Rawalpindi, October 14, 2025 — As the dust settles on a gripping third day of the 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the momentum has firmly swung in Pakistan’s favor. With South Africa’s top order crumbling under disciplined pace and spin, the onus now falls squarely on opener Matthew Breetzke and, more critically, middle-order batter Tony de Zorzi to rescue the visitors from a precarious position.
Pakistan, having posted a commanding total in their first innings, have bowled with purpose and precision. Their attack—led by the fiery Naseem Shah and the crafty Saud Shakeel—has left South Africa reeling, with the Proteas staring down the barrel of a potential innings defeat unless De Zorzi can conjure a career-defining knock.
Table of Contents
- Pakistan Dominate with Ball
- South Africa’s Batting Collapse
- Why De Zorzi Is the Last Hope
- What Pakistan Needs to Close Out
Pakistan Dominate with Ball
After posting 420 in their first innings—powered by centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Salman Ali Agha—Pakistan’s bowlers wasted no time applying pressure. Naseem Shah struck early, removing South Africa’s dangerous opener Ryan Rickelton with a sharp inswinger that crashed into middle stump.
Left-arm spinner Mir Hamza then chipped in with two quick wickets, exploiting the dry patches on the Rawalpindi track. By stumps on Day 3, South Africa were 142/5, still trailing by 278 runs, with their batting lineup looking increasingly fragile against Pakistan’s relentless lines and lengths.
South Africa’s Batting Collapse
The Proteas’ much-vaunted batting depth has failed to materialize so far. Captain Temba Bavuma fell for a scratchy 28, while star batter Aiden Markram looked uncomfortable against short-pitched bowling, edging behind off Naseem.
Worse still, the middle order offered little resistance. David Bedingham and Khaya Zondo both perished playing loose shots—exactly the kind of indiscipline that’s punished on responsive pitches like this one.
Why De Zorzi Is the Last Hope
Enter Tony de Zorzi. The 26-year-old left-hander, who scored a gritty 78 in the first innings of the recent series against New Zealand, is now South Africa’s best chance to avoid a follow-on—and possibly salvage a draw.
De Zorzi has shown temperament and technique against quality spin, which will be crucial against Pakistan’s dual spin threat of Mir Hamza and Mohammad Nawaz. If he can anchor the innings through Day 4 and build partnerships with the lower middle order—Kyle Verreynne or Marco Jansen—there’s still a flicker of hope.
But time, runs, and confidence are running out fast.
What Pakistan Needs to Close Out
For Pakistan, the script is simple: maintain intensity, avoid loose spells, and target De Zorzi early on Day 4. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, their spinners will only grow more dangerous.
If they can bundle South Africa out for under 200, Pakistan could enforce the follow-on and push for a historic victory—setting the tone for the rest of the series.
As the sun sets over Rawalpindi, one thing is clear: this Test is no longer balanced. Pakistan are in the driver’s seat—and South Africa’s survival hinges on one man’s resolve.