Fans react as Pakistan, South Africa continue battle even on dramatic third day of Lahore Test
Day 3 of first test between Pakistan and South Africa The day began with Pakistan holding a first-innings lead of 109 runs, but ended with South Africa struggling in their pursuit of 277. Pakistan’s second-innings collapse, orchestrated by the South African spinners, kept the match wide open, while the visitors’ top order fought hard into the evening. session to stay afloat. With two days remaining and 226 runs still needed by South Africa, the competition is now well set for an exciting finish under the fading lights of Lahore.
South Africa resume day three from 216/6 with Tony de Zorzi anchoring the innings
South Africa began the third day with a score of 216/6, still trailing Pakistan’s 378 by 162 runs. Tony de Zorzi And Muthusami took guard in an effort to add crucial points and reduce the deficit. De Zorzi batted with composure, hitting on spin and punishing loose deliveries, while Muthusamy played a cautious supporting role. Their partnership added 28 runs, taking the score to 228/7, before Sajid Khan struck to dismiss Muthusamy for 11.
De Zorzi continued to fight back, displaying tremendous skill against the spinners and compiling a fine 104 from 171 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. However, after his dismissal, the queue could not hold up, with Noman Ali spin a web around the lower order. The remaining wickets fell quickly: Subrayen (4) and Kagiso Rabada (0) were all fired cheaply. Sajid Khan also claimed 3 wickets for 98, complementing Noman’s brilliant 6/112. The extras added 13 runs, taking South Africa’s total to 269 in 84 overs, leaving Pakistan with a first innings lead of 109 runs.
Senuran Muthusamy’s five-wicket haul shakes up Pakistan’s second innings
South Africa’s left-arm bowler Muthusamy delivered a sensational spell that turned the match on its head, finishing with 5 for 57 as Pakistan’s second innings folded to 167 in 46.1 overs. After a good start by Abdallah Shafique (41) and Babar Azam (42), Pakistan looked to be in control at 119/3, but a dramatic collapse followed with the disintegration of the lower order. Muthusamy, helped by Simon Harmer (4/51), extracts a tight turn and a rebound, trapping key hitters as Saud ShakeelRizwan 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 precision and variation of the South African spinners on a worn pitch made the shots risky, once again exposing Pakistan’s middle and lower order.
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Ryan Rickelton and de Zorzi hold firm as South Africa embark on historic chase
Chasing 277 on a difficult surface, South Africa suffered early setbacks. Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) fell cheaply to in-form Noman, who continued his dream run after taking six wickets in the first innings. At 18/2, the visitors were in danger of collapsing, but Ryan Rickelton (29 out of 76)* and De Zorzi (16 out of 44)* steadied the ship with a cautious, unbeaten 33 points. Their partnership frustrated Pakistan’s spinners, who failed to find a breakthrough late in the day despite constant pressure. The surface showed signs of variable bounce, keeping both hitters alert as they relied heavily on defense and precise shot selection. With South Africa ending the day at 51/2, the match remains delicately balanced, Pakistan will look to strike early on day four, while Rickelton and de Zorzi aim to build a resilient stand that could define the outcome of this hard-fought Test.
Here’s how fans reacted:
@Ali17Noman & @Sajidkhan244 we will win this Test match tomorrow in sh Allah 🤝 #Pakvsa
– Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) October 14, 2025
Another exciting day of Test cricket comes to an end. Both teams had their moments, but ultimately Pakistan have the advantage and will be favorites to close out this Test match. South Africa has a small chance. Very small. Anyway, we will have a result tomorrow. #Pakvsa
– Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) October 14, 2025
Pakistan are in an excellent position to win this test match. Have full confidence in our spinners: they will be able to defend 277 here on this track. #Pakvsa #WTC27
– 🇵🇰 | Hassan™ 🏏🎮 (@Hassanempire007) October 14, 2025
Measured batting from Rickelton and De Zorzi to steady the ship and bring SA to stumps just 2 down. It takes a big partnership on their part to give SA a chance. 226 races are still needed. #Pakvsa
-Eems (@naeemahbenjamin) October 14, 2025
Everything to play on day 4️⃣ 💪#We are noted #WTC #Pakvsa pic.twitter.com/ScfKr6nphp
– MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown) October 14, 2025
Tomorrow, the hunt resumes! ▶️
Ryan and Tony at the crease 🎯#Pakvsa#SouthAfrica#Proteas pic.twitter.com/BBjo9573Jm– Johannesburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) October 14, 2025
South Africa Day from start to finish
Abdullah catches krleta so much better hojata
230 runs are possible, we need a quick wicket
Right now, it’s the match against South Africa to lose#Pakvsa– Muhammad Abdullah Hashmi (@PhantomriderxX) October 14, 2025
At the end of the third day, South Africa were 51 for 2 while chasing 277. Thanks to Pakistan’s batting collapse, the match was wide open. South Africa’s two best spin hitters are on the field and an exciting day awaits us tomorrow.#Pakvsa
– Aryan Riaz🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12) October 14, 2025
16 wickets were down on the 3rd day of the 1st Test at Gaddafi Stadium. tomorrow the 1st session will be crucial and right now Pakistan has the upper hand. This abandoned catch of Rickelton by Abdullah Shafique will definitely haunt Pak#Pakvsa #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/MefKpKJfKI
– Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) October 14, 2025
Noman Ali’s double strike rocks South Africa before Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton stabilize the innings on an eventful third day of the Lahore Test 💪🔥#Pakvsa #Nomanali #TonydeZorzi
Dashboard 👉 https://t.co/ZUOoEyctxH pic.twitter.com/OlvKCvVQTi– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 14, 2025
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