• South Africa held a slight upper hand but Pakistan's bowlers displayed signs of fight on Day 3 of the Centurion Test.

  • South Africa found themselves at 27/3 by stumps against Pakistan.

Twitter reactions: Deadlock in Centurion as South Africa and Pakistan exchange blows on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test
SA vs PAK (Image Source: X)

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Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Pakistan unfolded as a gripping contest, with both teams refusing to give an inch. Set a modest target of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 27/3 by stumps, courtesy of a fierce spell from Pakistan’s pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s lower order succumbed to the relentless brilliance of Marco Jansen, whose career-best 6/62 dismantled their second innings and left them with only a slender lead to defend. However, the visitors displayed remarkable resilience in the field, striking thrice in the final session to keep their hopes alive.

Pakistan’s batting collapse: Saud Shakeel’s fighting knock

The third day, after the first session got washed out due to rain, began with Pakistan resuming at 88/3, hoping to extend their lead significantly on a pitch that was gradually deteriorating. Saud Shakeel, continuing his fine form, looked determined to anchor the innings. However, Mohammad Rizwan‘s early dismissal to Jansen set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Rizwan, attempting to counter Jansen’s aggressive short-ball strategy, edged to the slips for a mere 13 runs.

This wicket opened the floodgates as Pakistan’s lower-middle order capitulated under relentless pressure. Jansen’s clever use of the uneven bounce and his ability to extract pace from the surface proved too much for the tailenders. Shakeel battled valiantly for his 84, showcasing immense skill and composure, but he found little support at the other end. Pakistan folded for 237, with Jansen’s career-best 6/62 dismantling any hopes of a substantial lead. The innings exposed the fragility of Pakistan’s batting lineup, especially under testing conditions.

Early strikes from Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rock South Africa

South Africa’s chase of 148 runs began under overcast conditions, which further aided Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas struck in his very first over, trapping Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that jagged back sharply off the seam. Abbas, known for his pinpoint accuracy, exploited the conditions to perfection, giving Pakistan an ideal start.

Khurram Shahzad then produced a moment of brilliance, dismissing Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that swung late and found the outside edge, leaving the batter stunned. Shahzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with short-pitched deliveries and eventually claiming Ryan Rickelton with a well-directed bouncer that took the top edge. By stumps, South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3, with Pakistan’s pacers showcasing tremendous skill and determination to keep their team in the contest.

Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Tony de Zorzi with a beauty on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK

Aiden Markram stands firm amidst the chaos

Amid the carnage at the other end, Aiden Markram stood tall, demonstrating remarkable resilience and composure. His unbeaten 22 was a masterclass in adaptability, as he skillfully negotiated the testing conditions. Markram’s judgment outside the off-stump and his ability to counter the short ball were critical in ensuring South Africa did not collapse entirely under pressure.

While his innings lacked flamboyance, it was rich in substance, as he absorbed the relentless pressure from Abbas and Shahzad. Recognizing the importance of preserving his wicket, Markram refrained from any rash strokes, focusing instead on building a foundation for the chase. As the day ended with South Africa requiring 121 runs and Pakistan needing seven wickets, Markram’s role in steering the innings forward remained pivotal. His ability to anchor the chase amidst the crumbling top order will likely define the outcome of this enthralling contest.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also WATCH: Aamer Jamal passionately celebrates after dismissing Temba Bavuma on Day 2 of the first Test

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