Pakistan vs South Africa: Day 3 Ends with SA Requiring 226
A thrilling Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Lahore saw 16 wickets fall, leaving South Africa needing a further 226 runs to win with 8 wickets remaining. The dry and crumbly pitch heavily favored the bowlers, creating a captivating contest.
South Africa began the day at 216/8, and Tony de Zorzi quickly reached his century. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse as the Proteas were bowled out for 269, adding only 53 runs to their overnight score. Noman Ali was the star for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 6-112, giving Pakistan a substantial 109-run lead.
Pakistan’s second innings started poorly. Imam-ul-Haq was stumped for a duck off Simon Harmer, who also dismissed captain Shan Masood before lunch, leaving Pakistan struggling at 36/2. Abdullah Shafique, after a promising start, gifted his wicket away, caught off Senuran Muthusamy. The South African spinners continued to exploit the turning pitch.
A period of stability arrived with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel at the crease. They forged a 55-run partnership, with Babar looking particularly comfortable, hitting three consecutive fours off Muthusamy. However, Kagiso Rabada removed Babar, breaking the stand. Shakeel, having reached 38, then threw his wicket away, holing out to deep mid-wicket.
Pakistan then suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 17 runs in 6.3 overs. Muthusamy completed a five-wicket haul, while Harmer took four. This collapse left South Africa with a target of 277 to win.
South Africa’s openers began cautiously. Noman Ali struck early, dismissing Aiden Markram and then Wiaan Mulder in quick succession. The left-handed pair of Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi then displayed excellent technique and temperament, guiding South Africa safely to stumps. Rickelton was dropped by Shafique, but the remaining overs passed without further incident.
Brief Scores: Pakistan 378 & 167 (Babar Azam 42; Senuran Muthusamy 5-57, Simon Harmer 4-51) lead South Africa 269 & 51/2 (Ryan Rickelton 29*; Noman Ali 2-20) by 226 runs.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and may be subject to updates.
