Pakistan Squander Promising Start as Jansen Dominates for South Africa

Marco Jansen’s brilliant five-wicket haul (5-42) handed South Africa the advantage on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan in Karachi. Pakistan, despite a strong fourth-wicket partnership between Babar Azam (50) and Saud Shakeel (66*), faltered under pressure, ending the day at 212/8 with a slender lead of 122 runs.

The day started with a rain delay, wiping out the morning session. When play resumed, Pakistan’s batters initially capitalized on wayward South African bowling. Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam added a crucial 79 runs, with Babar notching his first Test fifty in 20 innings. However, Jansen struck back, dismissing Babar as he miscued a short delivery to deep third.

Following Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan’s middle and lower order crumbled. Jansen, backed by Kagiso Rabada (2-68), dismissed Rizwan, Salman Agha, and Aamer Jamal cheaply. Shakeel stood firm with an unbeaten 66, but Pakistan’s hopes were dented further when Jamal and Naseem Shah fell in quick succession.

South Africa will look to wrap up Pakistan’s innings early on Day 4 and set up a manageable chase to secure victory.

Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 211 & 212/8 (Shakeel 66*, Babar 50; Jansen 5-42, Rabada 2-68)
South Africa: 301
Lead: Pakistan by 122 runs