Pakistan vs South Africa, SA in PAK, 2 Tests, 2025 Oct 12 Full score card

OUT! CLEANED UP! Kagiso Rabada gets a taste of his own medicine. Shaheen Afridi keeps it very full and gets it to swing back in sharply from the middle pole. Kagiso Rabada plays the wrong line, tries to defend but is undone by the movement and it crashes the leg pole. Pakistan win by 93 runs.

Bowls a yorker-length delivery, shaping on leg, Kagiso Rabada digs it out off the inside edge onto the pads. Shaheen Afridi appeals but he knew there was an edge.

DRINKS! Just the one wicket left for Pakistan to close the game. It has been a phenomenal performance from them so far. Can Kagiso Rabada survive and stretch the unavoidable outcome?

OUT! BOWLED! Shaheen Afridi is cleaning up the tail quickly! Serves a fuller length delivery with an angle, it lands and shapes away. Subrayen is squared up, tries to defend in front of his pads but misses by a long way and it crashes the stumps.

Fuller and down the leg side, Subrayen looks to flick but misses.

Pushes it full and just outside off, it lands and nips back in. Prenelan Subrayen shoulders arms but the ball whizzes past the off pole.

Gets it to shape in by a long way, Simon Harmer inside edges his flick to square leg for a couple.

Nips in a length ball on middle, Simon Harmer turns it to mid on.

Touch fuller and on middle, defended back to the bowler.

Good length delivery, close to the off pole. Simon Harmer punches it to cover.

Bowls it on a length and outside off, Simon Harmer shoulders arms to it.

Short of a length and outside off. Simon Harmer lets it go.

Much fuller, on leg, Prenelan Subrayen flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Edgy! Too full, outside off, Prenelan Subrayen looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball goes through short third for a boundary.

On a length, outside off, Prenelan Subrayen tries to waft at it but misses.

On a length, on leg, Prenelan Subrayen flicks it through backward square leg for a single.

Too full, on off, Prenelan Subrayen digs it back to the bowler.

Prenelan Subrayen walks in.

OUT! PLUMB! Shaheen Afridi strikes! South Africa go eight down now. On a length, on middle and it stays low. Kyle Verreynne looks to block it but gets beaten on the lack of bounce as the ball hits his pads. An appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Kyle Verreynne walks back into the shed.

Flatter, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for one.

Too full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne digs it back to the bowler.

Fuller, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter, turning in, Simon Harmer blocks it back.

Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for one.

FOUR! A poor delivery from Shaheen Afridi! A full toss, down leg, Simon Harmer uses the pace of the ball and clips it fine for a boundary. Good over for South Africa.

Too full, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

On a length, down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. The ball rolls towards square leg. They collect a leg bye.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Oh! On a length, down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

FOUR LEG BYES! Bonus runs for South Africa! Errs his line down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.

Fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne eases it to the fielder at silly point. An overthrow allows the batters to collect a single.

Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne taps it to short cover.

Flatter, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Keeps it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne taps it to short cover.

Short, on leg, Simon Harmer tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Full, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Much fuller, on leg, Simon Harmer blocks it to the fielder at short leg.

Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Keeps it on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Too full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to sweep it but edges it to fine leg for a single.

A low full toss, on leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back.

Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Short, outside off, turning away. Simon Harmer tries to play at it but misses.

Too full, on off, Simon Harmer digs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it to mid off.

Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Keeps it full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Flatter, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Good fielding in the deep.

Short, down leg, Simon Harmer looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Lands it on middle, Simon Harmer eases it to right of the bowler.

Too full, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it back to the bowler.

Full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne blocks it to mid on.

Full, on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to backward point for a single.

Lands it on leg, Simon Harmer knocks it to the fielder at mid on.

Quicker, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it back.

Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne tucks it through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it to cover.

Beaten again! Flatter, outside off and it stays low. Simon Harmer looks to play at it but gets beaten again.

Flatter, outside off, Simon Harmer tries to waft at it but misses.

Simon Harmer walks in.

OUT! PLUMB! Sajid Khan strikes and gets his second. Flatter, on middle and it skids through and stays a tad low. Senuran Muthusamy tries to sweep it but misses it completely. The ball goes on to hit his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Senuran Muthusamy sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows three reds. The onfield decision stands OUT. South Africa go seven down now.

Short, on off, Senuran Muthusamy punches it to cover.

Tossed up, on off, Kyle Verreynne reverse sweeps it through backward point for a single.

Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on middle, Kyle Verreynne fends it through backward point for a single.

Quicker, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it to mid off.

Fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Beauty! This one lands on off and turns away, Kyle Verreynne tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

Short, on middle, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Senuran Muthusamy reverse sweeps it through backward point for a single.

Short, on off, Senuran Muthusamy punches it to point for a single.

Keeps it full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it through square leg for one.

Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Slower one, on leg, Senuran Muthusamy digs it to square leg for one.

Flatter, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for a single.

Short, turning in, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to mid-wicket.

We are back for the second session of Day 4. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne will resume with the bat for South Africa. Sajid Khan to start with the ball. Let's go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

South Africa began Day 4 with momentum, courtesy of Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton's solid conclusion to Day 3. However, 'The Eagle', Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing de Zorzi in the first over. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs soon followed. Dewald Brevis's aggressive approach put Pakistan under pressure, and he and Rickelton batted well to revive the chase. However, Noman Ali's exceptional delivery and Sajid Khan's subsequent wicket have swung the game in Pakistan's favor, removing Brevis and Rickelton respectively. Join us for what could be the final session of the game.

A dramatic session has concluded, with Pakistan emerging stronger. Every over was eventful, and the hosts are walking away with their heads held high. The crucial wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis have shifted the balance in Pakistan's favor, making them favorites to clinch the game. They require just four more wickets, while South Africa needs 140 runs to win.

Pitched up, outside off, driven through covers for a couple of runs. LUNCH!

Tossed up, around off, Senuran Muthusamy solidly defends it out.

Pushes it well outside off, Senuran Muthusamy steps across and down to block.

Slower in the air, full and on leg, Senuran Muthusamy plants his front foot across to sweep but keeps it out on the leg side.

Slower and flatter around off, Senuran Muthusamy leans and defends it out.

Bowls it around off, spinning sharply down leg. Senuran Muthusamy watchfully lets it go.

Flat and around off, turns in. Verreynne rocks back and across to defend. One final over before Lunch coming up.

Overpitched, wide of off, Senuran Muthusamy leans and hits it to deep cover for a single.

This is full and on middle, Senuran Muthusamy looks to sweep but gloves it in the vacant short leg region.

Flat and around off, turns away and bounces. Senuran Muthusamy looks to defend but misses.

Senuran Muthusamy walks in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Pakistan have the big wicket of Ryan Rickelton at the verge of Lunch! What a delivery from Sajid Khan! Ryan Rickelton was bamboozled. Floats it with an angle, it goes down but the ball lands and spins back in sharply. Rickelton plays the wrong line, tries to flick but gets a leading edge to first slip where Salman Agha takes it. Excellent catch. South Africa in deep trouble now.

Pitched up, outside off, Rickelton leans and pushes it to cover.

Slows the pace and floats it on the pads. Kyle Verreynne fails to flick and wears it on the pads. A stifled appeal follows but that was going down.

Tossed up, around off, Kyle Verreynne defends on the front foot.

Very full and quicker on middle, Kyle Verreynne sweeps well but finds the man at square leg.

Very full and around off, the arm ball, blocked out.

Keeps it full and slows up the pace. Kyle Verreynne gets inside the line and defends.

