The opening Test between Pakistan and South Africa remains finely poised after a thrilling third day in Lahore that saw 16 wickets tumble and momentum swing wildly between both sides.
After conceding a 109-run first-innings lead, South Africa’s spinners roared back to bundle Pakistan out for 167 in their second innings. Chasing 276 to win, the visitors closed Day 3 at 51 for 2, still needing 226 runs with eight wickets in hand.
De Zorzi and Rickelton Steady the Ship
At stumps, Tony de Zorzi (16 not out off 44) and Ryan Rickelton (29 not out off 76) had weathered a tense evening spell, ensuring the Proteas ended the day without further damage. De Zorzi, fresh from his brilliant 104 in the first innings, emphasized the value of composure on a tricky surface:
A partnership on this wicket is gold. Ricks and I just try to stay present, one ball at a time. We both have different strengths, and that balance helps us build partnerships.
Noman Ali Spins a Web
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s spinners continued to dominate proceedings. Noman Ali, who had claimed four wickets on Monday, added two more to finish with 6 for 112 — his ninth five-wicket haul in Tests. Off-spinner Sajid Khan bagged three, while Salman Ali Agha chipped in with one as South Africa were dismissed for 269 in 84 overs. De Zorzi’s century stood out as the backbone of the Proteas innings, decorated with 10 fours and two sixes, while five of his teammates fell for single-digit scores.
Pakistan’s Collapse Opens the Door
With a healthy first-innings cushion, Pakistan seemed set to tighten their grip — but South Africa’s spin duo had other ideas.
Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer combined to rip through the hosts’ lineup, sharing nine wickets between them. Muthusamy finished with 5 for 57, giving him match figures of 11 for 174, while Harmer’s 4 for 51 completed the demolition.
Despite starts from Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42) — who turns 31 on Wednesday — Pakistan collapsed from 119 for 4 to 167 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 16 runs. Saud Shakeel provided brief resistance with a brisk 38 off 53 balls, but the damage was done.
Final Day Set for a Classic Finish
With South Africa needing 226 more runs and Pakistan hunting eight wickets, the Gaddafi Stadium is braced for a tense finish. Spinners have called the shots so far — and they are likely to decide the outcome again.
Brief Scores: Pakistan: 378 & 167 all out (46.1 overs) (Babar Azam 42, Abdullah Shafique 41, Saud Shakeel 38; Senuran Muthusamy 5-57, Simon Harmer 4-51) South Africa: 269 all out (84 overs) & 51-2 (22 overs) (Tony de Zorzi 104, Ryan Rickelton 71; Noman Ali 6-112, Sajid Khan 3-98; Noman Ali 2-20 in 2nd innings) South Africa need 226 runs to win.
