Pakistan holds upper hand after day three despite second-innings slump

Pakistan managed to regain control by stumps on Day 3 of the opening Test against South Africa in Lahore, despite an erratic batting display in their second innings. After setting a target of 277, the hosts struck twice before close, reducing the Proteas to 51 for 2 in 22 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali (2-20) once again proved Pakistan’s key weapon, dismissing Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) to give his side early momentum. At the close, Ryan Rickelton was unbeaten on 29 and Tony de Zorzi remained 16 not out, with South Africa still needing 226 runs to win with eight wickets in hand and two full days to play.

Earlier, Pakistan had secured a strong 109-run lead after posting 378 in their first innings and bowling South Africa out for 269, who resumed the morning at 216 for 6. Tony de Zorzi top-scored for the visitors with a fighting 104, while Noman Ali took 6 for 112 and Sajid Khan picked 3 for 98 to end the innings.

However, Pakistan’s top order faltered in the second innings, crashing to 167 all out after tea. Despite contributions from Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41) and Saud Shakeel (38), the hosts threw away their advantage with poor shot selection, losing their last six wickets for only 17 runs.

South Africa’s spinners dominated again, led by Senuran Muthusamy, who claimed 5 for 57 to complete career-best match figures of 11 for 174. Simon Harmer also played a major role with 4 for 51, finishing the match with 5 for 152 overall.

Pakistan’s troubles began early in the innings when Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed in just the second over. Attempting to charge Harmer, he was beaten by sharp turn and stumped by Kyle Verreynne for a duck.

Captain Shan Masood soon followed, trapped lbw by Harmer for seven after a failed review that stayed with the umpire’s call. He managed only one boundary during his brief 17-ball stay as Pakistan went to lunch at 36 for 2, with Shafique on 21 and Babar on 1.

After the interval, Babar and Shafique steadied the innings with measured batting before Muthusamy struck back, taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Shafique for 41 off 73 balls. The opener, who had been dropped on 30 by Mulder, hit six fours in his knock.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel then combined for a fluent 55-run stand, with Babar looking increasingly confident against spin. But his promising innings was cut short by Kagiso Rabada, who trapped him lbw for 42 after 72 balls. The review confirmed the on-field decision.

Mohammad Rizwan joined Saud and aimed to rebuild, but just before tea, Saud attempted an ambitious shot and was caught at deep square leg by Tristan Stubbs off Muthusamy for 38 (53 balls, seven fours). Pakistan reached tea at 150 for 5.

After the break, Rizwan (14) was bowled by Harmer while advancing down the track. Muthusamy then polished off the tail, removing Shaheen Afridi and Agha Salman (4), who was bowled attempting a sweep. The innings ended soon after when Noman Ali (11) and Sajid Khan (1) fell in quick succession, Pakistan bowled out for 167 in 46.1 overs.

In South Africa’s first innings, de Zorzi’s determined century was the standout effort. Resuming on 81, he reached his hundred with a reverse sweep off Noman Ali. His 171-ball innings spanned 165 minutes and included 10 fours and two sixes before he was caught brilliantly by Shaheen Afridi in the deep.

Noman Ali removed Prenelan Subrayen (4), while Sajid Khan bowled Kagiso Rabada (0) to close South Africa’s innings at 269 in 84 overs. Simon Harmer was left unbeaten on 19 from 36 balls with two boundaries.

Earlier in the day, Sajid Khan provided Pakistan with an early breakthrough by dismissing Muthusamy (11), who added just five runs to his overnight score before edging to Agha Salman in the slips.

Noman Ali’s 6 for 112 and Sajid’s 3 for 98 ensured Pakistan ended with a commanding lead, one they will now aim to defend over the final two days as they push for a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.