A riveting third day at SuperSport Park saw Pakistan’s new-ball operators, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad, strike vital blows as South Africa, set a testing 148 to win the first Test, reached stumps in precarious shape, reeling at 27 for three and still requiring 121 for victory that would see them book a spot in the World Test Championship final in England next June.
Abbas was the pick of the bowlers with two for three in four magnificently probing overs of swing, having first Tony de Zorzi and then Tristan Stubbs removed with pinpoint accuracy, while Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton in front.
Aiden Markram, top-scorer for South Africa in the first innings, was not out on 22 as an awkward fourth day beckons for the home team. The important action is that all three wickets fell to leg before wicket, and each of them was reviewed.
De Zorzi attempted to counteract the swing that had bothered him in the first innings by batting well outside his crease. But Abbas outfoxed him, and on review from umpire Alex Wharf, replays came back as “umpire’s call” to send De Zorzi on his way for two.
Rickelton did not manage to score much as he fell to Shahzad. Stubbs was caught at slip with Abbas and, despite being initially not out, Pakistan reviewed and saw off both batsmen. The drama on the day unfolded after a three-hour rain delay hampered the start. Earlier, South Africa appeared in a commanding position as Pakistan was bowled out for 237 runs, with Marco Jansen leading the attack with an impressive six for 52.
Saud Shakeel was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring 84 runs. Resuming their innings at 88 for three, Babar Azam and Shakeel added 65 runs in just 14.5 overs. Babar reached his half-century, his first in 19 Test innings, before Jansen struck back, taking three wickets in a devastating 14-ball spell. Shakeel fell as the ninth wicket, bowled out by a full toss from Jansen after a solid 113-ball innings that included 10 fours and a six.
