Centurion (Web Desk): Pakistan found themselves in a tight spot as South Africa's pace attack, led by Marco Jansen, turned the tide, on day 3 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
After a strong start in their second innings, Pakistan’s batsmen quickly found themselves under pressure.
The morning session had been promising, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel building a solid partnership, guiding the team to a narrow lead. But Jansen’s relentless pace had other ideas.
The breakthrough came when Babar, having looked comfortable at the crease, was dismissed for a well-made 50.
His wicket sparked a collapse, with Jansen claiming the scalp of Mohammad Rizwan and then removing Salman Ali Agha soon after.
Aamer Jamal, too, fell cheaply as Pakistan’s momentum evaporated. Shakeel, however, stood firm, refusing to surrender easily, and reached 84 runs before falling victim to Jansen, leaving Pakistan on the brink at 208/7.
Earlier in the game, South Africa's bowlers had shown their superiority, with Jansen picking up six wickets to bundle Pakistan out for just 211 in the first innings. Kagiso Rabada and Jansen combined expertly, exploiting the lively conditions. South Africa, responding with a total of 301, took a 90-run lead, putting Pakistan on the back foot.
Pakistan’s batting, which had shown promise early in the second innings, fell apart after Jansen’s resurgence.
With just a slender 146-run lead and only one wicket remaining, Pakistan’s hopes of securing a strong total are hanging by a thread.
The Proteas now need just 121 runs to win, but with a full day of play remaining, the match is still very much in the balance.
The pitch, though, remains a challenge for the batsmen, with the ball continuing to nip and seam under the cloud cover, giving bowlers plenty to work with.
As the day drew to a close, Pakistan was left to reflect on missed opportunities while South Africa, despite the early breakthroughs, will know they still need a strong finish to claim victory.
Teams
Pakistan
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa
Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch.