Looped up full and on off, Kyle Verreynne keeps it out on the deck.

Too full and on middle and leg, played back to the bowler.

Tossed up on middle, an arm ball. Rickelton defends well.

Floated full and outside off, Rickelton looks to reverse sweep but finds point.

This one carries on with the arm, on the pads. Rickelton rocks back to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Tossed up, on middle, Rickelton leans and blocks it out.

Well outside off, stays very low, Rickelton leaves.

Flighted on middle, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it way in front of square leg for a couple of runs.

Flat and around off, Kyle Verreynne rocks back and punches it to cover.

Slows it up, bowls it on middle, Kyle Verreynne defends.

Would have been a spectacular catch! Floats it very full and around off. Kyle Verreynne steps down to flick but gets a leading edge to the right of silly point. Imam-ul-Haq gets both hands on it but the ball was touch wide and the fielder fails to hold on.

This is full and on middle, punched to mid on for a single.

Tossed up, outside off. Rickelton walks across inside the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up on middle. Kyle Verreynne blocks.

Bowls it again outside off, Kyle Verreynne leans across to defend but inside edges it wide of short leg.

Flighted well outside off. Kyle Verreynne shuffles across and keeps it out.

Very full and around off, Rickelton plays it to long off for a single.

Fuller delivery, outside off, spins away. Rickelton defends with soft hands and plays it to first slip.

Flighted full and on off, played back to the bowler.

Too full, on leg, Ryan Rickelton flicks it to square leg for one.

Much fuller, on off, Ryan Rickelton taps it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it to cover for one.

Kyle Verreynne walks in.

OUT! TIMBER! Noman Ali strikes with an absolute jaffa! A relief for Pakistan. The partnership is finally broken. This one lands around leg and turns in sharply. Dewald Brevis rocks back and looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up. The ball rattles over the middle pole and South Africa go five down.

Tossed up, on off, Dewald Brevis pushes it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Excellent from Dewald Brevis! Much fuller, on off, Dewald Brevis gets low and plays a reverse sweep through backward point for a good looking boundary.

Slower one, on off, Ryan Rickelton slaps it through covers for a single.

Short, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to block it but misses.

Lands it on off, Ryan Rickelton taps it to mid off.

Bowls it on leg, Ryan Rickelton taps it to mid on.

Too full, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Ryan Rickelton punches it to point.

SIX! Fifty up for Dewald Brevis! Tossed up, on off, Dewald Brevis gets down on one knee and plunders it all the way over long on for a biggie. A fantastic knock from the youngster.

Slower one, on off, Dewald Brevis blocks it solidly.

Flatter, on off, Dewald Brevis blocks it with soft hands towards the fielder at silly point.

Short, on off, Dewald Brevis blocks it back to the bowler.

Beauty! Turn and bounce, outside off, Dewald Brevis looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

EDGED AND FOUR! Lucky for Dewald Brevis! Flatter, outside off, Dewald Brevis swings hard. Gets an outside edge as the ball flies over the slip fielder and races away to the fence.

Fuller, outside off, Ryan Rickelton tries to play at it but misses.

Length, on off, Dewald Brevis taps it to backward point for a single.

Full again, on off, Dewald Brevis taps it to the cover fielder.

Too full, just outside off, Ryan Rickelton digs it to cover for a single.

On a length, on middle and leg, Ryan Rickelton blocks it to mid on.

Slight halt! Mohammad Rizwan looks in some pain as the ball hits Mohammad Rizwan's chest. Is is down on the ground and the physio is out in the middle to have a look. He is fine now and we are good to go...

Oh! On a length, just outside off, shaping away. Ryan Rickelton has a waft at it but gets beaten. It hits the chest of the keeper.

Much fuller, on off, Ryan Rickelton taps it to extra covers for a quick single.

Short, turning in, Ryan Rickelton eases it to the fielder at short leg again.

Quicker, on middle, Ryan Rickelton blocks it to short leg.

Turn and bounce, on off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Well played! Down the leg side, Ryan Rickelton uses the pace of a ball and tickles it fine for a boundary.

Flatter, outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to block it but gets beaten.

Too full, on off, Dewald Brevis blocks it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Dewald Brevis digs it to mid off.

Keeps it full, on off, Dewald Brevis steers it to cover-point for a brace.

Too full, on middle, Dewald Brevis pushes it to the cover fielder.

Much fuller, on leg, Dewald Brevis blocks it to mid on.

Hard length, on middle, Dewald Brevis blocks it back to the bowler.

Flatter, outside off, Ryan Rickelton tries to play a reverse sweep but misses.

Short, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases it to the fielder at short third.

Much fuller, on leg, Dewald Brevis sweeps it to backward square leg for one.

Full, on off, Dewald Brevis pushes it to the fielder at silly point who does well to stop it.

Turn and bounce, on leg, Dewald Brevis blocks it back.

Flatter, on middle, Dewald Brevis blocks it to point.

Much fuller, on middle, Ryan Rickelton blocks it to cover.

Too full, on middle, Ryan Rickelton blocks it back to the bowler.

On a length, down leg, Dewald Brevis looks to flick it but miscues it to point for a single. A stifled appeal for lbw but the umpire is unmoved.

On a length, on off, Dewald Brevis blocks it to mid off.

On a length, on off, Dewald Brevis punches it through covers for a brace.

FOUR! Welcome to the attack, Hasan Ali! Much fuller, outside off, Dewald Brevis takes a stride forward and drives it elegantly through covers for a boundary.

Drinks! South Africa are breathing easier now, thanks to the crucial partnership between Rickelton and Brevis. Pakistan drew early blood this morning, but this pair has expertly weathered the storm. Rickelton is the picture of control, anchoring the innings, while Brevis is, as usual, providing the excitement. Pakistan will look to break this stand and put South Africa under some pressure. Let's see how it pans out...

Too full, on off, Dewald Brevis pushes it to the point fielder.

Short, on off, Dewald Brevis cuts it to backward point.

FOUR! This is terrific hitting! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Dewald Brevis gets low and sweeps it perfectly through mid-wicket for a boundary.

SIX! That's a massive hit! A half tracker that sits up to be hit, Dewald Brevis winds up and clatters it all the way over long on for a bigge.

Short, on off, Dewald Brevis punches it to cover.

FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on off, Dewald Brevis rocks back and lifts it elegantly over the bowler's head for a boundary.

FOUR! That's a good shot! Much fuller, outside off, Ryan Rickelton leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary.

Back of a length, down leg, Ryan Rickelton looks to flick it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Ryan Rickelton pushes it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it. The ball rolls slowly towards the stumps but Ryan Rickelton does well to stop it.

Back of a length, down leg, Dewald Brevis tries to pull it but the ball brushes his ribs and rolls to the left of the keeper who does well to stop it. The ball rolls towards short fine leg as the batters collect a leg bye.

Much fuller, on middle and leg, Dewald Brevis fends it to the cover fielder.

Angling on the pads, punched straight to short mid-wicket.

Flat and around off, Dewald Brevis makes room and hits it to cover for one.

Flight and pace on this one, fuller and around off, punched to short cover.

Slower in the air in middle and leg stump line. Dewald Brevis blocks.

Flighted very full and around off, Rickelton steps down and plays it to long on for one.

Tossed up full and on middle, played back to the bowler.

Shapes it on the pads, Dewald Brevis turns it to mid-wicket.

An off-pace delivery, on a length and around off, Dewald Brevis bends forward and defends on the deck.

Bangs it short and on middle, Rickelton pulls it to fine leg for a single.

At 136.8 kph! Touch fuller and around off, Rickelton presses forward to defend.

