First Test, Day 3: South Africa 51 for 2 at stumps against Pakistan

Lahore (Web Desk): Left-arm spinner Noman Ali put Pakistan back in the contest with two key breakthroughs as South Africa wrapped up Day 3 at 51 for 2 while chasing 277 in the opening Test of the two-match series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

The visitors were handed a 277-run target after dismissing Pakistan for 167 in just 46.1 overs during the second innings. South Africa’s chase got off to a stuttering start when skipper Aiden Markram fell cheaply for three off 11 deliveries, becoming Noman’s first victim with the score at 13 for 1 in the sixth over. The spinner struck again shortly after, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck to leave the Proteas wobbling early in their chase.

Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi steadied the ship with a 33-run stand for the third wicket, showing patience against Pakistan’s spin attack. At the close of play, Rickelton was unbeaten on 29 from 76 balls, while De Zorzi held firm at 16 off 44, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive going into the fourth day.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered once again, crumbling from a promising 150 for 4 to 167 all out. Resuming after lunch at 36 for 2, Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam built a steady 31-run partnership before Senuran Muthusamy broke through. Babar looked set for a big innings before being removed by Kagiso Rabada for 42, leaving Pakistan at 119 for 4.

Saud Shakeel chipped in with 38 but was undone by Muthusamy, who kept tightening the screws on Pakistan’s middle order. By tea, Pakistan were 150 for 5 with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 14, but the lower order folded swiftly thereafter.

The final collapse saw Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha, and Noman Ali fall cheaply as Pakistan were bundled out for 167. Muthusamy finished with brilliant figures of 5 for 57, while Simon Harmer supported well with 4 for 51. Rabada picked up the wicket of Babar.

Earlier in the match, South Africa’s first innings was anchored by a superb 104 from Tony de Zorzi, who displayed grit and control against Pakistan’s spinners. Ryan Rickelton added a valuable 71 as the visitors were bowled out for 269. For Pakistan, Noman Ali was the star performer with 6 for 112, while Sajid Khan took three and Salman Agha added one to his name.

Heading into Day 4, South Africa still need 226 runs for victory, while Pakistan’s spinners will be eyeing early wickets to tilt the balance in their favor.