Pakistan opening bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad struck three blows late on the third afternoon as South Africa set out in pursuit of 148 runs to win the primary Test at SuperSport Park on Saturday. South Africa had been reeling at 27 for 3 on the shut, 121 runs wanting a victory which might clinch them a spot within the World Test championship last in England subsequent June. Abbas took two wickets for 3 runs in 4 immaculate overs of swing bowling, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, whereas Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton.
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s prime scorer within the first innings, was unbeaten on 22 going into what could possibly be a nervy fourth day for the hosts.
All three wickets had been leg earlier than wicket choices – and all three had been reviewed.
De Zorzi batted outdoors his crease in an try to counter the swing which undid him within the first innings – however Abbas beat his inside edge and he was given out.
He reviewed umpire Alex Wharf‘s choice however replays confirmed the influence was “umpire’s call”, with the ball occurring to hit the stumps, and he needed to go for 2 runs.
Rickelton failed to attain earlier than he was trapped by Shahzad and Stubbs made one earlier than falling to Abbas – with Pakistan efficiently reviewing on each events after the batsmen had been initially given not out.
It was a dramatic finish to a day on which the beginning was delayed by three hours due to rain.
South Africa appeared nicely heading in the right direction for victory when Pakistan had been bowled out for 237, with left-arm quick bowler Marco Jansen taking six for 52.
Saud Shakeel made 84 for Pakistan.
Resuming at 88 for 3, Babar Azam and the left-handed Shakeel batted confidently, including one other 65 runs in 14.5 overs.
Babar made 50, his first half-century in 19 Test innings, earlier than Jansen had a burst of three wickets in 14 balls, beginning when Babar slapped a brief ball from Jansen to deep level.
Shakeel was ninth man out when he missed a full toss from Jansen after hitting 10 fours and a six in a 113-ball innings.
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