Attacks the stumps with a fuller delivery, blocked out.

No ball! Shaheen Afridi bowls it full and on middle, Rickelton blocks it well. Afridi has overstepped.

Dewald Brevis plays with the angle to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slows up the pace and bowls it on middle, Dewald Brevis leans to defend but gets an inside edge to square leg for one.

Flat and wide of off, Rickelton punches it to point for a single.

Bowls it short and down leg, Rickelton looks to paddle sweep but misses.

Very full and angling on leg, drilled to mid on for a run.

Floats a bit on leg, Dewald Brevis eases it to mid on for a quick single. The fielder hits at the bowler's end. The ball rolls away and the batters take one more.

Floated full and on leg, Dewald Brevis leans and blocks.

On a good length and around off. Rickelton solidly defends.

A yorker-length delivery, tailing back into the stumps. Rickelton keeps it out on the leg side.

Goes short and outside off, shapes away after landing. Rickelton chases this one and misses.

Good length delivery around off, Dewald Brevis plays it to point for a single.

FOUR! EDGED AND DROPPED! Shaheen Afridi serves it touch fuller, it lands with an angle and seams away. Dewald Brevis looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge to the left of first slip. Just short of his left-stretched arm. It rolls away for four.

Back of a length and on middle, Dewald Brevis solidly defends.

Ali bowls outside off again. Rickelton reverse sweeps but mistimes it to short third man.

LOVELY! Noman Ali pushes it wide of off, Rickelton prods for a tentative push but gets beaten. This one does not turn.

Flighted fuller and on middle, Rickelton leans and defends.

Floats it full and around leg, it jumps off the surface and pings Rickelton on the arm, it lobs back into the keeper's mitts. Pakistan appeal but it is turned down.

Slightly short and on middle, Rickelton keeps it out on the leg side.

STUMPING CHANCE! Noman Ali bowls it full and on middle, it lands and stays very low, spinning down leg. Rickelton uses his feet to defend but misses and it rolls to the right of the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan gets across and gets into his gloves but fails to hold on. Rickelton moves back quickly.

On a good length and on middle, blocked out.

Short of a length and around off, away seam movement after pitching. Dewald Brevis looks to defend but gets hit high on the pads.

Keeps it full and on middle and leg, eased to mid on.

Tad fuller and outside off, Rickelton knocks it to mid off for a single.

Appeal for LBW but given as runs. Shaheen Afridi goes very full and slanting on leg, Dewald Brevis digs it out to mid on for a single.

Fuller delivery, around off, Dewald Brevis punches it through point for a couplr of runs.

Tossed up, around off, turns in and stays low. Rickelton blocks off the back foot.

Very full and on middle, Dewald Brevis pushes it to long off for a single.

Oh! Dewald Brevis doesn't want a pair to his name! Floats it full, outside off and it turns sharply away. Dewald Brevis looks to slog-sweep but misses it.

More drama! Pakistan have taken a review for LBW! Noman Ali has convinced his skipper but might be pitching outside the line. Tossed up, angling on leg and it skids on. Dewald Brevis prods to defend it straight but misses it completely and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal but it is turned down. Review loads. Ball Tracking shows it goes onto miss the stumps while the impact was umpire's call.

Dewald Brevis walks in next.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! Not a wicket-taking delivery at all. Noman Ali pushes it full and gets it to bounce and spin off one of the cracks, this is outside off. Tristan Stubbs tries to play the reverse paddle but the bounce takes the top edge and lobs into the hands of Salman Agha at first slip. Not sure why he took the review. There was a big, big spike.

Noman Ali drops it full and around off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it out.

Bowls it on a length and outside off, Rickelton taps it in front of cover.

Short of a length and around off, Rickelton prods and defends it out.

On a length and outside off, Rickelton blocks it out.

EDGED IT! Pitches it up, outside off. Rickelton looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge to first slip who dives forward but picks up on a bounce.

Was that a chance? Shaheen Afridi keeps it full and makes it to nip in at the last moment, this is on middle. Rickelton chips it to short mid-wicket where Imam-ul-Haq dives to his right and picks up on a bounce.

Shaheen Afridi serves it too full and on middle, Stubbs tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Sharp turn seen for Noman Ali in the over! Very full and on off, blocked out.

Spinning onto the pads. Rickelton rocks back to flick but misses andit lobs off the pads over short leg.

Bowls it well outside off. Rickelton steps across, outside the line and pads it to the man at first slip.

Two slips and a short leg in place.

Slows the pace and bowls it on the pads. Tristan Stubbs gets off the mark as he nudges it to mid-wicket.

Floated full and on middle, Tristan Stubbs leans and blocks.

Tossed up around off, spins in sharply on the pads, flicked to square leg for a single.

Flatter delivery, outside off and turning in. Rickelton rocks back and defends. Noman Ali has overstepped.

Noman Ali to bowl from the other end.

A wicket-maiden to start the day! On a good length and on middle, Stubbs hangs back and defends it out.

Tight from Afridi! Touch fuller and slanting on the middle pole. Stubbs replies with a solid defensive shot.

Pushes it on a length and down the leg side. Tristan Stubbs looks to flick but misses.

Tristan Stubbs makes his way to the middle.

OUT! LBW! Absolute beauty from Shaheen Afridi! The crowd goes up as the Pakistani players celebrate. Shaheen Afridi bowls an inswinger on the fuller side, it zips in and pings Tony de Zorzi on the back foot as he tries to flick but misses and gets beaten on the inside edge. A huge appeal and up goes the finger. Tony de Zorzi takes the review but more in hope as the replay shows it goes onto hit the stumps. What a start for the hosts.

Huge appeal for LBW and given. Tony de Zorzi reviews in the last remaining seconds. Clearly no bat. Ball Tracking shows THREE REDS.

CLOSE! Shaheen Afridi has his hand on his face. This is on a length, swings in and it keeps on coming with the angle. Tony de Zorzi makes a brave leave, the ball rolls just over the off pole.

Short in length and outside off, Tony de Zorzi shoulders arms to it.

All set for action on Day 4. The Pakistani players are out in the middle. Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton to resume their innings. Shaheen Afridi to bowl for the first time in this innings.

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja is pitchside. He says that the pitch wasn't great even on Day 1, and now the cracks have made it more challenging. He adds that the spinners will be getting turn, bounce, and variation, making it a guessing game. Raja ends by saying that the batters should play off the back foot, as the pitch lacks pace.

All the drama and tension of Test cricket are perfectly poised for today. With a full day's play ahead and a result certain, every ball, every run, and every wicket will be fiercely contested.  Which side will come out on top? We shall find out soon...

As we begin the penultimate day, the equation is simple, South Africa needs 226 runs to win with 8 wickets in hand, while Pakistan requires those 8 wickets to seal a victory. The pitch has offered plenty of assistance to the spinners throughout, and the morning session will be absolutely crucial. If De Zorzi and Rickelton can weather the early storm, the pressure will begin to mount on the bowling side.

The Proteas' run chase got off to a rocky start, however, with left-arm spinner Nauman Ali striking twice to remove Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder cheaply. This left the visitors in a precarious position at 18/2. Yet, the resilience shown by Tony de Zorzi, who anchored the innings with a defiant presence, alongside Ryan Rickelton, ensures that South Africa still holds hope. Their unbroken 33-run partnership has brought stability to a nervous dressing room.

Welcome back for what promises to be a thrilling Day 4 of this fascinating Test match! Yesterday truly lived up to its 'moving day' name, with wickets tumbling and the pendulum swinging wildly. South Africa, having been bowled out in the morning despite Tony de Zorzi's superb century, fought back brilliantly with the ball, restricting Pakistan to a modest second-innings total of 167. This set up a challenging chase of 277.

