Pakistan’s opening bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad delivered three crucial strikes late on the third afternoon as South Africa began their chase of 148 runs to win the first Test at SuperSport Park on Saturday.
South Africa finished the day at 27 for three, still 121 runs away from victory and a guaranteed spot in the World Test Championship final in England next June.
Abbas bowled impeccably, taking two wickets for three runs in four overs of swing bowling. His victims were Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs. Shahzad also contributed, trapping Ryan Rickelton leg before wicket.
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings, will start the fourth day on 22 not out. The hosts are facing a potentially tense final day.
All three dismissals were leg before wicket decisions, and all three were reviewed by the batters.
De Zorzi tried to negate the swing by batting outside his crease, the same tactic that led to his dismissal in the first innings. However, Abbas beat his inside edge, and he was given out.
De Zorzi reviewed umpire Alex Wharf’s decision. Replays confirmed the “umpire’s call” with the ball projected to hit the stumps. He was dismissed for two runs.
Rickelton was trapped leg before wicket by Shahzad without scoring.
Stubbs added only one run before falling victim to Abbas. Pakistan successfully reviewed both decisions after the batsmen were initially given not out.
The day’s play concluded dramatically after a three-hour rain delay.
South Africa appeared on course for victory after bowling Pakistan out for 237. Left-arm fast bowler Marco Jansen impressed with figures of six for 52.
Saud Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan with 84.
Resuming their innings at 88 for three, Babar Azam and Shakeel batted confidently, adding 65 runs in 14.5 overs.
Babar reached his first half-century in 19 Test innings, scoring 50 before Jansen took three wickets in 14 balls. Babar’s dismissal started the collapse when he edged a short ball from Jansen to deep point.
Shakeel, the ninth man out, missed a full toss from Jansen after a composed innings of 113 balls, including 10 fours and a six. His dismissal ended Pakistan’s innings.