LAHORE (Kashmir English): South Africa need 277 runs to win the opening Test match today after Pakistan’s batting dramatically collapsed on Day 3 at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Pakistan were bowled out for 167 runs in their second outing with Spinner Senuran Muthusamy claiming 11 wickets in the match to give the visitors a fighting chance.
After taking a 109-run lead in the first innings, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered in their second innings. Captain Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) were the only notable contributors.
The rest of the batting order crumbled under the touring side’s relentless spin attack with Imam-ul-Haq and Shaheen Afridi departing without score while Mohammad Rizwan managed 14 before falling to Simon Harmer. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs, undoing the advantage gained earlier in the match.
Standout performance by Muthusamy in the Test
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy delivered a match-defining performance, taking 6 wickets in the first innings and 5 in the second.
His precise line and length left Pakistan’s middle and lower order struggling for answers.
Pakistan’s first innings lead
In the first innings, Pakistan had posted 378 runs, with Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Agha Salman (93) leading the charge.
In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 269 runs, courtesy of Noman Ali’s six-wicket haul.
South Africa now need 277 runs to win the Lahore Test on Day 4 — a challenging but achievable target.
