Quinton de Kock cracked an impressive 129, while the pacers chipped in with wickets at regular intervals to ensure South Africa maintained a firm hold on the third Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers. The visitors, however, fought back admirably in the final session to end the third day at 153 for 3, still needing 228 for a memorable win.
While chasing down a massive target on a track that was showing signs of variable bounce, Pakistan needed a solid start. The duo of Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq provided just the start the visitors would have hoped for by stitching a stand of 67. Imam, in particular, looked in fine touch cracking an array of drives and the occasional drive. Masood, meanwhile, used to pull and flick to good effect.
At that stage, Dale Steyn troubled the southpaw batsmen and reaped the rewards with the scalps of both openers. Imam was caught behind to a delivery that straightened after pitching. On the other hand, Steyn went round the wicket to create a nice inward angle to force Masood to edge one behind.
Initially, not given by the on field umpire but the UltraEdge showed a spyke and the decision was overturned. In the past too Masood has been troubled by the inward angle from round the wicket. Duanne Olivier, South Africa’s in form bowler, followed it up by producing a vicious short delivery that reared up to dismiss Azhar Ali.
With Pakistan in a spot of bother, Asad Shafiq (48*) joined forces with Babar Azam to resurrect the innings. Shafiq played with flourish, capsulised by the eight fours he has collected so far in his innings. Babar, his batting partner, offered him good support. However, for Pakistan to mount a serious challenge the visitors need arguably their two most skilful batsmen to compile big scores.
