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The third day of the Boxing Day Test in between South Africa and Pakistan it unfolded as an exciting contest, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Set a modest goal of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 27/3thanks to the fierce spell of the Pakistani pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s lower order succumbed to relentless brilliance Marco Jansenwhose career-best 6/62 destroyed their second innings and left them with only a slim lead in defence. However, the visitors showed incredible resilience on the pitch, scoring three times in the last game to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan’s batting collapse: Saud Shakeel’s batting strike
The third day, after the first session was abandoned due to rain, began with Pakistan resuming at 88/3, hoping to extend their lead significantly on a pitch that was gradually deteriorating. Saud Shakeelwho continued his good form, looked determined to anchor the innings. However, Mohammad RizwanAn early dismissal for Jansen set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Rizwan, trying to counter Jansen’s aggressive short ball strategy, went wrong for just 13 runs.
This wicket opened the floodgates as Pakistan’s lower middle order capitulated under relentless pressure. Jansen’s clever use of uneven bounce and his ability to draw pace off the surface proved too much for the tailenders. Shakeel fought bravely for his 84, showing immense skill and composure, but found no support from the other end. Pakistan were bowled out for 237, with Jansen’s career-best 6/62 dashing any hopes of a significant lead. The innings exposed the fragility of Pakistan’s batting line-up, especially in Test conditions.
Early strikes from Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rocked South Africa
South Africa’s 148-run chase began in cloudy conditions, which further aided Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas batted in his first over, capturing Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that is sharply serrated behind the seam. Abbas, known for his superb accuracy, took advantage of the conditions to perfection, giving Pakistan an ideal start.
Khurram Shahzad then produced a moment of brilliance, a rejection Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that swung late and found the outside edge, leaving the batsman stunned. Shahzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with short jabs and finally claiming Ryan Rickelton with a well-directed bouncer occupying the upper edge. Judging by the stumps, South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3 and Pakistan’s pacers showed immense skill and determination to keep their team in the contest.
Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Tony de Zorzi with a beauty on the first day of the Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands firm in the midst of the chaos
Amid the carnage on the other end, Aiden Markram stood upright, showing incredible resilience and composure. His unbeaten 22 was a masterclass in adaptability, as he deftly negotiated the testing conditions. Markram’s judgment off stump and his ability to counter the short ball were key in ensuring South Africa did not collapse completely under pressure.
While his innings lacked flash, it was rich in substance as he absorbed the relentless pressure of Abbas and Shahzad. Recognizing the importance of preserving his wicket, Markram refrained from making any rash moves, focusing instead on building a foundation for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa requiring 121 runs and Pakistan seven wickets behind, Markram’s role in steering the innings forward remained crucial. His ability to anchor the chase amid a crumbling top order is likely to define the outcome of this enthralling contest.
Here’s how Twitter responded:
They need 121 runs from 7 wickets tomorrow to secure their place in the WTC final. They sure don’t mess up….for sure! #SAvPAK
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Mohammad Abbas at an average speed of 125 km/h looks more deadly than 145.
What a talent. This seems to be his innings to own.
ON 19/3. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MohammadAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where are those who said that Saud can’t do it in this kind of terrain? He keeps hearing from ‘experts’ that he can only perform in Asia. I hope you got an answer today🤫
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan successfully got early wickets
SA second inning 27/3 ..
Pak team needs 7 wickets to win the first test match against SA #SAvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/kOSsmzkhDj— Imran Gul (@ImranGul898) December 28, 2024
As any Hampshire (and Leicestershire before that) fan will attest, Mohammad Abbas is something special. Really glad to see him show his magic on the big stage again #SAvPAK
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024
Proteas 27/3 at the end of the day
Aiden Markram looks like the best player yet again
Another 121 are needed for a place in the WTC final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
— Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
Stumps are called
What a day we are waiting for tomorrow with SA 27.-3
All hopes are placed in Markram and Bavum#SAvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope for tomorrow, especially Markram!! He’s watching it again!!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
3rd day | Stumps 🟢⚪️
Test cricket never ceases to entertain, the third day is coming to an end🏏
🇵🇰Pakistan: 211/10 (1st innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 301/10 (1st innings)
🇵🇰Pakistan: 237/10 (2nd innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 27/3 (2nd innings)Proteas need 121 more runs to win the… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2️⃣7️⃣th Test fifty for Babar Azam 👏
After 19 innings, he gets a Test 50🏏#Cricket #SAvPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
