CENTURION – The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park has entered a nail-biting phase as the home side reached 27/3 at stumps on day three, needing 121 runs to secure victory while Pakistan requires just seven wickets to clinch the match.
Rain delayed the start of play on the third day, but once conditions improved, Pakistan resumed their innings at 88/3. Captain Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings with a 79-run partnership at an impressive run rate of over 4 per over.
Babar Azam, who scored his first Test half-century since December 2022, was dismissed for 50 by Marco Jansen, with Pakistan’s score at 153. Mohammad Rizwan followed soon after, scoring only three runs, and was also dismissed by Jansen.
The standout performer for Pakistan was Saud Shakeel, who displayed resilience and skill. He contributed a crucial 84 runs, forming partnerships with lower-order batters to push the team’s total to 237, setting South Africa a target of 148 runs. Marco Jansen was the star for the Proteas, claiming six wickets, supported by Kagiso Rabada (2 wickets) and one each from Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson.
In their chase, South Africa faltered early, losing three wickets for just 19 runs. Tony de Zorzi (2), Tristan Stubbs (1), and Ryan Rickelton (0) were sent back to the pavilion by Pakistan’s pace duo Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shehzad.
At stumps, opener Aiden Markram (22) and captain Temba Bavuma (0) were at the crease. South Africa needs 121 runs with seven wickets in hand to claim the Boxing Day Test, while Pakistan remains firmly in contention to defend the modest target.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan scored 211 in their first innings, while South Africa managed 301, securing a 90-run lead. The match promises an exciting finish on day four as both teams aim to seize victory in this closely contested Test.