...DAY 4, SESSION 1...

South Africa's bowlers sparked a collapse, with Simon Harmer dismissing Mohammad Rizwan in the first over. Salman Agha's resistance wasn't enough to stem the tide, as the tail struggled against quality bowling. However, the star of the show was Senuran Muthusamy, who ended with five wickets, single-handedly getting his team back in the game. South Africa lost Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder for not much but Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi have fought well to end the day on a high. Can they stretch their innings and make things hard for Pakistan or will the hosts' spinners turn things around? Do join us for the action on Day 4 at 5 am GMT. Join us earlier for the build up. Cheers!

Pakistan had an ample amount of lead before they started their innings but lost Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood put them on the back foot early on. However, made significant progress in the first half of the post-lunch session, accumulating runs and losing only one wicket. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel showed remarkable resilience, skillfully navigating the pressure but things turned around once Kagiso Rabada got rid of Babar Azam.

Tony de Zorzi's brilliant century (104) was the highlight of the overnight success South Africa bought into along with the tail but his wicket got Pakistan back into the game. Pakistan's spin bowlers dominated South Africa's lineup, with Noman Ali claiming 6 wickets and Sajid Khan taking 3. Salman Ali Agha added 1 wicket. All 10 South African wickets fell to Pakistan's spinners, showcasing the visitors' struggle on a slow turning track.

So, South Africa have lost two wickets but this partnership have helped them end the day well. They need 226 more runs to win, while Pakistan need 8 wickets. Day 3 began with Tony de Zorzi and Senuran Muthusamy at the crease, and concluded with Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton unbeaten, amidst a flurry of 16 wickets falling in between. Typically dubbed 'the moving day', Day 3 indeed witnessed rapid shifts in momentum. Well, we will explain you everything.

A solid block from Ryan Rickelton and that will be STUMPS on Day 3.

No run, the batter goes back in the crease to flick but cannot find the gap.

No run, the batter goes back in the crease to flick but cannot find the gap.

No run, the batter has just watchfully blocked this out.

No run, the batter lets the ball go outside off stump.

Leg bye, the batter goes back in the crease to flick but cannot find the gap.

Fuller delivery, outside off, Rickelton defends on the off side.

Stays low, this is full and around off, Rickelton opens up his body and keeps it out.

Drops it short again, outside off, Rickelton works it to point.

Shorter and around off, Rickelton hangs back and defends it out.

Angles it full and around off, Tony de Zorzi punches it to mid on for a quick single.

Flat and outside off. Tony de Zorzi shapes for the cut but lets it go in the end.

Fuller delivery, around off, Tony de Zorzi bends to defend but gets an inside edge to fine leg for a single. Noman Ali and Tony de Zorzi share a word as the over comes to its conclusion.

Oh, this one stays very low! Outside off, it lands and spins in sharply, pings Tony de Zorzi as he rocks on the back foot. They appeal for LBW but the impact was outside the line.

This is full and on middle, Tony de Zorzi rocks back to defend.

Tossed up on middle and off. Rickelton goes back and nudges it to square leg for one.

Spinning onto the pads. Tony de Zorzi clips it to square leg for a single.

Floats it full and just outside off. Tony de Zorzi leans and keeps it out on the off side.

Pitched up, inviting the batter to drive. Rickelton leans and hits well but finds cover.

Tossed up on middle and leg, too full. Rickelton jams it out to the bowler.

Tossed up on the pads, nudged to deep square leg for a single.

Makes the batter play, bowls it on middle. Tony de Zorzi tucks it to mid-wicket.

Bowls it well outside off, Tony de Zorzi has nothing to do with it.

Drops it short and outside off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it to cover.

Noman Ali bowls outside off again, Rickelton shuffles across to keep it out.

Flat and turns in sharply on middle, Rickelton hangs back to defend.

Too full and in the slot, Tony de Zorzi sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Rickelton brings out the reverse sweep again, hits it to deep point for a single.

Lands it full and around off, turns away. Rickelton prods to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Tossed up, outside off, Tony de Zorzi reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Pushes it full and around off, Tony de Zorzi plays it to long off for a single.

Overpitches and bowls it outside off, driven to deep point for a single.

Tosses it up on a length and on middle, Rickelton blocks back to the bowler.

Brings out the reverse sweeps and hits this length ball to point.

Too full and on the pads, turned to square leg for a single.

Very full and on off, Tony de Zorzi presses foward to defend.

Drops it full and around off, Rickelton leans and defends it out.

DROPPED! Spins in sharply on middle, this is on a length. Rickelton looks to clip but gets an inside edge to short leg where Abdullah Shafique sticks both hands to his right but fails to hold on. Should have been taken.

Pushes it wide of the off pole. Rickelton leans and taps it to cover.

Tossed up on middle, blocked out.

A length delivery, spinning in around off, played back to the bowler.

Darted on the pads, Tony de Zorzi turns it to square leg for a single.

Flat and quick on middle, blocked out.

Huge shout for LBW but maybe pitched outside the line. Lands it on leg and makes it to turn in. Rickelton leans to defend but gets hit high on the pads.

Fuller delivery on middle, Rickelton solidly blocks.

Flat and wide of off, Tony de Zorzi drops it to point for a single.

Pitches it up, outside off, Rickelton drives it to mid off for a single.

Too full and attacking the leg pole. Tony de Zorzi steps across and sweeps it to square leg for one.

Too full and on middle and off, Rickelton leans and blocks it out.

Slower in the air, full and on off, Rickelton skips down and lofts it wide of mid on for a couple.

Tossed up, around off, Rickelton blocks it out.

Slightly full and floated on middle, nudged to mid-wicket.

Flat and turning in on middle, Rickelton keeps it out on the leg side.

Too full and close to the off pole. Rickelton bends forward to defend.

Close to the off pole. Tony de Zorzi brings her straight bat down to defend.

Spins away off the deck, the line is outside off. Tony de Zorzi looks to push but misses.

Keeps it full and attacking the stumps, Tony de Zorzi solidly blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and around off, Tony de Zorzi lunges forward and defends.

Bowls it into the surface, flat and angling just outside off, Tony de Zorzi gets low to pull but misses it.

Flatter delivery, around off, Tony de Zorzi half-presses to defend.

This is full and around off, played back on the pitch.

Outside off with a lot of width. Rickelton crunches it through point for a couple of runs.

Around off and spinning back in on off, Rickelton leans and blocks well.

Shapes in a full ball on middle, Rickelton flicks on the up and wide of short leg.

Outside off, Rickelton comes down and across to drive but gets a thick outside edge to the man at gully.

Floats it wide of off. Rickelton keeps it out on the off side.

Fuller delivery on middle, blocked out.

Tossed up, comes with an angle on middle, Tony de Zorzi leans to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads.

Short again, outside off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it to deep point where the fielder dives to save a couple.

Drops it short and outside off, Tony de Zorzi goes back to cut but misses it.

Flighted on a length and outside off, dropped to cover for a single.

Darted on the pads, Rickelton whips it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Tries to get more revs as Ali bowls it outside off. Tony de Zorzi goes back to cut but cue ends his shot to first slip.

Around off, fuller length. Tony de Zorzi watchfully defends it out.

Flat and around off, turns in. Tony de Zorzi defends on the deck.

Shorter and outside off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it to point.

Corrects the length and pushes it further up, around off, Tony de Zorzi blocks.

Tossed up, wide of off, left alone.

