Day 3 of The first test between Pakistan and South Africa At Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the ups and downs and late resilience unfolded as both sides refused to give up. The day began with Pakistan leading by 109 runs in the first innings, but ended with South Africa showing fight in their chase of 277. Pakistan’s second-innings collapse, orchestrated by the South African players, kept the match wide open, while the visiting top-order side struggled mightily in the evening session to stay afloat. With two days remaining and South Africa still needing 226 runs, the contest is now gearing up for a thrilling finale under the dim light of Lahore.
South Africa resume day three on 216/6 with Tony De Zorzi anchoring the innings
South Africa started the third day at 216/6, still trailing Pakistan’s 378 by 162 runs. Tony De Zorzi and Muthusamy He took over the goal with the aim of adding decisive runs and reducing the deficit. De Zorzi fought with composure, alternating his batting, punishing loose passes, while Muthusamy played a cautious supporting role. Their partnership added 28 runs, taking the score to 228/7 by Sajid Khan Hit to dismiss Muthusamy for 11.
De Zorzi continued to fight, showing immense skill against the spinners and compiling a well-made 104 off 171 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. However, after his dismissal, the tail was unable to hold on Noman Ali Spin a mesh around the lower order. The remaining wickets fell quickly: Subrian (4) and Kagiso Rabada (0) They were all sent off cheaply. Sajid Khan He also took 3 wickets for 98, complementing Nauman’s brilliant 6/112. The extras added 13 runs, taking South Africa’s total to 269 in their 84 overs, leaving Pakistan leading in the first innings by 109 runs.
Senoran Muthusamy’s five-wicket haul rocked Pakistan’s second innings
South Africa left-arm spinner Muthusamy delivered a sensational spell that turned the game on its head, finishing with 5 for 57 as Pakistan’s second innings ended on 167 in 46.1 overs. After a strong start Abdullah Shafiq (41) And Babar Azam (42), Pakistan appeared in control in 119/3, but there was a dramatic collapse as the lower order disintegrated. Muthusamy, assisted Simon Harmer (4/51), spin and sharp bounce were extracted, trapping key hitters like Saud ShakeelRadwan and Salman Agha. From a position of strength, Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 48 runs, leaving them vulnerable despite setting a tough target of 277. The South African players’ accuracy and versatility on the eroded pitch made the batting risky, exposing Pakistan’s middle and lower order once again.
Ryan Rickleton and De Zorzi hold down the fort as South Africa eye a historic chase
Chasing 277 on a difficult surface, South Africa suffered early setbacks Aiden Markram (3) and And Jan Mulder (0) He fell cheaply to the in-form Nauman, who continued his dream run after taking six wickets in the first innings. On February 18, the visitors were in danger of collapse, however Ryan Rickleton (29 out of 76)* and De Zorzi (16 out of 44)* succeeded in steadying the ship with a cautious, unbeaten stance for 33 rounds. It frustrated the partnership between the Pakistan spinners, who were unable to achieve a breakthrough late in the day despite constant pressure. The surface showed signs of variable bounce, keeping both batsmen on their toes as they relied heavily on defense and careful shot selection. With South Africa ending the day on 51/2, the match remains finely balanced, with Pakistan looking to score early on day four, while Rickleton and De Zorzi aim to forge a resilient stand that could determine the outcome of this hotly contested Test.
Here’s how fans reacted:
@Ali17Noman & @Sajidkhan244 He will win this test match for us tomorrow, God willing 🤝 #PACVSA
– Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) October 14, 2025
Another enthralling day of Test cricket is coming to a close. Both teams had their moments, but ultimately Pakistan have the advantage and will be favorites to close out this Test match. South Africa has little chance. Very small. Either way, we’ll get the result tomorrow. #PACVSA
– Atif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 14, 2025
Pakistan are in a great position to win this Test match. Rest assured that our spinners will be able to defend 277 here on this track. #PACVSA #WTC27
– 🇵🇰 | Hassan™ 🏏🎮 (@Hassanempire007) October 14, 2025
Measured batting from Rickleton and De Zorzi to steady the ship and take SA to just 2 stumps. Need a great partnership from them to give SA a chance. 226 points are still needed. #PACVSA
– Eames (@naeemahbenjamin) October 14, 2025
Everything to play for on the day 4️⃣ 💪#On mentioned #World Trade Center #PACVSA pic.twitter.com/ScfKr6nphp
– MICapeTown (MICapeTown) October 14, 2025
Tomorrow, fishing resumes! ◀️
Ryan and Tony in the crease 🎯#PACVSA#South Africa#Proteins pic.twitter.com/BBjo9573Jm– Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) October 14, 2025
A South African day from start to finish
Abdullah captured Karlita Toh Kuch Afzal Hogata
230 runs can do the trick, we need a quick wicket
At the moment, South Africa has a game to lose#PACVSA– Muhammad Abdullah Hashemi (@PhantomriderxX) October 14, 2025
At the end of the third day, South Africa had 51 for 2 while chasing 277. Thanks to the collapse of Pakistan’s batting, the match was wide open. South Africa’s two best batsmen are up front, and an exciting day lies ahead tomorrow.#PACVSA
– Aryan Riaz 🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12) October 14, 2025
16 wickets were dropped on the third day of the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium. The first session tomorrow will be crucial and now Pakistan has the upper hand. This catch dropped by Abdullah Shafiq to Rickelton is sure to haunt the Buck#PACVSA #CricketTest pic.twitter.com/MefKpKJfKI
– Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) October 14, 2025
Nouman Ali’s double strike rocks South Africa before Tony De Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton stabilize the innings on an eventful third day of the Lahore Test 💪🔥#PACVSA #Nomanali #tonedzorze
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ZUOoEyctxH pic.twitter.com/OlvKCvVQTi— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 14, 2025
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