When Pakistan's second innings ended in the Centurion Test, the match seemed one-sided. However, within an hour, the scenario changed dramatically, making the contest much more balanced and exciting.
Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, South Africa ended the third day (Saturday, December 28) at 27 for 3. The hosts still need 121 runs to secure a spot in the Test Championship final, while Pakistan requires 7 wickets to get the job done. The lowest target successfully defended in South Africa is 131 runs—achieved by England, who won by 32 runs in Johannesburg back in 1899.
Marco Jansen, the pace-bowling all-rounder, took 6 wickets for 52 runs in the second innings. Despite fifties from Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, Pakistan was bowled out for 237 runs. Trailing by 90 runs in the first innings, Pakistan lost their last 7 wickets for just 84 runs. Babar, who reached a fifty after 19 innings and 732 days in Test cricket, was dismissed for exactly 50 runs. Shakeel scored 84 off 113 balls, hitting 10 fours and a six.
After rain washed out the first session at SuperSport Park, Pakistan resumed the third day’s play at 88 for 3. Babar and Shakeel batted confidently to take the team forward. Babar reached his first fifty since December 2022 in 80 balls. However, he soon fell to a short ball outside off-stump from Jansen, caught at deep point. His 85-ball innings included 9 fours.
The dismissal of Babar marked the start of Pakistan’s collapse. Mohammad Rizwan attempted to pull a short ball from Jansen but edged it to the keeper. In Jansen’s next over, he dismissed Salman Ali Agha, completing his third five-wicket haul in Tests. Salman chased a wide delivery outside off-stump and gave away his wicket.
Amer Jamal fell to a short ball from Dan Paterson, while Kagiso Rabada removed Naseem Shah. Shakeel, who held one end, carried Pakistan forward briefly before becoming Jansen’s sixth victim, trapped LBW. Debutant Corbin Bosch wrapped up the innings by dismissing Mohammad Abbas.
In pursuit of the target, South Africa lost Tony de Zorzi in the fourth over, LBW to Abbas. Ryan Rickelton was dismissed LBW in the next over by Shahzad after Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision. Another review saw Pakistan claim the wicket of Tristan Stubbs, leaving South Africa in trouble. Only one more over was possible after that.
Abbas bowled 4 overs, 3 of them maidens, taking 2 wickets for just 3 runs. Aiden Markram remains unbeaten on 22 off 25 balls, accompanied by Temba Bavuma.
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