PAK vs SA 2025, 1st Test Day 3 Review: Dramatic end awaited in Lahore as match hangs in balance

Pakistan held the upper hand over South Africa at the close of Day 3 in the opening Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The visitors ended the day at 51/2 in their second innings, needing 226 more runs to win. Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 29, while Tony de Zorzi was 16* at the crease. Pakistan’s Noman Ali was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings, claiming 2/20.

South Africa began their first innings from 216/6, with Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy at the crease. The Proteas managed to reach 269 all out in 84 overs. De Zorzi played a superb innings, scoring 104 off 171 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Noman Ali, who picked up 6/112, and Sajid Khan, finishing with 3/98.

Pakistan’s first innings had been a strong one, posting 378/10 in 110.4 overs. Shan Masood scored 76, Imam-ul-Haq contributed 93, Mohammad Rizwan added 75, and Salman Agha impressed with 93 runs. South Africa’s Muthusamy starred with the ball, taking 6/117 in 32 overs.

In their second innings, the Shan Masood-led side struggled heavily, being bowled out for 167 in 46.1 overs. Babar Azam top-scored with 42, while Abdullah Shafique made 41, and Saud Shakeel added 38. Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer led the charge for South Africa, taking 5/57 and 4/51, respectively. On Day 3, 16 wickets fell, which indicated that the batters had to deal with the crumbling nature of the surface.

With the hosts leading the match and the Proteas needing 226 more, the contest is finely poised heading into Day 4. While Pakistan have the upper hand and several positives to build on, South Africa still have a chance to fight back if they perform at their best. The outcome of the opening Test remains open, setting the stage for a gripping final day of action in Lahore.