The Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025 has reached an exciting and decisive stage at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with both teams locked in a tense fight for victory. The second Test has been a roller-coaster of performances, where neither side has managed to score beyond 208 runs in the final innings so far. South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, have been set a challenging target of 277 runs to win, and by the end of the day’s play, they were struggling at 51 for two wickets, still needing 226 runs to claim victory while Pakistan requires eight wickets to seal the match.
South Africa’s Chase in the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025
In the fourth innings of the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025, South Africa faced immense pressure chasing 277 on a pitch that has continuously tested the patience and skill of both batting lineups. The Proteas started their chase cautiously but lost early wickets. Noman Ali, Pakistan’s left-arm spinner, once again proved his worth by taking two quick wickets for just 20 runs in his 11 overs. At stumps, Tony de Zorzi was unbeaten on 16, while Ryan Rickelton was batting on 29, with South Africa’s total standing at 51 for two.
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium has favored spin, and as the match heads into the final days, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are expected to play a crucial role in deciding the outcome. Pakistan’s bowlers have kept the pressure consistent, knowing that a few quick wickets could turn the game decisively in their favor.
Pakistan’s Second Innings Collapse
Pakistan’s second innings in the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025 began with promise but ended in disappointment. After taking a significant 109-run lead in the first innings, Pakistan were bowled out for just 167 runs in their second attempt. Their batting lineup collapsed dramatically, losing their last six wickets for only 17 runs.
The South African bowlers, particularly Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer, were exceptional. Muthusamy delivered his career-best performance with match figures of 11 wickets for 174 runs. In the second innings, he took five wickets for just 57 runs, while Harmer supported him brilliantly, claiming four wickets for 51 runs. Their combined effort destroyed Pakistan’s middle and lower order, leaving the home side vulnerable after what had seemed like a commanding position.
Among Pakistan’s batters, Abdullah Shafique scored 41, Babar Azam contributed 42, and Saud Shakeel made 38 runs, but none of them could carry their innings deep enough. The openers Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood failed to make an impact, scoring 0 and 7 respectively, while Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha managed just 14 and 4 runs. The tail offered little resistance, resulting in Pakistan being dismissed for 167.
South Africa’s First Innings Fightback
Earlier in the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025, the visitors were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch, trailing by 109 runs. Tony de Zorzi continued his brilliant form, scoring a resilient 104, while Ryan Rickelton added 71 runs to the total. Pakistan’s spinners once again dominated proceedings, with Noman Ali taking six wickets for 112 runs and Sajid Khan claiming three for 98. Their combined spin attack exposed South Africa’s vulnerability against quality spin on subcontinental pitches.
Noman Ali’s Exceptional Bowling Performance
Noman Ali has been Pakistan’s standout performer throughout the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025. His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce has troubled South African batters consistently. With match figures of eight wickets so far, Noman’s control and consistency have kept Pakistan in the contest. He dismissed key players at crucial moments, ensuring South Africa never felt completely comfortable at the crease.
His bowling partnership with Sajid Khan has been one of the major highlights of the series, reminiscent of Pakistan’s traditional strength in spin bowling at home. Their efforts have been instrumental in restricting South Africa’s scoring and creating wicket-taking opportunities on a pitch that demands patience and accuracy.
What Lies Ahead in the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025
As the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025 moves toward its conclusion, all eyes are on how the final day unfolds. South Africa needs 226 more runs with eight wickets in hand, while Pakistan is just eight wickets away from clinching a memorable victory. The match promises a thrilling finish, with conditions heavily favoring spin and both teams showing remarkable fighting spirit.
If Pakistan manages to bowl South Africa out on the final day, it will mark one of their most hard-fought Test wins at home in recent times. On the other hand, a successful chase by South Africa would not only underline their batting depth but also reinforce their dominance as the reigning World Test Champions.
The outcome of this gripping contest at the Gaddafi Stadium could go down as one of the most memorable matches in the history of the Pakistan vs South Africa Test 2025 series, showcasing the unpredictable and thrilling nature of Test cricket.
