armer Maharaj — who took seven wickets — Asif used the dry conditions to maximum effect to become the 15th Pakistani bowler to take five wickets on debut.

South Africa resumed on 185-4 and added 100 runs in the morning session.

With the turn on the Rawalpindi stadium pitch increasing considerably, Asif dismissed Kyle Verreynne caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 10 with the fourth ball of the day.

Tristan Stubbs defied Pakistan’s spinners for 256 minutes before a fastish delivery from Asif trapped him leg-before for 76. His knock was studded with six fours and a six.

Asif completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Simon Harmer leg-before for two while Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen in the same manner for 12. 

KARACHI: Pakistan and �������� discussed the situation in Gaza and the broader region, the Pakistani foreign office said on Wednesday, as both allies coordinate their positions on the Middle East.

The two countries have worked closely to help end Israel’s military campaign against Palestinians as eight Muslim-majority nations, including their own top representatives, met United States President Donald Trump in September to discuss the situation in Gaza before a peace plan was formally unveiled.

The plan outlined a phased implementation, beginning with a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. A ceasefire deal was later signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, earlier this month, in a ceremony attended by leaders from several nations.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar spoke on the phone late last night with the Foreign Minister of ��������, Prince Faisal bin Farhan,” the foreign office said in a post on social media platform X. “Building on their previous discussions, the two leaders reviewed recent regional developments, including Gaza and Palestine.”

“Both reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region and agreed to stay closely engaged on matters of mutual interest,” it added.

�������� remains a key economic and strategic partner for Pakistan, with ties strengthened by a landmark strategic defense pact signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s last visit to the kingdom.

Under the agreement, any act of aggression against one country will be considered an attack against both, underscoring their deep security partnership.

The deal also provides for expanded defense cooperation, including joint military training, intelligence sharing, collaborative exercises and technology exchange, reflecting the growing trust and alignment between the two nations.

Both countries have also intensified consultations since then, with Saudi authorities maintaining close contact with Islamabad during Pakistan’s recent military standoff with Afghanistan.