third day of First test between Pakistan and South Africa The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed ups and downs, downs and late resilience as both sides refused to concede defeat. The day started with Pakistan taking a 109-run lead in the first innings, but ended with South Africa struggling to chase the target of 277 runs. Pakistan’s second innings collapse, held by the South African spinners, kept the match wide open, while the visitors’ top order struggled. It is difficult to stay in the water during the evening session. With two days left and South Africa still needing 226 runs, the match is now headed for a thrilling finale under the dim lights of Lahore.
South Africa started Day 3 at 216/6 with Tony De Zorzi opening the innings
South Africa started the third day at 216/6 and are still 162 runs behind Pakistan’s 378 runs. Tony De Zorzi And Senuran Muthusamy Took guard with the aim of adding vital runs and reducing the deficit. De Zorzi batted with composure, rotating the strike and punishing loose balls, while Muthusamy played a cautious supporting role. Their partnership added 28 runs, taking the score to 228/7 in the first sajid khan Muthusamy was out on 11 runs.
De Zorzi continued to fight, showing tremendous skill against the spinners and scoring 104 runs in 171 balls with the help of 10 fours and 2 sixes. However, after his dismissal, the tail could not hold Noman Ali Knit a net around the lower row. Rest of the wickets fell quickly: Subrayan (4) and Kagiso Rabada (0) All got out cheaply. sajid khan Also took 3 for 98 to complement Noman’s brilliant 6/112. Extras added 13 runs, taking South Africa’s total to 269 runs in 84 overs, giving Pakistan a first innings lead of 109 runs.
Senuran Muthusamy’s five wickets destroyed Pakistan’s second innings.
South Africa’s left-arm spinner Muthusamy bowled a sensational spell that turned the game, taking 5 for 57 and Pakistan’s second innings was all out for 167 runs in 46.1 overs. after a solid start Abdullah Shafiq (41) and Babar Azam (42), Pakistan appeared to be in control at 119/3, but the lower order disintegrated leading to a dramatic collapse. Muthusamy, assisted by simon harmer (4/51), extracted sharp turn and bounce, trapped key batsmen Saud ShakeelRizwan and salman aghaFrom a strong position, Pakistan lost their last seven wickets for just 48 runs, leaving them vulnerable despite being set a challenging target of 277. The South African spinners’ accuracy and variety on a worn pitch made stroke-making risky, leaving Pakistan’s middle and lower order once again exposed.
Ryan Rickelton and De Zorzi hold the fort as South Africa look to chase historic target
South Africa suffered early setbacks while chasing 277 runs on a difficult pitch. aiden markram (3 more vian mulder (0) Was out cheaply to in-form Noman, who continued his dream performance after taking six wickets in the first innings. At 18/2, the visitors were in danger of collapsing, but Ryan Rickelton (29 of 76)* and De Zorzi (16 of 44)* steadied the ship with a cautious, unbeaten 33-run partnership. Their partnership frustrated Pakistan’s spinners, who were unable to find a breakthrough at the end of the day despite sustained pressure. The surface showed signs of variable bounce, keeping both batsmen cautious as they relied heavily on defense and accurate shot selection. With South Africa ending the day at 51/2, the match remains delicately balanced, with Pakistan looking to attack early on the fourth day, while Rickelton and De Zorzi aim to craft a flexible approach that could define the outcome of this tightly contested Test.
Here’s how fans reacted:
@Ali17Noman , @SajidKhan244 Allah will make us win this test match tomorrow #PAKvSA
– Majid Majeed (@majidmajeed83) 14 October 2025
Another exciting day of Test cricket has come to an end. Both teams had their moments, but ultimately Pakistan had the upper hand and will be favorites to close out this Test match. South Africa has a small chance. Very small. Anyhow, we will get the result tomorrow. #PAKvSA
– Atif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) 14 October 2025
Pakistan is in a great position to win this test match. We have full confidence in our spinners that they will be able to defend 277 runs on this track. #PAKvSA #WTC27
– | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) 14 October 2025
It took measured batting from Rickelton and De Zorzi to steady the ship and take South Africa to just 2 stumps down. To give South Africa a chance, a big partnership is needed from them. Still need 226 runs. #PAKvSA
– Eames (@NaeemahBenjamin) 14 October 2025
Everything to play for on day 4️⃣ 👍#wozanawe #WTC #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/ScfKr6nphp
– MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown) 14 October 2025
Tomorrow, the hunt begins again!
Ryan and Tony at the crease 🎯#PAKvSA#SouthAfrica#proteas pic.twitter.com/BBjo9573Jm– Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) 14 October 2025
South Africa Day from start to finish
Abdullah catches Clarita so it gets better
Score of 230 runs is possible, we need quick wickets
South Africa is certain to lose the match right now#PAKvSA– Muhammad Abdullah Hashmi (@PhantomriderxX) 14 October 2025
At the end of the third day, South Africa are 51 for 2, chasing 277 runs. Due to Pakistan’s batting collapse, the match is wide open. South Africa’s two best spin batsmen are at the crease and it is going to be an exciting day tomorrow.#PAKvSA
– Aryan Riaz🇵🇰 (@aryanriaz12) 14 October 2025
16 wickets fell on the third day of the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium. The first session tomorrow will be important and right now Pakistan has the upper hand. Rickelton’s dropped catch by Abdullah Shafiq will definitely trouble Pakistan#PAKvSA #testcricket pic.twitter.com/MefKpKJfKI
– Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) 14 October 2025
Noman Ali’s double strike shocks South Africa before Tony De Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton take over the innings on day three of the Lahore Test 🔥🔥#PAKvSA #NomanAli #tonydezorzi
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ZUooEyctxH pic.twitter.com/OlvKCvVQTi– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 14 October 2025
