Day 3 of the first Take a look at between Pakistan and South Africa on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore unfolded with twists, collapses, and late resilience as either side refused to provide in. The day started with Pakistan holding a 109-run first-innings lead however ended with South Africa displaying battle of their chase of 277. Pakistan’s second-innings collapse, orchestrated by the South African spinners, saved the match vast open, whereas the guests’ prime order battled onerous within the night session to remain afloat. With two days left and 226 runs nonetheless wanted by South Africa, the competition is now finely poised for an thrilling end below the fading Lahore gentle.
South Africa resume Day 3 from 216/6 with Tony de Zorzi anchors the innings
South Africa started Day 3 at 216/6, nonetheless trailing Pakistan’s 378 by 162 runs. Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy took guard with the purpose of including essential runs and decreasing the deficit. De Zorzi batted with composure, rotating strike, and punishing free deliveries, whereas Muthusamy performed a cautious supporting function. Their partnership added 28 runs, taking the rating to 228/7, earlier than Sajid Khan struck to dismiss Muthusamy for 11.
De Zorzi continued to battle on, displaying large ability towards the spinners and compiling a well-made 104 off 171 balls, together with 10 fours and a couple of sixes. Nevertheless, after his dismissal, the tail couldn’t maintain up, with Noman Ali spinning an internet across the decrease order. The remaining wickets fell shortly: Subrayen (4) and Kagiso Rabada (0) had been all dismissed cheaply. Sajid Khan additionally claimed 3 wickets for 98, complementing Noman’s sensible 6/112. Extras added 13 runs, taking South Africa’s whole 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 sport on its head, ending with 5 for 57 as Pakistan’s second innings folded for 167 in 46.1 overs. After a stable begin by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42), Pakistan appeared in management at 119/3, however a dramatic collapse adopted because the decrease order disintegrated. Muthusamy, aided by Simon Harmer (4/51), extracted sharp flip and bounce, trapping key batters like Saud Shakeel, Rizwan and Salman Agha. From a place of energy, Pakistan misplaced their closing seven wickets for simply 48 runs, leaving them susceptible regardless of setting a difficult goal of 277. The South African spinners’ accuracy and variation on a carrying pitch made stroke-making dangerous, exposing Pakistan’s center and decrease order as soon as once more.
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Ryan Rickelton and de Zorzi maintain fort as South Africa eye historic chase
Chasing 277 on a tough floor, 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 within the first innings. At 18/2, the guests had been at risk of crumbling, however Ryan Rickelton (29 off 76)* and De Zorzi (16 off 44)* steadied the ship with a cautious, unbeaten 33-run stand. Their partnership annoyed Pakistan’s spinners, who had been unable to discover a breakthrough late within the day regardless of constant stress. The floor confirmed indicators of variable bounce, retaining each batters alert as they relied closely on protection and exact shot choice. With South Africa ending the day at 51/2, the match stays delicately balanced, Pakistan will look to strike early on Day 4, whereas Rickelton and de Zorzi purpose to script a resilient stand that might outline the result of this fiercely contested Take a look at.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
@Ali17Noman & @SajidKhan244 will win us this Take a look at match tomorrow in sh Allah 🤝 #PAKvSA
— Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) October 14, 2025
One other enthralling day of take a look at cricket involves an finish. Each groups had their moments, however in the end Pakistan have the benefit and will probably be favourites to shut out this take a look at match. South Africa have a small probability. Very small. Both manner, we’ll have a consequence tomorrow. #PAKvSA
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 14, 2025
Pakistan in an amazing place to win this take a look at match. Have full perception in our spinners that they will be capable to defend 277 right here on this monitor. #PAKvSA #WTC27
— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) October 14, 2025
Measured batting from Rickelton and De Zorzi to regular the ship and take SA to stumps solely 2 down. Want an enormous partnership from them to provide SA an opportunity. 226 runs nonetheless wanted. #PAKvSA
— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) October 14, 2025
The whole lot to play for on Day 4️⃣ 💪#WozaNawe #WTC #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/ScfKr6nphp
— MI Cape City (@MICapeTown) October 14, 2025
Tomorrow, the hunt resumes! ▶️
Ryan & Tony on the crease 🎯#PAKvSA#SouthAfrica#Proteas pic.twitter.com/BBjo9573Jm— Joburg Tremendous Kings (@JSKSA20) October 14, 2025
South africa day from begin to end
abdullah catch krleta toh kuch higher hojata
230 run is case in a position we’d like fast wicket
proper now its south africa match to lose#PAKvSA— Muhammad Abdullah Hashmi (@PhantomriderxX) October 14, 2025
On the finish of Day 3, South Africa are 51 for two whereas chasing 277. Due to Pakistan’s batting collapse, the match is vast open. South Africa’s two finest spin batters are on the crease, and an thrilling day lies forward tomorrow.#PAKvSA
— Aryan Riaz🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12) October 14, 2025
16 wickets had been down on third day of 1st take a look at in Gaddafi Stadium. tomorrow 1st session will probably be essential and proper now Pakistan has higher hand. That dropped catch of Rickelton by Abdullah Shafique will certainly hang-out Pak#PAKvSA #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/MefKpKJfKI
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) October 14, 2025
Noman Ali’s double strike jolts South Africa earlier than Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton regular the innings on an eventful Day 3 of the Lahore Take a look at 💪🔥#PAKvSA #NomanAli #TonydeZorzi
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ZUOoEyctxH pic.twitter.com/OlvKCvVQTi— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 14, 2025
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