The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed a day of high drama and history on Tuesday as South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy spun his name into the record books, claiming a career-best 10-wicket match haul to bowl Pakistan out for just 167, setting up a target of 277 for the visitors to win the opening Test.
It was a day that began with Pakistan holding the advantage and ended with Muthusamy completely rewriting the script. The left-arm spinner, who had already bagged 6-117 in the first innings, followed it up with another 5-57 in the second to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup. His relentless accuracy, paired with fellow spinner Simon Harmer’s 4-51, triggered a stunning collapse as Pakistan lost six wickets for just 17 runs after tea.
Pakistan had appeared in control when they reached 150-5 at the break, leading by 259 and hoping to stretch their advantage. But Harmer struck twice in quick succession, before Muthusamy removed Saud Shakeel for a fighting 38 in the final over before tea, a moment that swung momentum South Africa’s way. From there, Pakistan’s innings unraveled. Mohammad Rizwan, unbeaten on 14, watched helplessly as the tail folded within minutes.
Earlier in the day, South Africa were bowled out for 269, giving Pakistan a 109-run first-innings lead. The Protease fightback was anchored by Tony de Zorzi, who showcased composure and flair to complete his second Test century. The elegant left-hander struck 10 fours and two sixes in his superb 104, before falling to Noman Ali, who continued his fine form with another six-wicket haul (6-112) his ninth five-for in Tests.
Pakistan’s spinners Noman and Sajid Khan (3-98) had earlier put the hosts in command, but the surface at Gaddafi Stadium began to take vicious turn as the game progressed. That shift turned the match into a battleground tailor-made for South Africa’s spin duo. Muthusamy and Harmer capitalized brilliantly, exposing Pakistan’s vulnerability on a crumbling track.
The game is now beautifully poised. South Africa will begin their final innings needing 277 runs a tricky chase on a turning pitch that promises a tense finale. With Muthusamy’s heroics giving the Protease a surge of belief, and Pakistan’s spinners waiting eagerly to exploit home conditions, the Lahore Test is headed for an unforgettable finish one that could define this entire series.