The 1st test Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, as bowlers from both sides dictated the game tempo, with 16 wickets tumbling on a single day, pakistan finished in a commanding position, leaving South Africa 51/2 struggling in their chase of a challenging target of 277 runs. The day witnessed a rollercoaster of collapses and top quality spin bowling that defined the story of the match so far.
The morning session began with South Africa their first innings on 216/6 , trailing pakistan 1st innings total of 378 , pakistan spinners wasted no time wrapping up the innings, lower order not much added in scores , despite a fighting effort from Tony De zorzi who played magnificent 104 runs innings , South Africa were bowled out of 269 runs , giving pakistan 109 runs lead in first innings, De Zorzi innings stood out for it’s maturity and shot selection on a tough surface.
While Noman Ali is stand out bowler for Pakistan who gets 6/112 while Sajid Khan took 3/98 and salman Ali Agha got 1 wicket.
Pakistan second innings got off shaky start, Imam ul haq goes without scoring and Shan Masood added only 7 , both fell to Simon Harmer, leaving the hosts 33/2 , Babar Azam looked solid and composed as he played some exquisite strokes through off sides, alongwith saud Shakeel,he steadied the Innings with the crucial partnership of 55 runs , Abdullah Shafique managed 41 while Babar Azam who added 42 valuable runs.
The middle order and lower order crumbled under pressure, saud Shakeel 38 runs provided brief resistance ,but wickets kept falling in clusters. Again Senuran muthusamy was the destroyer in the chef for south africa claim 5/57 , while Simon Harmer took 4/51 , pakistan innings folded 167 leaving South Africa with a target 277 runs to win the match.
Chasing 277 , South Africa innings began with a shaky notes, Aiden Markram managed only 3 runs while wiaan Mulder departed without scoring both was dismissed by Noman Ali. However Rayn Rickelton unbeaten 29 and Tony De zorzi steady on 16 with his composure and disciplined batting against spin.
At the end of the day South Africa 51/2 , still need 226 runs for win with 8 wickets of hand.
Day 4 Outlook
With South Africa at 51 for 2, chasing 277, the fourth day promises a gripping finish. Pakistan’s spinners, led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, will aim to wrap up the match quickly on a turning track. South Africa’s hopes rest on Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton, who must build a solid partnership to pull off a challenging chase in Lahore.