LAHORE, Pakistan: Spinner Noman Ali’s double breakthrough put Pakistan in command on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa, leaving the visitors struggling at 51 for 2 in pursuit of a 277-run target at the Gaddafi Stadium.
South Africa still need 226 runs with eight wickets in hand, as Pakistan’s spinners continue to dominate on a deteriorating pitch.
At stumps, South Africa were reeling after losing key wickets early in their chase, with Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Noman, asserting control over the match.
The visitors are left with eight wickets in hand and a challenging task ahead, as Pakistan’s spinners continue to dominate on a deteriorating pitch.
Pakistan’s Second Innings: A Familiar Story of Wickets Falling in Clusters
After South Africa had set the target of 277 runs, Pakistan’s second innings got off to a disastrous start. The visitors’ spinners, especially Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup.
Imam-ul-Haq, who had been a stalwart in Pakistan’s first innings, fell early, stumped by Kyle Verreynne off Harmer for a duck. Shan Masood, the Pakistan captain, followed shortly, trapped lbw by Harmer for just 7.
The wickets kept tumbling as Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for 41, caught by Verreynne off Muthusamy. Babar Azam, who had looked set, was undone by Kagiso Rabada, trapped lbw for 42.
Saud Shakeel’s impressive 38 was also cut short when he was caught by Tristan Stubbs off Muthusamy’s bowling. Mohammad Rizwan followed suit for 14, another victim of Harmer’s precise spin.
The collapse continued with Salman Agha (4), Shaheen Shah Afridi (0), Noman Ali (11), and Sajid Khan (1) all falling to Muthusamy and Harmer, leaving Pakistan all out for 167 in just 46.1 overs.
Muthusamy was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets, while Harmer’s four-wicket haul further solidified his role as South Africa’s key spinner.
South Africa’s Second Innings: A Rocky Start to the Chase
With a target of 277 runs, South Africa’s chase got off to a rocky start. Openers Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder fell quickly under pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Markram, the South African captain, was dismissed for just 3, caught behind off Noman Ali, while Mulder followed for a duck, caught by Salman Agha at slip off the same bowler.
At 18/2, South Africa’s hopes rested on the shoulders of Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi. The two stabilised the innings with a cautious partnership, taking South Africa to 51/2 at stumps.
Rickelton remains unbeaten on 29, while de Zorzi is 16* as the duo fights to keep South Africa’s hopes alive.
Pakistan’s Bowlers on the Attack
Noman Ali, who had been a key figure in the first innings with six wickets, continued his impressive performance, taking both wickets in South Africa’s second innings. His figures of 2/20 off 11 overs were outstanding, showing his skill and control on a pitch that increasingly favours the spinners.
Hasan Ali and Sajid Khan also kept things tight, with Hasan conceding just two runs in his two overs and Sajid Khan providing steady support.
Looking Ahead to Day 4
With South Africa still 226 runs away from victory, and just eight wickets remaining, the game is finely poised.
The visitors will need a determined effort from Rickelton, de Zorzi, and the middle order to mount a serious challenge.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be buoyed by the performance of their spinners and the opportunity to seal the win with just one more session’s worth of breakthroughs.
