LAHORE — Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, leaving the hosts all out for 167 in their second innings. South Africa now requires 277 runs to secure a series-opening victory.
Spinner Senuran Muthusamy starred for South Africa, claiming a maiden 10-wicket haul in the match with figures of 6 for 117 in the first innings and 5 for 57 in the second. Fellow spinner Simon Harmer contributed with 4 for 51, helping Pakistan lose their last six wickets for just 17 runs.
Earlier, Pakistan had reached 150 for 5 at tea, holding a first-innings lead of 259. However, the middle order collapsed under pressure, with Harmer dismissing Imam-ul-Haq for a duck and trapping captain Shan Masood lbw for seven. Muthusamy removed Abdullah Shafique for 41, and pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Babar Azam leg-before for 42, extending Azam’s streak without a Test century to 28 innings since December 2022.
South Africa’s Tony de Zorzi, who resumed the day on 81, completed his second Test century, finishing on 104 before being caught at long-on by Shaheen Shah Afridi after a 208-minute innings featuring 10 fours and two sixes.
Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the pick of the bowlers in South Africa’s first innings, with Noman taking 6 for 112 and Sajid finishing with 3 for 98, including the dismissal of Rabada for a duck.
The final day promises an intense finish as Pakistan will aim to defend the target while South Africa looks to chase 277 runs for victory.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.