Special Correspondent
Pakistan’s hopes of clinching a home victory in the opening Test against South Africa hung in the balance on the third day at the Gaddafi Stadium, as the hosts suffered a dramatic second-innings collapse, bowled out for 167 and setting the visitors a target of 277 runs on a sharply turning pitch.
By stumps, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with Ryan Rickelton (29 not out) and Tony de Zorzi (16 not out) weathering a challenging final session. The visitors still need 226 runs for victory, while Pakistan require eight wickets to seal the contest — leaving the Test delicately balanced heading into Day 4.
Noman Ali stars again as Pakistan seize early advantage
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s spinners had kept the hosts in control, dismissing South Africa for 269 in their first innings to secure a narrow 109-run lead.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the standout performer, claiming 6 for 112, his second six-wicket haul of the match, while Sajid Khan contributed 3 for 98. Noman’s haul included the dismissal of centurion Tony de Zorzi (104), who anchored South Africa’s innings before falling to a well-flighted delivery.
Batting collapse hands advantage back to South Africa
However, Pakistan’s batting faltered spectacularly in their second innings. Despite a strong start by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42), the middle and lower order disintegrated under sustained pressure from South Africa’s spinners.
Senuran Muthusamy (5-57) and Simon Harmer (4-51) exploited the deteriorating surface masterfully, combining for nine wickets. Muthusamy’s match figures of 11 wickets not only marked a career-best performance but also the best-ever return by a South African spinner in Pakistan.
After lunch, the collapse was swift and brutal. Pakistan slid from 150 for 4 to 167 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 17 runs. Imam-ul-Haq fell for a duck, Shan Masood managed only 7, and the lower order — including Salman Ali Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Hasan Ali — contributed little.
South Africa steady after early blows
Chasing 277 for victory, South Africa lost Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) early, both removed by Noman Ali, who continued to trouble the visitors with sharp turn and low bounce. But Rickelton and de Zorzi steadied the innings, ensuring no further damage before close.
Final two days promise gripping finish
With two full days remaining and the Gaddafi Stadium surface showing variable bounce and sharp turn, the contest remains on a knife’s edge. Pakistan’s spinners hold the key to defending the modest target, while South Africa will rely on patience and partnerships to chase down their highest-ever total in Pakistan.
As the fourth day begins, the equation is simple — Pakistan must strike early to stay alive, while South Africa’s resilience will determine whether this enthralling Test swings their way.
