Pakistan’s 2nd innings collapse leaves Test evenly poised

LAHORE: Pakistan’s hopes of sealing a home victory in the first Test against South Africa took a hit on day three at the Gaddafi Stadium, as the hosts collapsed for 167 in their second innings, leaving the visitors a target of 277 runs.

South Africa lost two wicket with 51 on board yet having David Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi standing firm at the crease, the Test looks evenly poised. The hosts need to make full use of the turning track to snare remaining eight South African wickets to cover their batting lapses while the Proteas has two full days to overhaul the target.

After dismissing South Africa for 269 earlier in the day—thanks to a superb six-wicket haul by Noman Ali—Pakistan began their second innings with a lead of 109 runs. But what followed was a dramatic batting collapse that saw Pakistan lose all ten wickets in just 46.1 overs, with only Abdullah Shafique (41), Babar Azam (42), and Saud Shakeel (38) offering resistance.

The innings was undone by South Africa’s spin duo of Senuran Muthusamy (5-57) and Simon Harmer (4-51), who exploited the turn and low bounce expertly. Muthusamy’s match figures of 11 wickets marked a career-best performance and the highest by a South African spinner in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s batting unravelled quickly after lunch. Imam-ul-Haq fell for a duck, Shan Masood for 7, and despite a promising stand between Babar and Saud, the middle and lower order crumbled. From 150/4, Pakistan lost their final six wickets for just 17 runs, with Shaheen Afridi, Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Hasan Ali all falling cheaply.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers had given the team a strong start. Noman Ali, who had ended Day 2 with two wickets, wrapped up the innings with 6-112, dismissing centurion Tony de Zorzi (104) and tailenders Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada. Sajid Khan chipped in with 3-98, including the key wicket of Senuran Muthusamy.

South Africa began their chase cautiously, reaching 51/2 by stumps. Noman Ali struck twice again, removing Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0), but Ryan Rickelton (29)* and Tony de Zorzi (16)* held firm through the final session.

With the pitch offering increasing turn and uneven bounce, Pakistan’s spinners will be key on Day 4. The hosts will need early breakthroughs to defend their modest total and avoid conceding the series opener. The match remains delicately poised, but Pakistan’s fate now rests on their ability to strike early and often.