The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Lahore ignited on day three, becoming a thrilling contest dominated by the skillful spin of Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy.
Ryan Rickelton of South Africa (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
Muthusamy was a standout performer, achieving his maiden 10-wicket match haul. His efforts limited Pakistan to just 167 runs in their second innings, setting a challenging target of 277 for South Africa.
Noman Ali also showcased his formidable spin, quickly dismissing South African captain Aiden Markram for a mere three runs, followed by Wiaan Mulder for a duck. South Africa concluded the day precariously at 51-2.
At stumps, Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 29, with Tony de Zorzi alongside him on 16. South Africa still needs 226 more runs for victory, while Pakistan is eight wickets away from securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The potent spin combination of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan provides Pakistan with a significant advantage on this turning pitch. Muthusamy’s impressive figures of 5-57 in the second innings, combined with his 6-117 in the first, amounted to an exceptional match haul. Simon Harmer also contributed with 4-51.
Pakistan’s second innings saw a dramatic collapse, losing their last six wickets for only 17 runs. They were in a comfortable position at 150-4 until Saud Shakeel’s dismissal for 38 sparked the rapid decline.
Harmer initiated the collapse by removing Mohammad Rizwan for 14. Muthusamy then delivered a series of quick blows, sending Salman Agha, Noman Ali, and Shaheen Shah Afridi back to the pavilion in rapid succession, concluding his match with stellar figures of 11-174.
In their first innings, South Africa was bowled out for 269, trailing Pakistan’s total of 378 by 109 runs. Noman Ali was instrumental, claiming his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 6-112.
On the spin-friendly Gaddafi Stadium pitch, Harmer opened the bowling for Pakistan in South Africa’s second innings. He quickly accounted for Imam-ul-Haq and captain Shan Masood, both for minimal scores.
Muthusamy then dismissed Abdullah Shafique for 41. Kagiso Rabada then claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam for 42, extending Azam’s century drought to 28 Test innings since December 2022.
Earlier in the day, Tony de Zorzi, who began on 81, confidently reached his second Test century with aggressive play against Noman Ali. His impressive innings of 104, featuring 10 fours and two sixes, came to an end when he was caught by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Noman Ali bowled a marathon 35 overs and also picked up the wicket of Prenelan Subrayen for four runs. Sajid Khan further strengthened Pakistan’s position by removing Muthusamy for 11 and Rabada for a duck, finishing his spell with 3-98 from 33 overs.