Pakistan have set South Africa a target of 277 runs to win the opening Test after a dramatic batting collapse on Day 3 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Spinner Senuran Muthusamy emerged as the standout performer, claiming 11 wickets in the match to give the visitors a fighting chance.
After taking a 109-run lead in the first innings, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered in their second outing, getting bowled out for 167 runs.
Captain Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) were the only notable contributors. The rest of the batting order crumbled under South Africa’s relentless spin attack.
Imam-ul-Haq and Shaheen Afridi departed without scoring, while Mohammad Rizwan managed 14 before falling to Simon Harmer. The collapse was swift — Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs, undoing the advantage gained earlier in the match.
Muthusamy dominates with 11 wickets
Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered a match-defining performance, taking 6 wickets in the first innings and 5 in the second, finishing with figures of 11 wickets in total. His precise line and control left Pakistan’s middle and lower order struggling for answers.
Simon Harmer provided solid support, claiming 4 wickets in the second innings, including the dismissals of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Kagiso Rabada picked up a crucial wicket of Babar Azam to add pressure during Pakistan’s collapse.
Pakistan’s first innings lead
In the first innings, Pakistan had posted 378 runs, with Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Agha Salman (93) leading the charge.
South Africa, in reply, were bowled out for 269 runs, courtesy of Noman Ali’s six-wicket haul. That gave Pakistan a valuable cushion, which they failed to capitalize on in their second innings.
South Africa now need 277 runs to win the Lahore Test — a challenging but achievable target given the pitch conditions that are starting to favor spin. Pakistan’s spinners, led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, are expected to play a decisive role on Day 4.
The visitors, meanwhile, will rely on the form of Tony de Zorzi, who scored a brilliant 104 in the first innings, and Ryan Rickelton, who added 71 runs.
