South Africa 51-2 in Record Run Chase Against Pakistan’s Spinners in Lahore Test

By: Blogentia  |  Date: October 14, 2025

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A gripping contest is unfolding at Gaddafi Stadium as South Africa ended Day 3 at 51-2 in pursuit of a record 277-run target against Pakistan in the first Test match. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi held their ground at stumps on 29* and 16* respectively, stabilizing the innings after an early setback.

The highest successful run chase in Lahore stands at 208, achieved by England in 1961. If South Africa pulls this off, it will be a new record at this historic venue.

Day 3 Dominated by Spin and Wickets

Tuesday’s play saw 16 wickets tumble on a dry surface that offered spinners consistent turn and variable bounce. Pakistan seized control early, bowling South Africa out for 269 in the first hour of play, gaining a healthy 109-run lead on the first innings.

However, Pakistan’s batting faltered in their second innings. Despite a promising start, the hosts were dismissed for 167 runs in just 46.1 overs, setting the visitors a challenging but achievable target of 277 runs.

Noman Ali Strikes Early Again

Veteran spinner Noman Ali, at 39 years of age, showed once again why he’s Pakistan’s spin spearhead. He dismissed South Africa captain Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder cheaply — the same duo he removed in the first innings. South Africa was quickly reduced to 18-2 before Rickelton and De Zorzi steadied the ship, batting cautiously against relentless spin.

By the time stumps were drawn, the visitors had advanced to 51-2, scoring just over two runs per over — a sign of how difficult batting conditions have become.

De Zorzi’s Century Lights Up the Morning

Earlier in the day, Tony de Zorzi resumed on 81 overnight and played with elegance and control. A reverse sweep boundary took him into the 90s, followed by a clean six over long-off against Noman Ali. His single off another reverse sweep brought up a brilliant century — his second in Test cricket.

His innings of 104 from 171 balls, laced with 10 fours and 2 sixes, was finally ended when Shaheen Shah Afridi took a sharp low catch at long-on. That wicket gave Noman Ali his ninth five-wicket haul in just 20 Tests, making him Pakistan’s most successful left-arm spinner in Test history.

Noman finished with figures of 6-112, while Sajid Khan provided excellent support with 3-98. South Africa added only 53 runs to their overnight total of 216-6.

Pakistan’s Batting: Bright Start, Sudden Collapse

In reply, Pakistan started cautiously but reached 36-2 by lunch. The middle order accelerated in the second session, scoring at nearly four runs an over. Babar Azam led the charge with a fluent 42, combining with Saud Shakeel (38) in a crucial 55-run stand.

Babar, under pressure due to a lean patch in Test cricket, gained confidence after surviving an LBW review against Kagiso Rabada. He punished Senuran Muthusamy with a series of boundaries, including three in one over, showcasing glimpses of his best form.

But Rabada eventually trapped Babar LBW, and from there, Pakistan’s innings unraveled dramatically. Shakeel attempted a big shot on the stroke of tea and was dismissed, triggering a collapse in which Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs.

Muthusamy’s Magic Turns the Game

South African spinner Senuran Muthusamy emerged as the star with the ball, taking 5-57 in Pakistan’s second innings. Combined with his first-innings effort, he finished with match figures of 11-174 — the fourth-best by a South African spinner in Test history.

He was well supported by Simon Harmer, who claimed 4-51. Their spin partnership was instrumental in turning the game back in South Africa’s favor after Pakistan looked set to build a much bigger lead.

Lahore Test Set for a Dramatic Finish

With 226 runs still required and eight wickets in hand, South Africa faces a daunting yet achievable task on Day 4. The pitch is expected to deteriorate further, meaning Pakistan’s spinners — led by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan — will have a decisive role to play.

For South Africa, the key will be how Rickelton and De Zorzi build on their partnership. If they can blunt the new ball and score steadily, they could script a historic chase. But with Pakistan’s record at home and the surface turning square, the hosts remain slight favorites.

Records and Milestones at Stake

• South Africa needs 277 runs — the highest successful run chase in Lahore’s history if achieved.
• Noman Ali recorded his ninth five-wicket haul in just 20 Tests.
• Muthusamy’s 11-wicket haul is the fourth-best match figures by a South African spinner.
• Pakistan’s batting collapse of 6 for 17 was one of their quickest downturns at home.

As both teams prepare for the penultimate day, the match hangs in the balance. This could either be a famous historic chase or another testament to Pakistan’s spin dominance at home.