Day 3 of the Boxing Day test in between South Africa And Pakistan A thrilling battle developed in which both teams didn’t give up an inch. Set a modest goal of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 27/3 due to stumpsthanks to a fierce spell from the Pakistan pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s underclass succumbed to the relentless brilliance of Marco Jansenwhose career-best performance of 6/62 wiped out their second innings and left them with just a narrow lead to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience on the field, striking three times in the final session to keep their hopes alive.
Pakistan’s Batting Breakdown: Saud Shakeel’s Batting Shot
The third day, after the first session was washed out due to rain, began with Pakistan resuming at 88/3, hoping to significantly increase their lead on a pitch that was gradually deteriorating. Saud Shakeelwho continued his good form, seemed determined to secure the innings. However, Mohammad RizwanJansen’s early dismissal set the stage for a gloomy morning for the guests. Rizwan, who tried to counter Jansen’s aggressive short-ball strategy, managed to reach the slips for just 13 runs.
This gate opened the floodgates as Pakistan’s lower middle class capitulated under the relentless pressure. Jansen’s clever use of the uneven jump and his ability to coax pace from the surface proved too much for the final runners. Shakeel fought bravely for his 84, showing immense skill and composure, but found little support at the other end. Pakistan were bowled out for 237, with Jansen’s career best of 6/62 dashing any hopes of a significant lead. The innings highlighted the fragility of the Pakistan batting line-up, especially in difficult conditions.
Early goals from Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rocked South Africa
South Africa’s 148-run chase began under cloudy skies, which further helped Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas struck and caught in his very first over Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that bounced sharply off the seam. Abbas, who is known for his accuracy, made perfect use of the conditions and gave Pakistan an ideal start.
Khurram Shahzad then he produced a moment of brilliance and dismissed Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that swung late and reached the outside edge, leaving the batsman stunned. Shahzad continued his fire spell, targeting the body with short shots and finally capturing it Ryan Rickelton with a well-aimed rebound that took the top edge. South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3 and Pakistan’s pacers showed tremendous skill and determination to keep their team in the competition.
Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Tony de Zorzi with a beauty on day one of the Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Aiden Markram stands firm in the midst of chaos
Amid the carnage at the other end, Aiden Markram stood tall and demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure. His unbeaten 22 was a feat of adaptability as he mastered the Test conditions with skill. Markram’s judgment outside the off-stump and his ability to counter the short ball were crucial in ensuring South Africa did not completely collapse under pressure.
Although his innings lacked flamboyance, it was still rich in substance as he was able to absorb the relentless pressure from Abbas and Shahzad. Realizing the importance of protecting his wicket, Markram refrained from rash shots and instead focused on creating a foundation for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa needing 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram’s role in steering the innings forward remained crucial. His ability to consolidate the chase amid a crumbling top flight will likely determine the outcome of this exciting contest.
This is how Twitter reacted:
Tomorrow, 121 runs and 7 wickets in hand are needed to secure a place in the WTC final. Surely they won’t screw it up…surely! #SAvPAK
– naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024
Mohammad Abbas looks deadlier than 145 at an average speed of 125 km/h.
What a talent. This appears to be his own innings.
ON 19.3. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MohammadAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9
— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024
Where are those who said that Saud cannot play on such courts? He kept hearing from “experts” that he could only perform in Asia. I hope you got your answer today🤫
– Haroon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024
Pakistan were successful in getting early wickets
SA Second Innings 27/3..
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 before that, Leicestershire) fan will attest, Mohammad Abbas is special. I’m really looking forward to seeing him show his magic on the big stage again #SAvPAK
– Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024
Proteas 27/3 at the end of the day
Aiden Markram seems to be the standout hitter again so far
121 more are needed for a place in the WTC final pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd
— Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024
Stumps is called
What a day awaits us tomorrow with SA on March 27th
All hopes rest on Markram and Bavuma#SAvPAK
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024
These two are our hope out there, especially Markram!! He watches it again!!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024
Day 3 | Stumps 🟢⚪️
The cricket test match is always entertaining as the third day comes to an end🏏
🇵🇰Pakistan: 211/10 (1st innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 301/10 (1st innings)
🇵🇰Pakistan: 237/10 (2nd innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 27/3 (2nd innings)The Proteas need 121 more runs to win… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024
2️⃣7️⃣. Test fifty for Babar Azam 👏
After 19 innings he reached a Test 50🏏#Cricket #SAvPAK #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
