Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Pakistan it unfolded as an exciting contest, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Set a small target of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 27/3 with stumpscourtesy of a strong spell from Pakistan's pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's lower order surrendered to an unstoppable brilliance Marco Jansenwho had a career best of 6/62, squandered their second innings and were left with only a slim lead to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience in the field, striking three times in the final session to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan batting collapse: Saud Shakeel's batting strike
The third day, after the first session was washed out due to rain, began with Pakistan resuming at 88/3, hoping to extend their lead significantly on a pitch that gradually declining. Saud Shakeelcontinuing the fine form, looking determined to consolidate the pubs. But, Mohammad RizwanHis early dismissal of Jansen set the stage for a difficult morning for the visitors. Rizwan, trying to counter Jansen's aggressive short-ball strategy, was bowled out for just 13 runs.
This wicket opened the floodgates as Pakistan's lower middle order was put under relentless pressure. Jansen's clever use of the uneven kick and his ability to draw distance from the surface proved too much for the tailors. Shakeel fought bravely for his 84, showing great skill and hustle, but he did not get much support at the other end. Pakistan returned for 237, with Jansen's superb 6/62 erasing any hope of a substantial lead. The innings revealed the fragility of Pakistan's batting line-up, especially under test conditions.
Early strikes from Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rock South Africa
South Africa's run of 148 runs began under clear conditions, which further aided Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas beaten in his first outing, catching him Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that was going back quickly off the seam. Abbas, known for his accuracy, exploited the conditions to perfection, giving Pakistan a good start.
Khurram Shahzad then he gave out a moment of brilliance, banishing Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that went late and found the outside edge, leaving the batter stunned. Shahzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with a short delivery and finally submitted Ryan Rickelton with a well-directed bouncer that took the top edge. With stumps, South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3, with Pakistan's pacers showing great skill and determination to keep their team in the contest.
Also Watch: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Tony de Zorzi with beauty on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands firm in the midst of the chaos
Amid the fury at the other end, Aiden Markram he stood tall, showing remarkable resilience and commitment. His unbeaten 22 was a master class in versatility, as he deftly negotiated the testing conditions. Markram's judgment outside the stumps and his ability to counter the short ball were vital to ensure that South Africa did not collapse completely under pressure.
While his inventions lacked flare, he was rich in substance, as he absorbed the relentless pressure from Abbas and Shahzad. Recognizing the importance of keeping his wicket, Markram refrained from any rash strokes, concentrating instead on building a foundation for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa needing 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram's role in driving the innings forward was still crucial. His ability to chase down a dwindling top order is likely to define the outcome of this exciting contest.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
121 runs needed tomorrow with 7 wickets in hand to book a place in that WTC final. They sure don't bother him….for sure! #SAvPAK
– naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Mohammad Abbas at an average speed of 125km/h looks more lethal than 145ers.
What a talent. This seems to be his innings.
ON 19/3. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MohammadAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where are those who said Saud cannot perform on such fronts? I kept hearing from 'experts' that he can only play in Asia. Hope you got your answer today 🤫
– Haroon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan managed to get early wickets
SA Second Innings 27/3..
Pakistan Team Need 7 wickets to win first test match against USA #SAvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/kOSsmzkhDj— Imran Gul (@ImranGul898) December 28, 2024
As any Hampshire (and before that Leicestershire) fan will attest, Mohammad Abbas is something special. Very happy to see him show his magic on the big stage again #SAvPAK
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024
Proteas 27/3 at the end of the day
Aiden Markram again looks the standout battery so far
121 more needed for a place in the WTC Final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
— Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
It's called stumps
What a day we have tomorrow with SA on 27-3
Markram and Bavuma have every hope#SAvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope tomorrow especially Markram!! He is looking at it again!!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
Day 3 | Stump ⚪️
Test match cricket never fails, as the third day comes to an end🏏
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 211/10 (1st innings)
🇿🇦 South Africa: 301/10 (1st innings)
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 237/10 (2nd innings)
🇿🇦 South Africa: 27/3 (2nd India)The Proteas need another 121 runs to win in… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2️⃣7️⃣th Test fifty for Babar Azam 👏
After 19 innings, he gets to a Test fifty🏏#Cricket #SAvPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
