As the third day of this test match is offically over, the Proteas were able to take control after another very dominating day, in which they looked stronger than ever. Showing how they could really control games with their bowling prowess, it really made the job for batting much easier compared to how it first looked.
Knowing that South Africa were playing without many key pieces, including their main leader in Temba Bavuma, and a top-notch pacer in Marco Jansen, this was a key performance proving how strong this group’s domestic talent is. With Aiden Markram really leading this side at a top-notch level after already proving it in T20I cricket, it’s clear that he is someone who can take over in such a high role when their main captain Bavuma remains out.
On the other side, Pakistan were really looking strong during the first day and a half, but now have completely fallen apart since those high moments. A group that really looked like things were changing for them against a top squad after struggles during their last WTC phase, it came back to earth as they seemed to lose that same batting confidence they had during the first innings.
Looking at this unit looking to have a strong bowling performance to close it out, this attack may need a miracle to dominate tomorrow and get a convincing victory that their side first expected. Captain Shan Masood tried to control the inconsistencies of this side today, but there was only so much he could do as a lot of things seemed to repeat themselves.
South Africa Get Bowled Out After Adding A Few More Key Runs To Make Difference Smaller
Today’s first session began with South Africa continuing to build on their 1st innings after having already lost 6 wickets on the day prior. With a score that was passed 200, Tony De Zorzi was still in the batting attack, while another lefty in Senuran Muthuswamy was right across him.
Seeing that Muthuswamy was taken out after hitting one boundary and scoring 11 runs, this was the 7th wicket lost after South Africa were at 228 runs. Getting removed by Sajid Khan once again, due to his amazing prowess as a spinner who continued turning the ball in, De Zorzi was able to get towards his century on the other end and lead this Proteas unit towards a 250+ knock.
Having 10 fours and two sixes during his 104-run performance, this was something much needed since this piece’s side was losing wickets all-around him. With De Zorzi being the 8th wicket removed, Prenelan Subrayen was caught by Salman Ali Agha. In a innings where he seemed confused and was just trying to go for big shots, he hit 4 runs and South Africa were cleaned up after Kagiso Rabada was clean-bowled by Sajid Khan.
Being bowled out for 269 runs and trailing by just 109 now, Pakistan’s main bowler was Noman Ali, as this key spinner took 6 wickets, while Sajid Khan was also very impactful with three down the stretch with an economy under 3.00.
Pakistan Struggle A Lot In Their Second Innings To Give South Africa An Even Better Chance
Looking at Pakistan’s second innings, it was clear that they couldn’t make much out of it and seemed completely outclassed at this moment. Getting all out for 167 runs, they were able to only set a target of 278, with opener Iman-Ul Haq being a massive liability after being the first wicket by facing two balls.
Getting removed on a beautiful delivery from Simon Harmer, which led to a stumping, he was also able to remove captain Shan Masood on a wonderful ball that seemed very unhittable. Kagiso Rabada also struck gold today as he was able to remove Babar Azam for 42 runs, after the Pakistan middle-order batsmen seemed to start turning the corner from his recent performances.
Him being the fourth wicket after opener Abdullah Shafique was also taken out a while back, this was the part of the match where Senuran Muthuswamy caught fire again. After Saud Shakeel was hitting 7 boundaries and getting near a half-century, Muthusamy bowled an absolute beauty that caused an edge right into Tristan Stubbs hands.
Knowing that Mohammad Rizwan came back down to his normal performance after scoring 14 runs, Muthuswamy completely broke Salman Ali Agha’s stumps and made Pakistan 166/8. Making quick work of Noman Ali, plus Sajid Khan, they were able to finish off Pakistan’s batting attack without allowing much damage.
South Africa Start Their 2nd Innings With Pride and Get Out Of Early Struggles
As South Africa then came out to bat in their 2nd innings, it was one that was mixed with a very slow start and them easing that panic. With Aiden Markram’s struggles continuing in this series, he was gone for 3 runs on 11 balls without hitting a single boundary. Knowing that this already puts much pressure on them, since he tends to be the piece that commands batting innings, losing Wiaan Mulder right after became an even bigger problem.
Seeing that Noman Ali was able to pick up those two wickets, he continued building on his 6-wicket performance from the first innings and looked like he was building confidence in himself against some top-notch batsmen.
Although this looked like an issue for the Proteas since they were 18/2, things got fixed with the Tony De Zorzi and opener Ryan Rickleton’s partnership. One duo that really showed up big-time during the first innings as well, they both have a clear advantage of facing bowlers from any side, since they are key lefties.
Helping South Africa reach over 50 runs, their partnership has developed really well as Rickleton has already scored 29 runs and hit three boundaries. Looking at De Zorzi, who has already scored 19 runs, he should really strive to have another great innings in order to lead this team much closer to their required total.
What’s Next on Day 4?
Looking at South Africa having to chase down 226 runs with 8 wickets in hand, they will play with a lot of eagerness and fire to begin tomorrow. Knowing that Tony De Zorzi is still in to make a huge difference after hitting a century during his first innings, Ryan Rickleton will also look to build on his half-century on the other end.
With Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs yet to come, they should also pick up some fast runs, after struggling in their previous outing during this match. Seeing that Kyle Verreynne can also make a huge impact, they will need to hit key spinners like Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, to take control in hopes of winning this match tomorrow.
Also Read: ICC WTC 2023-25: Aiden Markram’s 136 Runs Power South Africa To WTC Triumph