Target 148 runs. Those who thought South Africa would cruise to an easy victory against Pakistan in Centurion must have changed their minds by now! The task is anything but easy for South Africa at this point. Chasing the target, they faced relentless pressure from Khurram Shehzad and Mohammad Abbas. By stumps on Day 3, South Africa had stumbled to 27 for 3 in reply, losing three quick wickets for just 19 runs.
This means South Africa needs 121 runs on Day 4 of the first Test, while Pakistan requires 7 more wickets. A thrilling day awaits at SuperSport Park.
After bowling Pakistan out for 237 in their second innings, South Africa’s chase got off to a shaky start. In the fourth over, pacer Abbas trapped Tony de Zorzi lbw for just 2 runs. Even after a review, the decision stood. In the very next over, Khurram Shehzad struck, dismissing Ryan Rickelton (0) lbw, with Pakistan successfully using a review to secure the wicket.
Three overs later, Abbas struck again, removing Tristan Stubbs (1) lbw. This wicket too came after Pakistan used a review. Despite losing three wickets early, South Africa’s hopes rest firmly on Aiden Markram, who remains unbeaten. The opener, who scored 89 runs in the first innings, looked composed and contributed 22 of South Africa’s 27 runs before bad light forced an early end to the day.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 88 for 3 and added 149 more runs. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 84, while Babar Azam contributed a steady 50. Together, they added 79 runs for the fourth wicket before Marco Jansen dismissed both. Shakeel was the ninth batter to fall, departing at 236 after a stellar knock. Jansen picked up six wickets in the innings, marking his third five-wicket haul in 16 Tests. The tall pacer has now claimed 21 wickets in his last three matches, including a seven-wicket haul against Sri Lanka last month in Durban.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 211 & 237 in 59.4 overs (Shakeel 84, Babar 50, Masood 28, Saim 27; Jansen 6/52, Rabada 2/68).
South Africa: 301 & 27/3 in 9 overs (Markram 22*; Abbas 2/3, Khurram 1/22).
(End of Day 3).
