Pakistan Takes First-Innings Lead Against South Africa in Lahore Test

Lahore: Pakistan secured a 109-run lead over South Africa in the first Test match being played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings in response to Pakistan’s 378.

South Africa began the third day on 216 for 6. The team lost its seventh wicket at 228, and by the time the total reached 256, Tony de Zorzi — the standout performer — was dismissed for a brilliant 104, caught by Shaheen Afridi off Nauman Ali’s bowling.

The last three wickets fell quickly, with South Africa being all out for 269, giving Pakistan a significant 109-run first-innings lead.

Nauman Ali starred with the ball for Pakistan, taking 6 wickets. Sajid Khan claimed 3, while Agha Salman took one.

Earlier, South Africa’s first wicket fell at 45 when Aiden Markram was dismissed for 20 by Nauman Ali. Wiaan Mulder (17) followed at 80, also to Nauman. Ryan Rickelton scored a crucial 71 before falling to Agha Salman, while Tristan Stubbs (8) was again removed by Nauman. Dewald Brevis was out for a duck, caught by Shan Masood off Sajid Khan. Kyle Verreynne was LBW to Nauman for just 2 runs at the score of 200.

Read more: Imam, Rizwan steer Pakistan to 313/5 on Day 1 of Lahore Test against South Africa

Pakistan’s first innings total of 378 was built on strong performances from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Agha Salman (93), Shan Masood (76), and Mohammad Rizwan (75). On the opening day, Pakistan had ended on 313 for 5 and resumed on day two from the same score.

On the second morning, three quick wickets fell as Pakistan slumped from 313 to 362. Rizwan was dismissed for 75, while Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan were out without scoring. Shaheen Shah Afridi made 7, and Salman Ali Agha narrowly missed his century, falling for 93. Hasan Ali remained not out without scoring.

From South Africa’s bowling attack, Senuran Muthusamy was the most effective, taking 6 wickets — his best performance in Test cricket. Prenelan Subrayen picked up 2 wickets, while Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada claimed one each.

In Pakistan’s second innings, the team faced early trouble. Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck, and the first wicket fell with just 2 runs on the board. However, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood were at the crease at the time of reporting.

With Pakistan holding a first-innings lead and still batting, the hosts are in a strong position heading into the later stages of the Test match.