The third day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium ended with the visitors reaching 51 for 2 in pursuit of a 277-run target, leaving the contest finely balanced heading into day four, 24NewsHD TV reported on Tuesday.
South Africa’s chase began cautiously after Pakistan were bowled out for 167 in their second innings.
At stumps, Ryan Rickelton was unbeaten on 29 while Tony de Zorzi remained not out on 16.
The Proteas still need 226 runs to win with eight wickets in hand.
Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Nauman Ali provided key breakthroughs, dismissing captain Aiden Markram for 3 and Wiaan Mulder for a duck.
Earlier, Pakistan struggled in their second innings against disciplined South African bowling.
Babar Azam top-scored with 42 runs, followed by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Saud Shakeel (38). The rest of the batting lineup faltered — Mohammad Rizwan made 14, Imam-ul-Haq went for a duck, Shan Masood scored 7, Salman Ali Agha added 4, while Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed without scoring.
In South Africa’s first innings, the visitors were bowled out for 269 in reply to Pakistan’s 378. Tony de Zorzi starred with a fine 104, while Ryan Rickelton contributed 71 runs.
For Pakistan, Nauman Ali was the pick of the bowlers with six wickets, while Sajid Khan claimed three and Salman Ali Agha took one.
As the Test heads into its fourth day, both teams remain in contention — South Africa eyeing a challenging chase, and Pakistan hoping their spinners can deliver on a wearing Lahore pitch.