Pakistan and South Africa Test finely poised after spinners run riot

The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa was set for a thrilling conclusion after rival spinners Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy wrought destruction on day three in Lahore on Tuesday.

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Muthusamy took a maiden 10-wicket match haul to help bowl Pakistan out for 167 in their second innings on another day dominated by spin and give South Africa a target of 277 for victory.

But Noman, following up his 6-112 in the first innings, dismissed captain Aiden Markram for three and Wiaan Mulder (nought) to keep the visitors down to 51-2 at the close.

Ryan Rickelton, 29 not out, and Tony de Zorzi, unbeaten on 16, fought till stumps with South Africa needing another 226 runs.

Pakistan need eight wickets for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

With the threatening spin duo of Noman and Sajid Khan the home team will fancy their chances, especially because no visiting team in Pakistan has ever chased more than the 220-8 Sri Lanka did in Rawalpindi in 2000.

Pakistan head coach Azhar Ali was in buoyant mood.

“We will definitely defend this target,” said the former Pakistan all-rounder.

“The state of the pitch and our spinners make us favourites, despite our batting not up to the mark in the second outing.”