Twitter reaction: Centurion deadlock as South Africa and Pakistan clash on day three of Boxing Day Test

Day 3 of the Boxing Day Quiz South Africa and Pakistan The game unfolded into a gripping contest, with neither team willing to concede. Set a modest goal148, South Africa found themselves in trouble on 27/3thanks to the fierce performance of the Pakistan Pacers. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's lower order succumbed to the ruthless brilliance. Marco Jansentheir career-best 6/62 destroyed their second innings, leaving them with only a slim lead to defend. However, the visitors showed remarkable resilience on the field, striking out three times in the final quarter to keep their hopes alive.

Pakistan's batting failure: Saud Shakir's fighting blow

On day three, after the first session was called off due to rain, Pakistan restarted at 88/3 looking to significantly extend their lead on a deteriorating pitch. Saudi Arabia ShakirContinuing his good form and looking determined to dominate this game. However, Mohammad RizwanJanssen's early dismissal set the tone for a dismal morning for the visitors. Rizwan tried to counter Jansen's aggressive short-ball strategy but narrowly slipped for just 13 runs.

This opened the floodgates as Pakistan's lower and middle classes buckled under relentless pressure. Jensen cleverly exploits the uneven bounce and his ability to extract speed from the surface, which would be too much for the tail wing. Shakir fought valiantly for his 84, displaying great skill and composure, but he found little support at the other end. Pakistan were bowled out for 237, with Jansen's career-best 6/62 dashing any hopes of a big lead. These innings exposed the fragility of Pakistan's batting line-up, especially in Test conditions.

Early strikes from Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rock South Africa

South Africa started chasing 148 in overcast conditions, which further aided Pakistan's disciplined bowling attack. Mohammed Abbas Batted in his first over, trapped Tony DeZorzi Delivery suddenly slopes sharply back from the seams. Abbas, who is known for his precision, took full advantage of the conditions and created an ideal start for Pakistan.

Khurram Shahzad Then there was a brilliant moment, the dismissal of Tristan Stubbs The delivery came late and found the outside edge, leaving the batsmen stunned. Shahzad continued his fiery spell, targeting the body with short delivery and eventually claimed Ryan Rickton A well directed bouncer occupies the top edge. South Africa were in deep trouble at 27/3 and Pakistan's pacers showed immense skill and determination to keep their team in the game.

Also Read: Khurram Shahzad stuns Tony de Zorzi in beautiful style on first day of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK

Aiden Markram remains steadfast amid chaos

In the carnage on the other side, Aiden Markram Hold your head high and show extraordinary resilience and composure. His 22-game unbeaten run was a masterclass in adaptability as he masterfully handled testing conditions. Markram's judgment outside the stumps and ability to counter short balls will be crucial in ensuring South Africa don't completely collapse under pressure.

While his innings lacked panache, it was rich in substance as he absorbed the relentless pressure from Abbas and Shahzad. Markram recognized the importance of protecting the wicket and therefore did not take any reckless shots and instead focused on laying the foundation for the chase. When the day was over, with South Africa needing 121 runs and Pakistan needing 7 wickets, Markram's role in steering the innings forward remained crucial. His ability to anchor the chase in a shaky top order could decide the outcome of this fascinating match.

Here's Twitter's reaction:

121 runs are needed tomorrow with 7 wickets in hand to book a spot in the WTC final. They certainly won't mess it up…of course! #SAvPAK

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 28, 2024

Mohammad Abbas averages 125km/h and looks more lethal than the 145ers.

What a talent. This seems to be his game.

South Australia 19/3. #SAvPAK #PAKvsSA #MohammedAbbas pic.twitter.com/p6b0mnrqX9

— Ameer Hamza Asif (@AmeerHamzaAsif) December 28, 2024

Where are the people who say Saudi Arabia can't perform on a pitch like this? I keep hearing “experts” say that he can only perform in Asia. Hope to get the answer today🤫

— hazharoon (@hazharoon) December 28, 2024

Pakistan managed to get early wickets
SA second game 27/3..
Pak need 7 wickets to win first Test match against SA #SAvPAK | #pakistancricket pic.twitter.com/kOSsmzkhDj

— Imran Gul (@ImranGul898) December 28, 2024

As any fan of Hampshire (and Leicestershire before that) will attest, Mohamed Abbas is a special man. Great to see him work his magic on the big stage again #SAvPAK

— Atif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) December 28, 2024

Proteas 27/3 At the end of the day

Aiden Markram is once again the best batsman yet

121 more people are needed to reach the WTC finals pic.twitter.com/y4N07HAPVd

— Werner (@Werries_) December 28, 2024

tree stumps are called

We have a great day tomorrow with SA on 27-3

All hopes are pinned on Markram and Bavuma#SAvPAK

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 28, 2024

These two are our hope for tomorrow, especially Markram! He looked at it again!#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RuPdMM30vn

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 28, 2024

Day 3|Stump🟢⚪️

Test cricket is always entertaining and day three is coming to an end 🏏

🇵🇰Pakistan: 211/10 (first innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 301/10 (first innings)
🇵🇰Pakistan: 237/10 (Second innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 27/3 (second game)

Proteas need 121 more runs to win… pic.twitter.com/GNUeaSuAUm

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 28, 2024

Babar Azam’s 2️⃣7️⃣ Test 50 👏

After 19 innings, he reached his Test fifty 🏏#cricket #SAvPAK #babarazam pic.twitter.com/MbWaskKpb2

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024

Also Read: Aamer Jamal celebrates enthusiastically after dismissing Temba Bavuma on day two of first Test