Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Pakistan It developed into a crawling contest with both teams refusing to give an inch. Set a modest target of 148, South Africa faced stumps on 27/3Courtesy of the fierce magic of Pakistan pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s lower order succumbed to its relentless brilliance. Marco Jansenwhose career-best 6/62 smashed their second innings, leaving them with only a slim margin to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience in the field, striking three times in the final session to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan batting: Saud Shakil’s batting strike
On day three, after the first session was washed out due to rain, Pakistan resumed at 88/3, hoping to extend their lead significantly on a gradually deteriorating pitch. Saud Shakilcontinuing his fine form, he looked determined to anchor the innings. However, Mohammad Rizvan‘s Jansen’s early dismissal set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Trying to counter Jansen’s aggressive short ball strategy, Rizwan was out at slip 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 ability to extract pace from the surface proved too much for the tailbacks. Shakeel fought bravely for his 84, showing great skill and composure, but found little support from the other end. Pakistan were all 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 testing conditions.
Muhammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad’s first strikes shake South Africa
South Africa’s 148 started in cloudy conditions, which further aided Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Muhammad Abbas hit the trap for the first time Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that pulls sharply back from the seam. Known for his accuracy, Abbas took advantage of the conditions to give Pakistan an ideal start.
Cheers Prince then he pulled off a moment of dismissive brilliance Tristan Stubbs stumped the batter with a delivery that swung late and found the outside edge. Shahzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with short deliveries and eventually claimed it Ryan Rickelton with a well directed bouncer that takes the top edge. At stumps, South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3, with Pakistan’s pacers showing great skill and determination to keep their team in the contest.
Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad brilliantly gets rid of Tony de Zorzi on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands firm in the midst of the chaos
Amidst the carnage at the other end, Aiden Markram he stood tall, showed remarkable fortitude and composure. His unbeaten 22 was a masterclass in matchmaking as he deftly negotiated the testing conditions. Markram’s decision-making outside the off-stump and ability to counter the short ball was crucial to ensure South Africa didn’t completely crumble under pressure.
Although his innings lacked brilliance, it was rich in substance as he absorbed the relentless pressure of Abbas and Shahzad. Realizing the importance of protecting his wicket, Markram avoided any rash shots and instead focused on laying the groundwork for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa requiring 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram’s role in driving the innings forward remained key. His ability to chase amid a crumbling top order is likely to determine the outcome of this enthralling contest.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Need 121 runs tomorrow with 7 wickets in hand to book a place in that WTC final. They sure don’t mess it up…. definitely! #SAvPAK
— naemeh (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Moving at an average speed of 125 km/h, Muhammad Abbas looks deadlier than 145 people.
What a talent. Apparently, it’s because he owns the innings.
ON 19/3. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MuhammadAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where are those who say that Saud cannot perform in such fields? He heard from experts that he can perform only in Asia. I hope you got your answer today
— Haroon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan successfully reached the Early wickets
SA Second Shot 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, Mohammed Abbas is something special. I’m excited to see him work his magic again on the big stage #SAvPAK
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024
Proteas end of day 27/3
Aiden Markram again looks conspicuously inclined so far
121 more are required for a place in the WTC Final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
— Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
It’s called Stumps
What a day we have in store with SA tomorrow 3/27
All hopes are on Markram and Bavuma#SAvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope for tomorrow, especially Markram!! Watching again!!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
— Lawrence Bailey
(@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
3rd day | Roots
Test match cricket never fails to entertain as the third day approaches
Pakistan: 211/10 (1st innings)
Proteas need 121 more runs to win… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2nd 7th Test fifty for Babar Azam
After 19 innings, he reaches his Test fifty
#cricket #SAvPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
