On the third day of the Lahore Test, Pakistan gained a commanding position with a 109-run lead over South Africa, thanks to an exceptional performance by their spin bowlers.
Noman Ali was the star of the day, taking six wickets with his precise left-arm spin, while Sajid Khan supported him brilliantly with three key dismissals. Their efforts dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, restricting them to 269 runs.
South Africa’s resistance came mainly from Tony de Zorzi, who struck a classy 104 runs, and Ryan Rickelton, who added a composed 71. Their partnership temporarily steadied the innings before Pakistan’s spinners swiftly cleaned up the tail.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a solid 378 runs in their first innings. Imam-ul-Haq and Agha Salman both narrowly missed centuries, scoring 93 each, while Shan Masood (76) and Mohammad Rizwan (75) made vital contributions.
For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy stood out with career-best figures of six wickets, showcasing his improvement on turning tracks.
As the match moves into the fourth day, Pakistan looks determined to extend their lead and push for an early win. The ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 contest in Lahore has already delivered thrilling spin battles and impressive performances, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next twist in this Test.
