Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Pakistan An exciting contest unfolded, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Set a modest goal of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 27/3 at stumpsthanks to a ferocious spell from Pakistani footballers. Earlier today, Pakistan's lower order succumbed to relentless brilliance Marco Jansenwhose career-best 6/62 dismantled the second innings and left them with only a slim lead to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience on the field, scoring three times in the final session to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan's Batting Collapse: The Ways of Fighting by Saud Shakeel
On the third day, after the first session ended due to rain, Pakistan began resuming the match with a score of 88/3, hoping to significantly extend their lead on a pitch that was gradually deteriorating. Saud ShakeelHe seemed determined to stabilize the roles, and he continues his good form. but, Muhammad RadwanJansen's early dismissal set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Rizwan, who tried to counter Janssen's aggressive short-ball strategy, managed to slip for just 13 runs.
This wicket opened the floodgates as Pakistan's lower middle class capitulated under relentless pressure. Janssen's clever use of uneven bounce and its ability to extract speed from the surface proved too much for the drivers. Shaquille fought valiantly to reach No. 84, showing tremendous skill and composure, but found little support at the other end. Pakistan collapsed for 237, with Janssen's career-best 6/62 dismantling any hopes of a significant lead. The innings revealed the fragility of Pakistan's batting line-up, especially under Test conditions.
Early strikes from Mohammed Abbas and Khurram Shehzad rock South Africa
South Africa's 148-run chase began under overcast conditions, which further helped Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Muhammad Abbas He hit his first time, trapped Tony De Zorzi With a rough delivery sharply back from the seam. Abbas, known for his meticulous accuracy, exploited the conditions to perfection, giving Pakistan a perfect start.
Khurram Shehzad Then he produced a moment of brilliance and rejection Tristan Stubbs With a delivery that swung late and found the outside edge, leaving the batter stunned. Shehzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with short-pitched deliveries and then eventually claiming Ryan Rickleton With a well directed guard that occupied the top edge. South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3, as the Pakistan side's players showed immense skill and determination to keep their team in contention.
also Watch: Khurram Shehzad gets rid of Tony De Zorzi with his beauty on the first day of the Boxing Day test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands firm in the chaos
Amidst the carnage at the other end, Aiden Markram She stood tall, showing remarkable resilience and composure. His unbeaten record of 22 goals was remarkable for adaptability, as he skillfully negotiated testing conditions. Markram's judgment outside off stump and his ability to block the short ball were crucial in ensuring that South Africa did not completely collapse under pressure.
While his innings lacked brilliance, they were rich in substance, as he absorbed constant pressure from Abbas and Shehzad. Realizing the importance of keeping his wicket, Markram refrained from any rash strokes, and instead focused on building the foundation for the chase. With the day ending with South Africa requiring 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram's role in steering the innings forward remained pivotal. His ability to anchor the chase amid the crumbling top order is likely to determine the outcome of this enthralling contest.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
121 runs are needed tomorrow with 7 wickets in hand to book their place in the WTC final. They definitely don't mess it up… Absolutely! #savpak
– Naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Muhammad Abbas with an average speed of 125 km/h looks more lethal than the 145ers.
What a talent. These seem to be his own roles.
On 3/19. #savpak #PACVSA #Mohamed Abbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where is the one who said that Saud cannot perform on such stadiums? I kept hearing from “experts” that he could only perform in Asia. I hope you got your answer today🤫
– Haroun (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan managed to get early wickets
SA second half 3/27..
The Pakistan team needs 7 wickets to win the first Test match against SA #savpak | #Pakistani cricket pic.twitter.com/kOSsmzkhDj– Imran Gul (@ImranGul898) December 28, 2024
As any Hampshire (and before that Leicestershire) fan will attest, Mohamed Abbas is something special. Really happy to see him show his magic on the big stage again #savpak
– Atif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024
Proteas 27/3 at the end of the day
Aiden Markram once again looks to be the outstanding hitter so far
Another 121 are required for a place in the World Trade Center final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
– Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
It is called stumps
What a day tomorrow has in store for us with SA on 27-3
All hopes rest on Markram and Bavuma#savpak
– ThePoppingCreaseSA (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope there tomorrow especially Markram!! And look at it again!!#savpak pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
– Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
Day three | Trunks 🟢⚪️
A Test cricket match never fails to entertain, as the third day draws to a close🏏
🇵🇰Pakistan: 211/10 (first round)
🇿🇦South Africa: 301/10 (first round)
🇵🇰Pakistan: 237/10 (Second round)
🇿🇦South Africa: 27/3 (Second round)The Proteas need another 121 runs to win the… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
– Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2️⃣7️⃣Babar Azam’s 55th Test 👏
After 19 innings, he reached his Test fifty🏏#cricket #savpak #BabarAzzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024