WIN ‘N SPIN

THE first Test between the Proteas and Pakistan is set for a thrilling conclusion after rival spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Noman Ali wrought destruction on day three in Lahore on Tuesday.

Muthusamy took a maiden 10-wicket match haul to help bowl Pakistan out for 167 in their second innings on another day dominated by spin to give South Africa a target of 277 for victory.

But Noman, following up his 6/112 in the first innings, dismissed captain Aiden Markram for three and Wiaan Mulder (duck) to keep the visitors down to 51/2 at the close.

Ryan Rickelton, 29 not out, and Tony de Zorzi, unbeaten on 16, fought till stumps with the Proteas needing another 226 runs.

As a gripping match approaches its climax, Muthusamy destroyed Pakistan with figures of 5/57 to add to his 6/117 while fellow spinner Simon Harmer took 4/51 as Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 17 runs.

The hosts were fairly well placed at 150/4 but Saud Shakeel holed out for 38 off Muthusamy to trigger a collapse in the last over before tea.

Harmer bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 14 before Muthusamy ran riot.

He dismissed Salman Agha for four, Noman for 11 and Shaheen Shah Afridi for a duck to finish with match figures of 11/174, taking four wickets off 21 balls.

Harmer ended Pakistan’s swak batting display by removing Sajid Khan for one.

Earlier, De Zorzi resumed on 81 at the start of the day and carried the fight to Pakistan, completing his second Test century.

The left-hander finally holed out for 104 to long-on off Noman.

The Proteas were eventually dismissed for 269 an hour before lunch, conceding a lead of 109 after Pakistan’s first-innings 378.

Play resumes at 7am on Wednesday.