South Africa Chases Record Target in Lahore with Score of 51-2 Against Pakistan’s Spinners
In a dramatic third day of the first Test match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, South Africa is chasing a record target of 277 runs against Pakistan. After their innings, they found themselves at 51-2. This score came in response to Pakistan’s impressive bowling and batting performance.
Key Performers from the Match
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated much of the day. Noman Ali, the standout performer, took six wickets for 112 runs. His bowling has proven vital as he now holds the record for the most five-wicket hauls by a Pakistani left-arm spinner, with nine to his name in just 20 Tests.
- Noman Ali: 6 wickets for 112 runs
- Sajid Khan: 3 wickets for 98 runs
- Senuran Muthusamy: 5 wickets for 57 runs
- Simon Harmer: 4 wickets for 51 runs
South Africa’s Performance
Despite having a challenging target, South Africa showed resilience after a shaky start. They were reduced to just 18 runs for two wickets before reaching 51 by the end of the day. Ryan Rickelton scored 29 runs, while Tony de Zorzi contributed 16 runs, with both batsmen offering hope for the visitors.
De Zorzi’s Century
Tony de Zorzi, who resumed his innings on 81 runs, reached his century by reversing sweeping Noman for a single, accumulating 104 runs off 171 balls. His innings included ten boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his talent and determination.
Pakistan’s Collapse
Pakistan began their second innings strongly but faltered dramatically, losing six wickets for just 17 runs towards the end. Babar Azam was the top scorer, making 42 runs, while Saud Shakeel contributed 38. This collapse set South Africa a challenging target for victory.
The highest successful chase at this venue was 208 runs by England in 1961, indicating the difficulty of achieving such a target. As the match enters its final stages, all eyes will be on how South Africa approaches this formidable challenge.
