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Pakistan find themselves in a commanding position in this Test match. Despite South Africa’s spirited effort in the morning session—where they claimed 5 wickets for just 65 runs—Pakistan had already posted a formidable total of 378. On a dry and deteriorating surface, the visitors were always going to be chasing the game.
South Africa began their reply positively. Openers Markram and Mulder got starts but failed to build on them. It was Rickelton who stood out with a composed and fluent innings. His strokeplay was confident, and his defence solid, as he brought up a well-deserved fifty. However, his hopes of a maiden Test century were dashed by a sharp catch from Babar Azam at slip.
de Zorzi, meanwhile, looked uncertain early on but gradually settled into his rhythm. Unfortunately for South Africa, Rickelton’s dismissal triggered a collapse. From a promising 174/2, they stumbled to 200/6, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Noman Ali was the standout performer with the ball for Pakistan, claiming four wickets and exploiting the turn and grip on offer. With South Africa still trailing by 162 runs, the spotlight now turns to their lower order. Whether they can support the fluent de Zorzi and mount a fightback remains to be seen.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Prenelan Subrayen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada
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All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
South Africa began their reply positively. Openers Markram and Mulder got starts but failed to build on them. It was Rickelton who stood out with a composed and fluent innings. His strokeplay was confident, and his defence solid, as he brought up a well-deserved fifty. However, his hopes of a maiden Test century were dashed by a sharp catch from Babar Azam at slip.
de Zorzi, meanwhile, looked uncertain early on but gradually settled into his rhythm. Unfortunately for South Africa, Rickelton’s dismissal triggered a collapse. From a promising 174/2, they stumbled to 200/6, losing wickets at regular intervals.
Noman Ali was the standout performer with the ball for Pakistan, claiming four wickets and exploiting the turn and grip on offer. With South Africa still trailing by 162 runs, the spotlight now turns to their lower order. Whether they can support the fluent de Zorzi and mount a fightback remains to be seen.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Prenelan Subrayen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada
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All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
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