The primary Check between Pakistan and the Proteas is about for an exciting conclusion after rival spinners Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy wrought destruction on day three in Lahore.
Muthusamy took a maiden 10-wicket match haul to assist bowl Pakistan out for 167 of their second innings on one other day dominated by spin to provide South Africa a goal of 277 for victory.
However Noman, following up his 6-112 within the first innings, dismissed captain Aiden Markram for 3 and Wiaan Mulder (nought) to maintain the guests right down to 51-2 on the shut.
First breakthrough for 🇵🇰! Noman Ali removes Aiden Markram — South Africa lose their 1st WICKET 💥#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/QUHnUUtB1B
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 14, 2025
Ryan Rickelton (29*) and Tony de Zorzi (16*) fought until stumps with the Proteas needing one other 226 runs.
Pakistan want eight wickets for a 1-0 lead within the two-match collection.
With the threatening spin duo of Noman and Sajid Khan the house crew will fancy their probabilities.
As a gripping match approaches its climax, Muthusamy destroyed Pakistan with figures of 5-57 so as to add to his 6-117 whereas fellow spinner Simon Harmer took 4-51 as Pakistan misplaced their final six wickets for 17 runs.
The hosts have been pretty effectively positioned at 150-4 however Saud Shakeel holed out for 38 off Muthusamy to set off a collapse within the final over earlier than tea.
Harmer bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 14 earlier than Muthusamy ran riot.
He dismissed Salman Agha for 4, Noman Ali for 11 and Shaheen Shah Afridi for nought to complete with match figures of 11-174, taking 4 wickets off 21 balls.
Harmer ended Pakistan’s sloppy batting show by eradicating Sajid Khan for one.
The Proteas have been dismissed for 269 an hour earlier than lunch, conceding a lead of 109 after Pakistan’s first-innings 378.
Noman took 6-112 for his ninth haul of 5 wickets or extra in Exams.
With the Gaddafi Stadium taking huge flip, South Africa tossed Harmer the brand new ball in Pakistan’s second innings.
The 36-year-old had Imam-ul-Haq stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne for nought earlier than trapping captain Shan Masood lbw for seven.
Muthusamy then had Abdullah Shafique for 41 and pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Babar Azam lbw for 42. Azam has now failed to attain 100 in 28 Check innings relationship again to December 2022.
Earlier, South Africa’s De Zorzi resumed on 81 at the beginning of the day and carried the struggle to Pakistan, finishing his second Check century with a six and two singles off Noman.
The left-hander lastly holed out for 104 to long-on off Noman, the place Shaheen Shah Afridi took a low catch, ending a 208-minute innings containing 10 fours and two sixes.
Noman, who bowled a probing 35 overs, additionally eliminated Prenelan Subrayen for 4 in the course of the session.
Fellow spinner Sajid took the primary wicket of the day when he had Muthusamy caught by Salman Agha for 11.
He then wrapped up the innings when he bowled Rabada for nought to complete with 3-98 off 33 overs.
Photograph: Sameer Ali/Getty Photos