FOUR! Length ball, outside off, Rickelton reverse sweeps it fine to third man for a boundary to end the over.

Pushes it full and outside off,  Ryan Rickelton pushes it to cover for a single.

Slows up the pace and bowls it on middle, Rickelton defends it on the deck.

Angling on the pads, nudged to mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted around off, Tony de Zorzi nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, full and close to the off pole, Tony de Zorzi presses forward and blocks.

Flat and wide of off, Rickelton steps across to defend.

Tony de Zorzi is underway as he reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Tossed up, full and around off, Tony de Zorzi leans and defends it out.

This is full and around off, kept out on the off side.

Flat and turning in on middle, Tony de Zorzi blocks.

Tony de Zorzi walks in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Noman Ali has another wicket. Bowls it flat, slightly on a length and on middle, Wiaan Mulder rocks back to defend but the ball turns sharply away and Mulder fails to defend it inside the line, throws his bat at it and edges it to first slip where Salman Agha takes a sharp catch.

Rickelton brings out the reverse sweep again, hits the length ball straight to point.

Flat and outside off, Rickelton leans and punches it to cover.

Tossed up, full on middle and off. Rickelton keeps it out on the off side.

Too full and angling on middle, blocked out.

Flights it and corrects the line, bowls it around off, Rickelton leans to push but misses.

FOUR! Sajid Khan bowls with width outside off. Rickelton reverse sweeps and hits it past point for a boundary.

Keeps it tight on the stumps, this is full. Wiaan Mulder blocks it well.

No ball! Flighted full and on middle, Wiaan Mulder leans and defends it out. Noman Ali has overstepped.

Wiaan Mulder comes to the middle.

OUT! TIMBER! Through the gates! Pakistan have the opening wicket. Noman Ali floats it full and on middle and leg, Aiden Markram plays the slog-sweep, looking for the turn but instead it comes with the arm, he misses and it rolls through the gap and hits the stumps.

Falls short! Floats it full and angling on leg, turns away sharply. Aiden Markram looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge, just past the flying first slip fielder.

Flat and outside off. Rickelton rabs it to deep point for a single.

Goes well outside off, Aiden Markram strokes it to deep cover for a single.

Goes very full and on middle, Aiden Markram leans to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pitch and to short leg.

Flat and outside off, spins a bit. Rickelton taps it to point.

Closer to the stumps, this is full. Rickelton turns it to short leg.

This one lands outside off and spins sharply away. Rickelton leans across to defend but misses it.

Pitched up, outside off, Rickelton drives it straight to cover.

Floated full and on off, defended out.

FOUR! Khan offers width outside off. Rickelton slams it through covers, the fielder dives to his left but in vain. A boundary.

Shan Masood wastes no time as he brings Sajid Khan into the attack.

Shorter and outside off, Rickelton cuts it to deep point for a single.

Flighted full and around off, turns in. Rickelton leans and defends it out.

Too full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

Flat and around off, turns in. Rickelton waits back as he defends with the turn.

Now goes back and blocks this length ball on the deck.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Rickelton solidly blocks.

This is full and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it back to Ali.

A length ball, outside off, Rickelton punches it to cover for a single.

On a fuller length and tight on middle, Rickelton plays it back to Ali.

A good length ball on middle, Rickelton drops it in front of mid on.

Pushes it full and on middle and leg, played back to the bowler.

This is full and on middle, Rickelton solidly blocks it out.

Flighted full and on middle, Aiden Markram sweeps it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Flatter and outside off, Aiden Markram defends it to cover.

This is full and outside off, played to point.

A huge, huge appeal for LBW and the finger stays down. Pakistan won't review. Tossed up, full and on leg, lands and comes with the arm. Aiden Markram leans to defend but seems to miss it. He gets hit on the pads.

Floated full and on off, Aiden Markram knocks it to point.

Turns away sharply but lands it wide of off. Aiden Markram cue ends his shot to cover. Noman Ali has overstepped.

Bowls it short and wide of off, cut to deep point for a single.

Noman Ali to bowl from the other end.

South Africa are underway in the chase. Bowls it on a good length and wide of off. Rickelton knocks it to cover for a single.

Touch fuller and on middle, Rickelton eases it to mid on.

Short of a good length and on top of off. Rickelton hangs back to defend this one.

On a good length and around off, Rickelton defends on the front foot.

This is full and on middle and leg, Rickelton drills it to mid on.

Starts with a good length delivery, outside off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it out.

OUT! GONE! What was this from Sajid Khan? Tossed up on middle, Sajid Khan dances down and tries to launch it out of the park but with the ball turning, he mistimes it to deep mid-wicket. Dewald Brevis covers a lot of ground running backwards, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a solid catch. Pakistan are bowled out for 167.

Hasan Ali is the final man in.

OUT! LBW! Noman Ali goes! Five-wicket haul for Senuran Muthusamy! Tossed up on middle, turns in. Senuran Muthusamy keeps it simple. Noman Ali looks to reverse sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW and up goes the finger. UltraEdge shows no bat. Ball Tracking shows THREE REDS.

Floats it full and outside off, Khan drives it to the left of mid off for a single.

Very full and on middle, played back to the bowler.

Tossed up, outside off. Khan blocks it out.

Oh, that has bounced sharply. Tossed up, on a length and on middle, turns away. Sajid Khan looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the body. The umpire raised his finger as it looked in the line. Khan reviews and the Ball Tracking shows the ball bumps over the stumps.

Sajid Khan walks in.

OUT! BOWLED! Around the legs! The last known batter goes! You missed, I hit stuff! Senuran Muthusamy flights it down leg and gets it to turn in sharply. Salman Agha opts for the sweep but misses and gets beaten behind his back. The ball rolls and hits the stumps. Four-fer for Senuran Muthusamy and he is hungry for more.

Noman Ali survives! Simon Harmer angles in a fuller-length delivery on middle, it lands and spins away sharply. Noman Ali brings a straight bat down to defend but seems to have edged it to the keeper. They appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Noman Ali confidently reviews and overturns the decision as the UltraEdge shows nothing on it.

Flighted full and in the line of stumps. Noman Ali leans and defends.

Fuller delivery, outside off, Salman Agha knocks it to cover for a single.

Short and around off, Noman Ali clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

LOVELY! Tossed up, outside off, the one that does not turn. Noman Ali plants his front foot out to defend but gets beaten.

Flat and around off, Salman Agha goes back and clips it past leg slip for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Noman Ali defends solidly.

Too full and outside off, Noman Ali tries to heave but jam it out to mid-wicket for a couple.

Floats it on middle, slows up the pace, it is blocked out.

SIX! Oh, hello! Tossed up, around off, Noman Ali dances down and smokes it down the ground for a biggie. Sudden shift in gears.

Too full and on middle, drilled to long on for a single.

Flighted full on leg, Salman Agha prods and blocks.

Very full and shaping on off, Noman Ali gets across to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal again but seems to be outside the line.

Very full and on middle and leg, kept out on the leg side.

Floats it slower in the air on off, Noman Ali gloves his sweep shot to square leg. The ball rolls and spins, putting the fielder wrong footed. Two runs taken.

Flat and around off, Noman Ali punches it to cover.

Leg bye! Simon Harmer pushes it full, around off, comes with an angl. Salman Agha looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. Maybe the impact was outside the line. South Africa do not review.

This is full and on middle and off, defended out.

Tossed up, around off, Noman Ali survives as he prods and blocks.

Oh, could have gone in the hands. Floated full and on off, Noman Ali leans to defend but inside edges it past short leg.

