Lahore, October 14, 2025: Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Noman Ali produced a vital double strike late on the third day to tilt the balance in favour of the hosts, as South Africa closed on 51 for 2, still needing 226 runs to win the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.
Chasing a target of 277, the Proteas made a steady start before Noman broke through in his third over, dismissing skipper Aiden Markram for just three runs off 11 balls. Markram edged one to the slip cordon while attempting to defend on the front foot, giving Pakistan a crucial early breakthrough.
The spinner struck again shortly afterward, trapping Wiaan Mulder leg-before for a duck to leave the visitors wobbling at 17-2. The pressure was palpable as the Pakistani fielders crowded around the bat, sensing an opening.
However, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi weathered the storm with a patient 33-run stand, taking South Africa to stumps without further damage. Rickelton remained unbeaten on 29 off 76 deliveries, while De Zorzi was on 16 off 44, ensuring the Proteas still had a fighting chance heading into day four.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered in their second innings, folding for 167 in 46.1 overs, despite a promising start by their top order. South Africa’s spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer combined to devastate the hosts’ middle and lower order, sharing nine wickets between them.
Pakistan began the session cautiously after holding a 145-run first-innings lead, but the tone was set early when Imam-ul-Haq fell for a duck in just the second over — stumped by Kyle Verreynne off Harmer’s sharp turner.
Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood attempted to rebuild with a 31-run partnership before Harmer struck again, dismissing Shan for seven. At lunch, Pakistan were 36 for 2, with Shafique unbeaten on 21 and captain Babar Azam on one.
Following the break, Shafique looked composed and played with soft hands against the seamers, but Muthusamy broke through to end his innings on 41 off 73 balls, caught behind after a faint edge.
Babar then anchored the innings with a fluent 42 off 72 balls, adding 50 runs with Saud Shakeel (38 off 53) for the fourth wicket. Their stand pushed Pakistan past 100 and looked set to extend the lead beyond 250 before Kagiso Rabada struck, removing Babar with a well-directed short ball.
From there, the collapse began. Muthusamy and Harmer exploited the rough patches brilliantly — Mohammad Rizwan (14), Salman Ali Agha (4), and Noman Ali (11) all fell in quick succession. The final wicket of Sajid Khan ended Pakistan’s innings at 167, leaving South Africa a target that looked challenging on a wearing surface.
Muthusamy finished with a five-wicket haul (5 for 57 in 17 overs), while Harmer claimed 4 for 46. Rabada chipped in with one wicket.
