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Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore unfolded with twists, collapses, and late resilience as both sides refused to give in. The day began with Pakistan holding a 109-run first-innings lead but ended with South Africa showing fight in their chase of 277. Pakistan’s second-innings collapse, orchestrated by the South African spinners, kept the match wide open, while the visitors’ top order battled hard in the evening session to stay afloat. With two days left and 226 runs still needed by South Africa, the contest is now finely poised for an exciting finish under the fading Lahore light.
South Africa resume Day 3 from 216/6 with Tony de Zorzi anchors the innings
South Africa began Day 3 at 216/6, still trailing Pakistan’s 378 by 162 runs. Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy took guard with the aim of adding crucial runs and reducing the deficit. De Zorzi batted with composure, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries, while Muthusamy played a cautious supporting role. Their partnership added 28 runs, taking the score to 228/7, before Sajid Khan struck to dismiss Muthusamy for 11.
De Zorzi continued to fight on, showing tremendous skill against the spinners and compiling a well-made 104 off 171 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. However, after his dismissal, the tail could not hold up, with Noman Ali spinning a web around the lower order. The remaining wickets fell quickly: Subrayen (4) and Kagiso Rabada (0) were all dismissed cheaply. Sajid Khan also claimed 3 wickets for 98, complementing Noman’s brilliant 6/112. Extras added 13 runs, taking South Africa’s total to 269 all out in 84 overs, leaving Pakistan a first-innings lead of 109 runs.
Senuran Muthusamy’s five-wicket burst rattles Pakistan’s second innings
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Muthusamy delivered a sensational spell that turned the game on its head, finishing with 5 for 57 as Pakistan’s second innings folded for 167 in 46.1 overs. After a solid start by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42), Pakistan appeared in control at 119/3, but a dramatic collapse followed as the lower order disintegrated. Muthusamy, aided by Simon Harmer (4/51), extracted sharp turn and bounce, trapping key batters like Saud Shakeel, Rizwan and Salman Agha. From a position of strength, Pakistan lost their final seven wickets for just 48 runs, leaving them vulnerable despite setting a challenging target of 277. The South African spinners’ accuracy and variation on a wearing pitch made stroke-making risky, exposing Pakistan’s middle and lower order once again.
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Ryan Rickelton and de Zorzi hold fort as South Africa eye historic chase
Chasing 277 on a tricky surface, South Africa endured early setbacks as Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) fell cheaply to the in-form Noman, who continued his dream run after taking six wickets in the first innings. At 18/2, the visitors were in danger of crumbling, but Ryan Rickelton (29 off 76)* and De Zorzi (16 off 44)* steadied the ship with a cautious, unbeaten 33-run stand. Their partnership frustrated Pakistan’s spinners, who were unable to find a breakthrough late in the day despite consistent pressure. The surface showed signs of variable bounce, keeping both batters alert as they relied heavily on defense and precise shot selection. With South Africa ending the day at 51/2, the match remains delicately balanced, Pakistan will look to strike early on Day 4, while Rickelton and de Zorzi aim to script a resilient stand that could define the outcome of this fiercely contested Test.
Here’s how fans reacted:
& will win us this Test match tomorrow in sh Allah 🤝
— Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83)
Another enthralling day of test cricket comes to an end. Both teams had their moments, but ultimately Pakistan have the advantage and will be favourites to close out this test match. South Africa have a small chance. Very small. Either way, we'll have a result tomorrow.
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz)
Pakistan in a great position to win this test match. Have full belief in our spinners that they'll be able to defend 277 here on this track.
— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007)
Measured batting from Rickelton and De Zorzi to steady the ship and take SA to stumps only 2 down. Need a big partnership from them to give SA a chance. 226 runs still needed.
— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin)
Everything to play for on Day 4️⃣ 💪
— MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown)
Tomorrow, the hunt resumes! ▶️
Ryan & Tony at the crease 🎯— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20)
South africa day from start to finish
abdullah catch krleta toh kuch better hojata
230 run is case able we need quick wicket
right now its south africa match to lose— Muhammad Abdullah Hashmi (@PhantomriderxX)
At the end of Day 3, South Africa are 51 for 2 while chasing 277. Thanks to Pakistan’s batting collapse, the match is wide open. South Africa’s two best spin batters are at the crease, and an exciting day lies ahead tomorrow.
— Aryan Riaz🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12)
16 wickets were down on 3rd day of 1st test in Gaddafi Stadium. tomorrow 1st session will be crucial and right now Pakistan has upper hand. That dropped catch of Rickelton by Abdullah Shafique will definitely haunt Pak
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan)
Noman Ali’s double strike jolts South Africa before Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton steady the innings on an eventful Day 3 of the Lahore Test 💪🔥
Scorecard 👉— bet88visa.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
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