Too full and outside off, Noman Ali defends with soft hands on the leg side.

Noman Ali comes in next.

OUT! GONE! Another one bites he dust! Flighted full and around off, Shaheen Afridi stretches to play the reverse sweep but hits it aerially to point, where Wiaan Mulder takes a dolly. You don't often see Shaheen Afridi play the sweep or reverse sweep.

Too full and around off, Salman Agha punches it to long off for a single.

Floated around off, Salman Agha leans and blocks.

BEATEN! Simon Harmer bowls it flat and keeps it around off. Shaheen Afridi rocks back to defend but misses and it whizzes past the blade and the off pole.

Slower in the air, flat and around off, Shaheen Afridi blocks well.

Very full and around off, skids on. Shaheen Afridi knocks it to cover.

This is full and around off, pushed to cover.

Floats it full, around off, spins away. Shaheen Afridi looks to defend it out but misses.

Shaheen Afridi is in next.

OUT! GONE! Another brain-fade moment. This time it is Mohammad Rizwan. Steps down very harshly to a length ball and tries to flick it away but the ball lands on middle, skids on, rolls through the gap and hits the stumps. Mohammad Rizwan is livid as he walks back.

Simon Harmer to bowl from the other end.

Flighted full and around off, Salman Agha bends forward and sees out the over.

This is full and wide of off. Agha leans and blocks it out.

Back for the final session. The players are out in the middle. Salman Agha joins Mohammad Rizwan in the middle. Senuran Muthusamy to finish his over.

...DAY 3, SESSION 3...

South Africa will welcome Saud Shakeel's wicket. Despite their spinners' efforts, they've struggled to claim wickets, except for Kagiso Rabada's crucial breakthrough with Babar Azam's dismissal. The Proteas have faced challenges throughout the innings, and while the current session has produced more turn, they've been inconsistent with line and length. Will Saud Shakeel's wicket be the turning point for South Africa and open the floodgates? Stay tuned to find out as the last session is around the corner.

At the stroke of tea, a brain-fade moment sees Pakistan lose an important wicket of Saud Shakeel, who was batting so well alongside Mohammad Rizwan. It was turning out to be such a good session for Pakistan before the wicket. They have stretched their lead to 259 runs, and with five more wickets in hand and important batters like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, they'll look to add more runs.

OUT! TAKEN! Oh, what was that from Shakeel! He was playing so well along the ground but had a brain-fade moment as he went for the conventional slog-sweep with deep mid-wicket out. Hits the fuller delivery straight in the hands of Tristan Stubbs, who makes no mistake. That will be TEA!

Flatter and targeting the off pole. Shakeel goes back and punches it to cover.

Floated full and on middle, Shakeel solidly blocks.

Tossed up on middle, Mohammad Rizwan sweeps with one hand off the blade to square leg for one.

FOUR! Was that a chance? Floats it full, outside off and turns away. Shakeel stretches across to defend but gets a faint outside edge, wide of the keeper and to the right of first slip for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and around off, Mohammad Rizwan sweeps it to deep square leg for one.

Drops it short and wide of off. Mohammad Rizwan slaps it to the left of cover for a quick couple.

Flat and stays low, this is outside off. Shakeel carves it to point for a single.

Floats it full and on leg, Shakeel gets in front to block it out.

FOUR! Shakeel brings out the reverse sweep! Flat and turning away, outside off. Shakeel hits it past deep point for a boundary.

Flat and angling on middle and leg. Mohammad Rizwan keeps it out on the leg side.

Floated very full and around off, played to cover.

Shorter and around off, Shakeel cuts it to point for a single.

Drops it flat and outside off, stays low. Mohammad Rizwan plays it to cover for a single.

Flighted full and around off, Mohammad Rizwan skips down and keeps it out.

Mohammad Rizwan comes down and clips it straight to mid-wicket.

Too full and around middle and off. Shakeel solidly defends to end the over.

Flatter and into the surface on middle, spins away. Shakeel presses forward to defend but misses and gets hit on the gloves. Not sure why South Africa appealed after it. Anyways, it was pitching outside the line.

Tossed up, around off, Shakeel strokes it to cover.

FOUR! More boundaries. Simon Harmer bowls it full and around off, Shakeel reaches to the pitch of the delivery and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and across as he knocks it to cover for a single.

Flights it full and on middle, drilled to mid on.

Mohammad Rizwan takes it on the full and sweeps it to square leg for one.

Flat and around off, Mohammad Rizwan drops it to point.

BEAUTY! Yes, that's the length. Touch fuller with a lot of revs, around off and spins away. Mohammad Rizwan prods to defend but misses.

Pushes it full and quick around off. Mohammad Rizwan leans and defends.

Floats it wide of off. Shakeel drags and sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and around off, Shakeel blocks it out.

FOUR! Timed to perfection. Overpitched, outside off. Mohammad Rizwan half-presses and hits it through covers and it races to the fence.

Too full and around off, played back to the bowler.

On a good length and around off, nips in. Mohammad Rizwan dead bats it.

Short in length and around off, Mohammad Rizwan defends it on the deck.

Surprises with a bouncer around off. Shakeel plays well as he hops and tucks it to square leg for one.

Pushes it full and on middle and leg. Shakeel nudges it to mid-wicket.

Mohammad Rizwan now rocks back and taps it on the off side.

An arm ball, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan presses forward and blocks.

Tossed up full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan defends right off the middle.

Very full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan leans and defends.

This is outside off. Mohammad Rizwan stretches and paddles it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan bends forward and defends.

On a length and around off, Shakeel solidly defends.

On a nagging length and outside off. Shakeel defends with an angled bat to the man at gully. KG has overstepped.

Angling on the pads, Shakeel nudges it to mid-wicket.

On a good length and around off, nips in. Shakeel defends with soft hands and almost chops it back onto the stumps.

Shorter and around off, Shakeel looks to pull but misses it.

Short of a length and on off, climbs on Shakeel who taps it on the leg side.

On a length and nipping in on middle, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it to square leg for one.

Tossed up, outside off. Shakeel nudges it straight to mid-wicket.

Quick and full, outside off. Shakeel leans and defends it out.

Tossed up around off, Shakeel hangs back and turns it to short leg.

Flighted well outside off. Shakeel gets across and dead bats it.

Pushes it full and attacking the stumps, defended out.

Tossed up around off, Shakeel leans and blocks.

Gets it to nip in again, around off. Mohammad Rizwan gets behind the line and defends.

Mohammad Rizwan comes to the middle.

OUT! LBW! Oh, has done it so many times and he has done it again. Kagiso Rabada gets the big wicket of Azam! Lands it outside off with an angle and the ball nips in off the deck. Babar Azam half-presses to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.A huge appeal and up goes the finger. Babar Azam thinks before reviewing it. The replay loads. UltraEdge shows no bat. Ball Tracking shows it is the umpire's call on the impact but the wickets are hitting.

Shorter and outside off, Shakeel drops it to point for a single.

FOUR! Unfortunate! Short of a length and outside off. Shakeel hops and opens the face of the bat, dabs with soft hands past the keeper and the skip cordon and it races to third man.

Outside off again, Shakeel lets it go.

Short and outside off, Shakeel leaves it alone.

Tossed up on middle, Babar Azam leans and blocks it out.

FOUR! Babar Azam is toying now. Senuran Muthusamy drifts in a length delivery, around off. Babar Azam rocks back and cuts it past first slip and it races to the third man fence. Hat trick of boundaries.

