Pakistan are in full control of the first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as the lunch break on Day 3 arrived with South Africa all out for 269, trailing by 109 runs.
The home team’s spinners tore through the visitors’ batting line-up on a wearing pitch, setting the stage for a potential declaration and a chase that could test South Africa’s bowlers.
This World Test Championship opener has turned into a spinner’s delight, with Pakistan holding all the aces.
Toss Gives Pakistan the Edge
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss on Day 1 and elected to bat first, a wise call on a pitch that offered early help to batsmen but promised spin trouble later.
This decision allowed Pakistan to build a solid total of 378 in their first innings, giving them a strong platform despite a middle-order wobble.
Pitch Becomes a Nightmare for Batsmen
The Gaddafi Stadium surface started flat but has cracked open by Day 3, offering sharp turn, variable bounce, and plenty of grip for spinners.
Out of the 20 wickets to fall so far, 12 have gone to spin, making it tough for South Africa’s batsmen to settle.
With the pitch expected to worsen, batting in the fourth innings could be a real battle, favoring Pakistan’s attack led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.
How to Watch in Pakistan: TV Channels and Live Streaming Options
Cricket fans in Pakistan can catch all the live action from the Gaddafi Stadium on TV via A Sports and Ten Sports channels.
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For online viewing, the matches are available for free live streaming on the Tamasha app and website, as well as on the Tapmad platform (with subscription options for HD quality).
South Africa’s Top-Order Fight Ends in Collapse
South Africa resumed at 216 for six on Day 3, still 162 runs behind, but their innings crumbled in the morning session.
Tony de Zorzi fought a lone battle, converting his overnight 81 into a gritty century (104 off 171 balls, with 10 fours and 2 sixes), but he fell to Noman Ali just before lunch, caught at mid-off.
The lower order offered little resistance, losing their last four wickets for 41 runs. Key moments included:
- Dewald Brevis out for a golden duck, caught at short leg off Sajid Khan.
- Senuran Muthusamy (11) edging to slip off Sajid Khan.
- Prenelan Subrayen (4) chipping a catch to midwicket off Noman Ali.
- Kagiso Rabada (0) bowled by Sajid Khan to end the innings in the 84th over.
Noman Ali was the wrecker-in-chief with superb figures of 6 for 112 from 35 overs, including the vital scalps of Aiden Markram (20), Wiaan Mulder (17), Tristan Stubbs (8), Kyle Verreynne (2), de Zorzi, and Subrayen.
Sajid Khan supported with 3 for 98, while Abrar Ahmed grabbed 1 for 21. South Africa’s total of 269 included 13 extras, but they couldn’t bridge the gap.
Pakistan’s Solid Foundation Holds Firm
Pakistan’s first innings was built on steady contributions. Imam-ul-Haq (93 off 153) and Salman Agha (93 off 145) fell just short of centuries, while Mohammad Rizwan added 75.
Openers Abdullah Shafique (2) and Masood (76) laid the groundwork with a 161-run stand for the second wicket. South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy shone with 6 for 117, including a hat-trick of sorts by dismissing Saud Shakeel (0), Babar Azam (23), and others in quick succession.
Fall of wickets showed Pakistan’s resilience: they lost three in four balls at 199 for five but recovered through Rizwan and Agha.
Road to Victory Looks Clear for Hosts
With a 109-run lead and a fresh batting line-up, Pakistan will resume after lunch aiming to push the target beyond 250-300, making it a spin trap for South Africa.
The visitors, led by stand-in captain Aiden Markram and missing injured stars like Temba Bavuma, will need early breakthroughs from their spinners ā Muthusamy, Simon Harmer (1/101), and Prenelan Subrayen (2/78) ā to fight back.
South Africa showed fight through Ryan Rickelton’s 71 and de Zorzi’s ton, but their middle order faltered against Pakistan’s guile. As the match heads into its final two days, Pakistan are favorites to seal a home win and kick off the 2025-27 WTC cycle on a high.
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