LAHORE: The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa is intriguingly poised after the third day’s play at the Gaddafi Stadium, with the visiting side requiring a further 226 runs to win, finishing the day on 51 for 2.
Set a target of 277 for victory, the South African innings suffered early setbacks. Captain Aiden Markram fell for just 3 runs, while Wiaan Mulder was dismissed for a duck, leaving the Proteas at 13 for 2. Ryan Rickelton, who top-scored with 29, and David Bedingham (16 not out) then steadied the innings with an unbroken partnership. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali was the sole wicket-taker for Pakistan, claiming both dismissals.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 167 in their second innings, failing to build a substantial lead after a strong first-innings performance. Abdullah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42) were the main contributors, but no batsman could convert their start into a major score. Saud Shakeel offered some resistance with 38 before being caught on the boundary.
Pakistan had posted 378 in their first innings, to which South Africa replied with 269, giving the home side a 109-run lead.
Also read: South African cricket team arrives in Lahore for Test series
This tour features a two-match Test series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. South Africa enters this contest as the reigning champion of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25.
The first Test will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from October 12 to 16. The action will then shift to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the second Test, scheduled for October 20 to 24.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board has finalized its 16-player squad for the series. The squad has been trimmed from the original 18-member lineup, with fast bowler Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram being released.