Prenelan Subrayen is in a lot of pain as the ball hits him on the right hand. The physio is out. Prenelan Subrayen is walking off the field. A big blow for South Africa right now. Hopefully, it is just a precaution.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Senuran Muthusamy drops it short and outside off. Babar Azam rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. The fielder there gets a hand on it but the ball brushes his finger and rolls away.

FOUR! Smashed it! Tosses it up, full and around off, Babar Azam comes down and tonks it down the ground for a boundary.

Very full and tight on the middle pole. Babar Azam lunges forward to block.

Floats it on the slower side, around off, Babar Azam leans and defends.

Pitches it up and bowls wide of off. Babar Azam drives it square on the off side for one.

Short of a good length and on off, Babar Azam taps it on the deck.

Kagiso Rabada sticks to the same length and line. Bowls it around off, Babar Azam blocks.

Pushes it full and keeps attacking the stumps. Babar Azam solidly defends.

Tad fuller and around off, Babar Azam defends on the off side.

Kagiso Rabada starts with a good length delivery around off, Babar Azam bends a bit and blocks it out.

DRINKS! Pakistan has made significant progress in the first half of the post-lunch session, accumulating runs and losing only one wicket. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel have shown remarkable resilience, skillfully navigating the pressure. Although South Africa's spinners are extracting turn, they appear to be struggling with consistency in line and length. Can they regroup and conclude the session on a strong note?

Flat and angling on middle, Shakeel hangs back and defends.

FOUR! AND AGAIN! Too full and around off, Shakeel paddle sweeps it past square leg for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Good shot! Shakeel sweeping well after missing a couple of times early on. Tossed up, around off, Shakeel sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Flat and around off, Shakeel leans and defends it out.

Flat and around off, spinning in. Shakeel punches it to cover.

Tossed up, full and around off, Shakeel paddles it fine past square leg for a brace.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Babar Azam leans and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Very full and around off, eased to long on for a single.

Floats it well outside off. Shakeel gets across to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads.

An arm ball, fuller and around off. Shakeel solidly blocks.

Flat and outside off, turning away. Babar Azam plays it to cover for a single.

Babar Azam comes down the track and blocks it on the off side.

Too full and around off, Shakeel leans and defends it on the surface.

Prenelan Subrayen bowls it flat, on a length and on top of off, just wide. Shakeel makes room and goes back to punch but misses.

This is full and outside off, pushed to mid off for a single.

Bowls it short and on middle, it lands and spins down leg. Babar Azam lets it go down leg.

Too full and on middle and leg. Babar Azam defends on the front foot.

Shorter and outside off, punched to cover for a single.

Flat and outside off, turns away a bit. Babar Azam knocks it to cover.

Floated around off, Babar Azam defends it out.

Shakeel rocks back and punches it to mid on for a single.

FOUR! Well played! Shakeel tries the paddle sweep again and hits it wide of short leg, behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Slower in the air, flighted outside off, turns in. Shakeel presses across to defend but inside edges it well past short leg.

Length delivery, outside off, punched to cover.

Fuller delivery, outside off, this one skids on. Babar Azam presses across and forward to defend but misses and Kyle Verreynne gets hit near the box.

Tossed up, around off, Babar Azam leans and defends besides his pads.

Shorter and outside off, Babar Azam strokes it through covers for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Good shot! Prenelan Subrayen bowls it fractionally short and on leg, Babar Azam gets on his knee and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

Babar Azam hangs back and plays it with the spin to short leg.

Flat and turning in on middle, Babar Azam clips it on the leg side.

Floated outside off. Shakeel steps out and across to defend.

Turning too much, maybe! South Africa think for a review and Aiden Markram goes for it. Senuran Muthusamy pushes it very full and around off, Shakeel plants his front foot across to sweep but gets beaten on the bottom edge and wears it on the pads. South Africa review. UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball passes the blade. South Africa are left with just one review.

Drops it short and outside off, cut to deep cover for a single.

Flighted down the leg side. Babar Azam sweeps it behind square on the leg side for a brace.

RIPPER! Senuran Muthusamy floats with a high arm action, floated on middle, Babar Azam prods to defend but misses as the ball turns sharply away.

Slower in the air, flighted on middle, Babar Azam leans and defends.

Slightly short and around off, Babar Azam pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up on off, Babar Azam blocks it out.

That was half-a-chance! Prenelan Subrayen drifts in a fuller delivery around off. Babar Azam comes down to defend but inside edges it. It rolls through his legs and to short leg. Azam was unaware and the fielder underarms it to the keeper but till then Azam stretched back into his crease.

Babar Azam again gets forward and defends it solidly.

Serves it full and around off, Babar Azam gets forward to defend.

Prenelan Subrayen drifts one into the pads. Babar Azam watchfully helps it down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Flat and outside off, Shakeel steps across to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. The impact was outside the line.

Quicker, fuller and outside off, turning in and Shakeel defends inside the line.

This is full and around off, pushed to mid off for a sharp single.

Tossed up on middle, Babar Azam leans and defends.

FOUR! Not off the middle but Babar Azam won't mind. Too full and slanting on leg, Babar Azam skips down and drills it off the cue end past mid on for a boundary.

Flat and into the surface, turns away. Babar Azam tucks it to mid-wicket.

Floats it on the fuller side and just around off. Shakeel defends on the front foot.

Tossed up full and around off, Babar Azam clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

This is full and on middle, blocked out.

Tossed up, around off, a bit quicker. Babar Azam comes down and defends it on the pitch.

Tossed up on middle, Babar Azam keeps it out on the leg side.

Bowls with more reps on middle, Babar Azam defends it on the leg side.

Saud Shakeel walks to the middle.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Shafique hits it straight to Senuran Muthusamy but feels it is a bump ball. The replay shows it goes off the blade. Shafique premeditates and puts on the skateboard once again, comes down but Senuran Muthusamy pushes it a bit quicker. This is full and around off. Shafique hits it straight back to the bowler, smashes hard but Muthusamy is equally good as he shows good reflexes and takes it near his knee.

Another dot as Shafique defends on the up.

Flighted full and around off. Shafique defends on the front foot.

Angles it full and on middle, Shafique presses forward and dead bats it.

Better length and line! Tossed up, touch fuller and around off, Shafique bends forward and blocks it out.

Slides it full and on the pads. Shafique helps it down to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Flat and turning in sharply on middle, Babar Azam blocks it on the leg side.

Floated full and on middle, defended out.

Shafique uses his feet this time, this is bowled flat, Shafique turns it past short leg for a single.

Babar Azam skips down and drills it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up, around off, Babar Azam leans and defends on the off side.

Quick, full and around off, Shafique drops it to the left of cover for a quick single.

Tossed up on middle, Babar Azam lunges forward and blocks it out.

Angles it full and around off, Babar Azam defends it to mid off.

Around off, turning away, Babar Azam uses his feet and punches it to cover.

Shorter and outside off, spins away. Shafique cuts it to point for a single.

Flat and around off, Shafique defends inside the line.

Floated it on middle, nice and slow in the air, it lands and spins away past Shafique's defensive prod.

Fuller delivery on middle, played back to the bowler.

Very full and around off, Babar Azam comes down and digs it out on the pitch.

Tosses it up a bit quicker on middle, Babar Azam leans to defend but inside edges it to the left of leg slip. Too wide.

Very full and tossed up on middle, blocked out.

Floated full and around off, Babar Azam leans and defends.

Drifts it across, outside off. Shafique uses his feet and clips it past Ryan Rickelton at mid-wicket for a single.

Too full and outside off, driven to mid off for a single.

Senuran Muthusamy lands it on middle, floated and makes it spin away. Shafique prods to defend, had to play it but misses and gets beaten.

