Lahore – South Africa ended Day 3 of the first Test in Lahore at 51/2, needing 226 more runs to win after a dramatic Pakistan collapse left them with a target of 277.
Spinner Noman Ali was the key figure for Pakistan, picking up two early wickets as South Africa struggled in their chase. The Proteas were set 277 to win after Pakistan, resuming their second innings at 36/2, crumbled from a strong 150-4 to be bowled out for just 167 in 46.1 overs.
South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note, with captain Aiden Markram dismissed for just three runs by Noman Ali, leaving the visitors at 13-1 in the fifth over. Ali struck again shortly afterward, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck, and South Africa found themselves under pressure at 13-2.
However, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi steadied the ship, adding 33 runs for the third wicket. At stumps, Rickelton remained unbeaten on 29 off 76 balls, while de Zorzi was on 16 off 44 balls, leaving South Africa with a realistic chance of chasing down the target on the final day.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting imploded after a promising start. Resuming at 36/2, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam added 31 runs before Shafique was dismissed by Senuran Muthusamy for 41. Babar continued to anchor the innings, raising a 50-run partnership with Saud Shakeel. However, the Proteas regained control when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Babar for 42, leaving Pakistan at 119-4.
Saud Shakeel contributed 38 before falling to Muthusamy, who continued to dominate the middle order. By tea, Pakistan was struggling at 150-5, with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 14. The collapse continued swiftly after tea, with Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha, and Nauman Ali all falling cheaply, leaving Pakistan all out for 167.
Muthusamy was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 5/57, while Simon Harmer claimed 4/51. Rabada also contributed with the vital wicket of Babar.
Earlier, South Africa had been bowled out for 269 in their first innings. Despite losing early wickets, Tony de Zorzi anchored the innings with a patient 104, and Ryan Rickelton added a solid 71. Pakistan’s spinners Noman Ali (6/112) and Sajid Khan (3/72) were the standout bowlers for the hosts.
Pakistan’s collapse was a stark contrast to their earlier performance, where they had been in a commanding position at 352-5 before being bundled out for 378 on Day 2, thanks to an exceptional spell from Muthusamy. The Proteas will resume their chase on the final day with plenty to do but still within reach of the target.
With 226 runs needed on the final day and eight wickets in hand, South Africa’s hopes of chasing down the target remain intact, but the result is far from decided.
