The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa is perfectly poised for a nail-biting finish after another day dominated by spin at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday. Both sides’ slow bowlers wreaked havoc, leaving the match on a knife’s edge as Pakistan set South Africa a challenging 277-run target for victory.
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South African left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy produced a sensational performance, claiming a maiden 10-wicket match haul as Pakistan were bowled out for 167 in their second innings. His 5-57 followed his first-innings 6-117, giving him stunning match figures of 11-174. Pakistan’s own left-arm spinner Noman Ali, however, refused to be overshadowed, taking two quick wickets to keep the hosts firmly in contention.
By stumps, South Africa had reached 51-2, still needing 226 runs for victory. Ryan Rickelton (29 not out) and Tony de Zorzi (16 not out) were holding the fort, but with Noman and Sajid Khan turning the ball sharply, Pakistan will fancy their chances of defending the total. No visiting team has ever successfully chased more than 220 in Pakistan, a record that adds to South Africa’s challenge.
Pakistan head coach Azhar Ali expressed confidence in his team’s position. “We will definitely defend this target,” said the former all-rounder. “The state of the pitch and our spinners make us favourites, despite our batting not being up to the mark in the second innings.”
De Zorzi, who struck a brilliant century in South Africa’s first innings, acknowledged the difficulty of batting conditions but vowed to fight on. “These are tough conditions for batting, but hopefully myself and Rickelton can build tomorrow,” he said. “We will definitely give our best, knowing that partnerships will be like gold.”
Pakistan had been well-placed at 150-4 in their second innings before a dramatic collapse saw them lose six wickets for just 17 runs. Saud Shakeel’s dismissal for 38 off Muthusamy sparked the collapse, followed by Mohammad Rizwan bowled for 14 by Simon Harmer. Muthusamy then ripped through the lower order, dismissing Salman Agha (4), Noman Ali (11), and Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) in quick succession, while Harmer cleaned up Sajid Khan for one.
Earlier in the day, South Africa were bowled out for 269, conceding a first-innings lead of 109 after Pakistan’s 378. Noman was once again the star, claiming 6-112 for his ninth five-wicket haul in Tests. The surface offered considerable assistance to the spinners, with Pakistan’s duo of Noman and Sajid Khan exploiting the turn masterfully.
South Africa’s innings revolved around Tony de Zorzi’s fluent 104, his second Test century, which included 10 fours and two sixes. He resumed on 81 in the morning and reached three figures with a six and two singles before falling to Noman, who had him caught at long-on by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Sajid Khan supported Noman well, picking up 3-98 as South Africa’s tail folded.
In Pakistan’s second innings, the visitors attacked early. Harmer struck first, stumping Imam-ul-Haq for a duck and trapping captain Shan Masood lbw for seven. Abdullah Shafique (41) looked solid before Muthusamy trapped him in front, while Babar Azam’s 42 ended when Kagiso Rabada dismissed him leg-before. Babar’s long wait for a Test century continues, now extending to 28 innings since December 2022.
As the Test heads into its final day, the contest remains delicately balanced. Pakistan’s spinners will look to exploit the wearing surface, while South Africa’s batters aim to defy history and pull off a record chase. With both teams sensing victory, Lahore is set for an enthralling finish that could go down as one of the most memorable in recent Test history.
