(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
South Africa Resume Day 3 at 216/6 in First Test Against Pakistan in Lahore
October 14, 2025
Lahore: South Africa will resume play on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium on 216 for 6, still trailing by 162 runs, as the hosts eye a crucial first-innings lead.
At the crease, Tony de Zorzi remains unbeaten on 81, displaying solid temperament against Pakistan’s spin attack, while Senuran Muthusamy will continue his innings on 6 not out.
Pakistan in Control After Day 2
Earlier, Pakistan posted 378 runs in their first innings, thanks to fine contributions from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, both scoring 93. For South Africa, left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy was the standout performer, claiming 6 for 117, his best figures in Test cricket.
In reply, South Africa made a steady start, with openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton providing a solid foundation before Noman Ali struck twice to shift momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Noman Ali Leads Pakistan’s Fightback
Markram, who recently became the 18th South African to surpass 3,000 Test runs, was dismissed for 20 off 37 balls, while Wiaan Mulder added 17 before falling to Noman Ali again.
Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with composure, reaching his third Test fifty, while Rickelton compiled a fluent 71 off 137 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes. The pair shared a crucial 94-run stand, taking South Africa past the 150-run mark.
However, once Rickelton departed to Salman Agha, Pakistan regained control. Noman Ali continued his superb spell, removing Tristan Stubbs (8) and Kyle Verreynne (2), while Sajid Khan chipped in with the wicket of Dewald Brevis for a first-ball duck.
At stumps on Day 2, South Africa closed on 216/6, with Pakistan firmly holding the upper hand going into Day 3.
Match Summary (After Day 2)
Pakistan 1st Innings: 378 all out (Imam-ul-Haq 93, Salman Agha 93, Muthusamy 6/117)
South Africa 1st Innings: 216/6 (Tony de Zorzi 81*, Rickelton 71, Noman Ali 4/54)
