Day 3 of the Boxing Day test between South Africa and Pakistan It played out 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 27/3 due to stumpscourtesy of a ferocious spell from the Pakistan pacers. Hours earlier, Pakistan’s lower order succumbed to the relentless brilliance of Marco Jansenwhose career-best 6/62 dismantled their second innings and left them with only a slim lead to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience on the field, scoring three goals in the final session to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan’s batting collapse: Saud Shakeel’s fighting knock
The third day, after the first session was interrupted by rain, began with Pakistan resuming play at 88/3, hoping to significantly extend their lead on a pitch that was gradually deteriorating. Saud ShakeelContinuing his good form, he seemed determined to anchor the innings. However, Mohamed RizwanJansen’s early sending off set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Rizwan, trying to counter Jansen’s aggressive short ball strategy, managed 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 extract rhythm from the surface proved too much for those behind. Shakeel fought valiantly for his 84, showing immense skill and composure, but found little support at the other end. Pakistan folded for 237, and Jansen’s career-best score of 6/62 dismantled any hopes of a substantial lead. The innings exposed the fragility of Pakistan’s batting line-up, especially in difficult conditions.
First attacks by Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad shake South Africa
South Africa’s chase of 148 runs began under overcast conditions, which further helped Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas hit in his first over, trapping Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that swerved off the seam. Abbas, known for his pinpoint accuracy, exploited the conditions to perfection, giving Pakistan an ideal start.
Khurram Shahzad Then he produced a moment of brilliance, dismissing Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that swung late and found the outside edge, leaving the batsman stunned. Shahzad continued his fire spell, targeting the body with short throws and finally claiming ryan rickelton with a well directed bounce that took the top edge. Incidentally, South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3, and Pakistan’s pacers showed tremendous skill and determination to keep their team in contention.
Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Zorzi’s Tony with a beauty on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands strong in the midst of chaos
In the midst of the carnage on the other end, Aiden Markram He stood tall, demonstrating remarkable stamina and composure. His unbeaten 22 was a masterclass in adaptability as he deftly overcame testing conditions. Markram’s judgment outside off-stump and his ability to counter the short ball were instrumental in ensuring South Africa did not completely collapse under pressure.
While his innings lacked flamboyance, it was rich in substance as he absorbed the relentless pressure from Abbas and Shahzad. Recognizing the importance of preserving his wicket, Markram refrained from taking rash strokes and concentrated on building a base for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa requiring 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram’s role in leading the innings remained pivotal. Their ability to anchor the chase amidst the crumbling top order will likely define the outcome of this enthralling contest.
This is how Twitter reacted:
Tomorrow 121 runs are needed with 7 wickets in hand to book their place in the WTC final. Surely they won’t ruin it….surely! #SAvPAK
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Mohammad Abbas, at an average pace of 125 km/h, seems more lethal than 145.
What a talent. These appear to be their own entries.
ON 3/19. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MohammadAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
– Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where are those who said that Saud cannot perform in those fields? I kept hearing from ‘experts’ that it can only act in Asia. I hope you have your answer today🤫
– Haroon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan successfully got the first wickets
SA Second Entry 3/27..
Pak team needs 7 wickets to win first test match against SA #SAvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/kOSsmzkhDj-Imran Gul (@ImranGul898) December 28, 2024
As any Hampshire (and formerly Leicestershire) 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 3/27 at the end of the day
Aiden Markram once again looks like the outstanding batsman so far
121 more needed for a place in the WTC final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
– Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
stumps are called
What a day awaits us tomorrow with SA on 3/27
All hopes are with Markram and Bavuma.#SAvPAK
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope tomorrow, especially Markram!! Look at it again!!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
– Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
Day 3 | Stumps 🟢⚪️
Test cricket never fails to entertain as day three comes to an end🏏
🇵🇰Pakistan: 211/10 (first innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 301/10 (first innings)
🇵🇰Pakistan: 237/10 (2nd innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 3/27 (2nd inning)The Proteas need 121 more runs to win in… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2️⃣7️⃣a Test fifty for Babar Azam 👏
After 19 innings, he reaches the fifty test🏏#Cricket #SAvPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024