Tossed up, around off, Shafique leans and defends.

FOUR! DROPPED! Aiden Markram brings long off up as the Pakistani batters were using their feet a bit too much. Tempts Shafique to take on mid off and he lofts it over mid off. The fielder runs back and dives, gets both hand on it but spills it out into the fence.

Fuller delivery around off, Babar Azam skips down and pushes it to long off for one.

Tossed up on middle, played back to the bowler.

Flighted full and on middle, Shafique presses forward to defend but gets hit on the pads. Turns a bit so would have missed the stumps.

Tossed up, angled across and tight on the stumps. Babar Azam defends close to his pads and plays it to point for one.

Drops it flat and angling around off, Babar Azam steps inside the line to sweep but gloves behind the keeper and well over the man at leg slip for a couple.

Too full and attacking the stumps, defended out.

Flighted full and around off, spins in. Shafique tucks it wide of short leg.

FOUR! Freebie and hit away! Simon Harmer pitches it up, wide of off. Shafique leans and drives it to deep cover. The fielder gives a chance but to no avail as the ball wins the race.

Shafique uses his feet nicely as he pushes it to long off for a single.

Floated around off, Shafique leans to defend but splices it to point.

Babar Azam comes down and takes it on the full, hits it to long off for a single.

An arm ball, fuller and on off, Babar Azam leans and defends.

A low full toss, on off, dipping towards the batter, it is blocked out.

Too full and outside off, Shafique drives it to long off for a single.

Senuran Muthusamy to bowl from the other end.

Slower delivery, spinning onto the pads, Shafique clips it to square leg for a sharp single.

Floated full and around off, played back to the bowler.

Tossed up on off, turning in. Babar Azam leans to defend but inside edges it past short leg for a run.

Bowls it short and outside off, turns in. Shafique slaps it to deep point for a single.

This is full and outside off. Babar Azam drills it to long on for a single. Pakistan are underway in this session.

Flights it full and wide of off. Babar Azam steps across and blocks.

Back for the second session. The players are out in the middle. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam to resume their innings. Simon Harmer to bowl first.

...DAY 3, SESSION 2...

However, the hosts suffered an early setback in their second outing. The spin of Simon Harmer proved relentless, striking twice in quick succession to remove both openers, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood. Leading by 145 runs now, Pakistan desperately need a gritty, crucial stand to consolidate their lead, while South Africa will be sensing a quick haul of wickets. Can South Africa mount a comeback? To find out, tune back in at 7.30 am GMT for all the action after lunch.

An evenly poised session as first Pakistan's spinners stepped up to swiftly mop up the remainder of the South African innings. The tourists were dismissed for 269, handing the home side a handsome first-innings lead of 109 runs. It was a clinical morning spell that saw the last four wickets tumble without much resistance. The damage was done almost entirely by the spin attack. Noman Ali was the chief destroyer, registering a fantastic six-wicket haul. Sajid Khan played the perfect supporting role, claiming three vital scalps to ensure the South African tail did not wag.

A dot to end the session. Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it back to the bowler. That will be Lunch Break for Day 3!

Length again, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid on.

On a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

Much fuller, on middle, Babar Azam flicks it to mid-wicket for one. He gets off the mark. Its a no ball for overstepping.

Back of a length, on middle, Babar Azam looks to block it but misses and wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but the finger stays down. Kagiso Rabada thinks it is hitting the stumps and he sends it upstairs. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows that it was going over the middle pole. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT!

Much fuller, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Too full, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid on.

Down the leg side, Babar Azam looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Fuller, on off, Babar Azam blocks it to mid off.

Babar Azam walks in.

OUT! LBW! Simon Harmer gets his second. Flatter, on middle and leg, and it stays low. Shan Masood looks to block it but gets beaten as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Shan Masood has a chat with Abdullah Shafique and decides to send it upstairs. No bat was involved, and Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the leg pole. The onfield decision stands OUT!

Flatter, outside off, Shan Masood looks to block it but gets beaten. A stifled appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.

Length again, sliding down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but wears it on his pads.

On a length, outside off, shaping away. Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

Slightly shorter, on leg, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid on.

Hard length, on leg, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to mid on.

On a length, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

FOUR! Edgy! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball goes through backward point for a boundary.

Short, on off, Shan Masood punches it through covers for a brace.

Much fuller, on off, Shan Masood pushes it to mid off.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Shan Masood looks to block it but misses.

Short, on leg, Abdullah Shafique tucks it to square leg.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and blocks it back.

Fuller, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to short fine leg.

On a length, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to mid-wicket.

On a length, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it fine for a single. Another no ball for overstepping.

Much fuller, outside off, shaping away. Abdullah Shafique tries to block it but gets beaten.

Short ball, on middle and leg, Abdullah Shafique ducks underneath it. It's a no ball for overstepping.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

Back of a length, down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.

FOUR! Streaky! Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but gets a thick edge as the ball races through short third for a boundary.

Much fuller, on leg, Shan Masood flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Flatter, on off, Shan Masood tucks it to mid-wicket. Dot.

Much fuller, on middle, Shan Masood leans on and blocks it forward.

Short, on off, Shan Masood flicks it to mid on.

FOUR! Edgy! Short and outside off, with some turn. Shan Masood looks to play at it but edges it through short third. The fielder chases but the ball wins the race.

Turn and bounce, on leg, Abdullah Shafique helps it fine for a single.

Much fuller, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

On a length, down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but wears it on his pads.

On a length, outside off, Abdullah Shafique leaves it alone. It's a no ball for overstepping.

Short ball, on leg, Abdullah Shafique ducks under it.

Back of a length, down leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

That's a beauty! On a length, just outside off, with a hint of movement. Shan Masood looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

On a length, on middle and leg, Shan Masood looks to flick it but miscues it to the mid off fielder.

Fuller, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket. The ball was in the air for a while but it landed short.

Short, turning in, Abdullah Shafique blocks it towards short leg fielder again.

Too full, on leg, Abdullah Shafique flicks it to the fielder at short leg.

Keeps it full, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and blocks it back.

FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, outside off, Abdullah Shafique uses his feet and caresses it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Short, on off, Shan Masood cuts it to cover for one.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and blocks it to mid off.

Oh! Back of a length, just outside off, Abdullah Shafique makes a tight leave.

Hard length, on off, Abdullah Shafique eases it to mid off.

FOUR! Edgy! On a length, outside off, shaping away. Abdullah Shafique looks to block it but gets a thick edge as the ball races through short third for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique leans on and blocks it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it to mid off.

Short and wide, Shan Masood looks to play at it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Shan Masood blocks it forward.

Shan Masood walks in.

OUT! STUMPED! Simon Harmer strikes with the new ball! He bowls it slower through the air and tempts the batter. Imam-ul-Haq bravely dances down the track but fails to reach the pitch of the delivery. It also turns away from him after landing and beats the bat of the batter. Kyle Verreynne does the rest and South Africa gets an early and a much needed breakthrough.

Fuller, down leg, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but the ball brushes his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Much fuller again, on off, Abdullah Shafique blocks it to mid on.

Oh! Much fuller, on middle, Abdullah Shafique looks to flick it but edges it towards mid-wicket.

A good start from Kagiso Rabada. Just a single from the over. Spin from the other end now. Here's Simon Harmer...

Back of a length, on off, Imam-ul-Haq hops a bit and blocks it to the point fielder.

Hard length, on off, Abdullah Shafique punches it to cover for one.

Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, shaping away. Abdullah Shafique tries to block it but misses.

Goes fuller, on off, Abdullah Shafique pushes it to mid off.