Marco Jansen delivered a remarkable performance with the ball on Day 3 of the first Test, claiming six wickets to give South Africa a firm grip on the match against Pakistan. His devastating spell dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, leaving South Africa with a manageable target of just 148 runs to chase for victory.
Jansen’s brilliant figures of 6/52 in 14 overs were crucial in Pakistan’s second innings, which ended at 237 runs. The left-arm pacer’s pace, swing, and bounce consistently troubled Pakistan’s batters, and his precision ensured South Africa remained in control of the game. Jansen’s heroics were a key factor in the match, as his relentless attack dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order, securing a substantial advantage for his team.
Despite Jansen’s dominance, Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel played a valiant innings, top-scoring with 84 runs. Captain Babar Azam also contributed with a solid half-century, making 50 runs. However, the rest of Pakistan’s batting order struggled to counter Jansen’s aggression, with no significant partnerships forming to mount a recovery.
Pakistan’s batting woes were evident from the outset, as they only managed 211 runs in the first innings. In reply, South Africa showcased their batting depth, posting 301 runs to take a crucial first-innings lead of 90 runs. This put enormous pressure on Pakistan, and they could not recover in the second innings, with Jansen leading the charge and exploiting their weaknesses.
Jansen’s six-wicket haul is a testament to his skill and consistency, further solidifying his status as one of South Africa’s premier Test bowlers. His performance not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also served as a reminder of South Africa’s strength in the format.
With the target set at 148 runs, South Africa now has a strong chance to secure a victory, though Pakistan’s bowlers will aim to replicate their disciplined efforts from the first innings, where they dismissed South Africa for 301 runs. The fourth day promises to be an exciting contest as Pakistan looks to fight back, while South Africa, propelled by Jansen’s superb performance, eyes a decisive win.
