Spinner Senuran Muthusamy Shines with 11-Wicket Haul as Pakistan Collapse on Day 3
LAHORE (October 14, 2025) — The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa took an unexpected turn on Day 3, as Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled under sustained pressure from the visitors’ spinners, setting South Africa a target of 277 runs to win at the Gaddafi Stadium.
After starting the day with a commanding 109-run lead, Pakistan seemed poised to take firm control of the match. However, what followed was a stunning batting collapse that saw them bowled out for just 167 in their second innings. The collapse came despite steady efforts from skipper Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) the only batters who managed to offer resistance before the lower order disintegrated.
The real story of the day, however, was Senuran Muthusamy’s brilliance with the ball. The left-arm spinner delivered one of his finest Test performances, finishing with 11 wickets in the match six in the first innings and five more in the second. His accuracy, drift, and clever variation left Pakistan’s batters groping for answers, while Simon Harmer complemented him perfectly with four second-innings wickets, including those of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood.
Even the in-form Babar Azam fell to Kagiso Rabada, who struck at a crucial time to deepen Pakistan’s woes. From 150 for 4, the home side slipped to 167 all out losing their last six wickets for a mere 17 runs.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had built a strong position after posting 378 runs in their first innings, courtesy of fine contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Agha Salman (93). In response, South Africa were dismissed for 269, with Noman Ali starring with a six-wicket haul.
That 109-run advantage appeared decisive until Muthusamy’s magic turned the game on its head. Now, with the pitch showing increasing signs of spin, Pakistan’s hopes will rest heavily on their spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, to defend the 277-run target.
For South Africa, the focus will be on Tony de Zorzi, who struck a brilliant 104 in the first innings, and Ryan Rickelton (71), both of whom will be crucial in chasing down what could be a tricky total on a turning surface.
As the match heads into Day 4, all signs point to a tense finish with Pakistan banking on spin and South Africa eyeing one of their most hard-fought away wins in recent memory.
