Pakistan ended day three firmly in control in the first test against South Africa, after a very good day with bat and ball.
Hosts Pakistan who had lost eight wickets when day two ended, quickly lost their ninth wicket as Hassan Ali was bowled by Kagiso Rabida, who got his 200th test wicket in the process.
Rabada (44 matches), became the third-fastest to the feat behind legend Alan Donald (42) and Dale Steyn (39).
As impressive of a feat that was for the Delhi Captial’s bowler, the tourists were frustrated by a stubborn last-wicket stand of 55 between debutant Nauman Ali (24) and Yasir Shah (38 not out).
Leg-spinner Shah, who does have a Test hundred to his name, scored his runs at more than a run a ball (38 off 37 balls).
Those 55 runs could still prove very crucial as this helped Pakistan helped build up a 158 run lead.
A century for Fawad Alam, who also scored a ton against New Zealand, was crucial for the Asian side.
They were in serious trouble at one stage (27-4). Fifties for Azhar Ali (51) and Faheem Ashraf (64) helped Pakistan complete their batting recovery.
South Africa, after being bowled out for 220 in the first innings, got off to a solid reply in their second.
When opener Dean Elgar fell for 29, the hosts were thinking maybe there was an opening to get through The Proteas batting line-up.
Aiden Markam (74) and Rassie Van Der Dussen (64) put on 127 for the second wicket. When Van Der Dusen was out caught at silly mid-off from the bowling of leg-spin king Yasir Shah, this lead to a mini-collapse as three wickets were lost for 10 runs.
After initially batting so well South Africa, this game has arguably swung back in the favour of the home side. Tomorrow promises to be exciting.
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