SA 51/2 in 22 Overs (Target: 276) at Stumps | Pakistan vs South Africa Highlights of 1st Test 2025 Day 3: Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi Play Out Tough Session, Keep Chances Alive

End of a rather tough session for South Africa which could have gone very wrong after the two wickets early, if not for Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton, who added 25 runs to the score and at the same time played out the tough phase of play. South Africa are alive in the chase but they have a tough ask in front of them chasing a relatively strong total on a Day 4 surface turning square. 

After the first two wickets went down quickly, Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton have looked to steady the ship and progress the innings deeper so that they don't end up taking poor decisions. They have ticked the scoreboard and at the same looked to not rush. They still have a tough task in hand. 

Out! South Africa lose another and this time, they will be feeling the pressure. It is Noman Ali again who strikes. The ball was leaving Mulder when he gets stuck in indecision of playing or leaving. Eventually, the ball takes the shoulder of his bat and flies to the hands of the first slip. Big wicket for Pakistan. Mulder c Salman Agha b Noman Ali 0(3).

Out! South Africa were aiming at a solid opening stand to reduce the pressure of chasing a big total in what has been a really challenging surface, but they don't get it as Noman Ali gets the better of Aiden Markram. Tossed up delivery drifting in on a fuller length on middle and leg, lands and continues to come with the round the wicket angle. Markram goes for the slog sweep but ends up missing it and the ball knocks over his stumps. Bad shot given the situation and he has paid for it. Markram b Noman Ali 3(11).

Out! That's the end of the Pakistan innings. Things ended rather quickly for them. They lost the last six wickets for just 17 runs. Saud Shakeel is the one who should take the blame for throwing away his wicket just before Tea. South Africa stay alive in the game although it will be a steep task to chase down 276 in a turning wicket. Senuran Muthusamy is the hero for them having taken a five-wicket haul. He received good support from Simon Harmer, who dismissed Sajid Khan to end the Pakistan innings. 7. Sajid Khan c Brevis b Harmer 1(5). 

Out! Senuran Muthusamy is on a roll here. It was a faster, flatter delivery on middle and leg, Noman Ali opts for the reverse sweep but misses and gets hit flush infront of the wicket. It was a plumb LBW and even the DRS couldn't save Noman Ali. South Africa are one wicket away from bowling out Pakistan. Noman Ali lbw b Muthusamy 11(16).

Out! South Africa know the lead they conceded are a big one and they will have to wrap up Pakistan soon to have any chance for the chase. Senuram Muthusamy has helped them do exactly that as he cleans up Salman Ali Agha. Bowls on the leg stump, Salman Ali Agha goes for the sweep and the ball turns enough to miss his bat and go around him to wreck his stumps. Crucial breakthrough as South Africa now have tailenders to bowl at only.  Salman Agha b Muthusamy 4(11).

Out! South Africa continue to chip in wickets. Tossed up ball outside off, Shaheen Shah Afridi goes for the reverse sweep but doesn't get the hold of the ball and it gently lobs to the fielder at backward point. Senuran Muthusamy is the bowler who strikes and Afridi departs for duck. Shaheen Afridi c Mulder b Muthusamy 0(6).

Out! South Africa get another breakthrough just after the tea break. Mohammad Rizwan steps out looks to push the ball to the legside, but the ball pitches full and turns in to crash into the stumps. Big wicket for South Africa as they return strongly in the game.  Rizwan b Harmer 14(27).

Out! Saud Shakeel has a brainfade moment. The Tea was on cards and instead of playing out the session, Shakeel went after Senuran Muthusamy as he launched a slog sweep to deep mid-wicket. Wanted to place it squarer but the lofted shot went to the lone fielder stationed at deep mid-wicket. With it, the umpires signal for the tea break and Shakeel, despite starting well handed out an opportunity to South Africa. Saud Shakeel c Stubbs b Muthusamy 38(53).