Pakistan stumbled early in their second innings on Day 3 of the Lahore Test against South Africa, losing two wickets before lunch despite gaining a 109-run first-innings lead.
After bowling out South Africa for 269, the hosts began their second innings inside the morning session and suffered an early setback when Imam-ul-Haq fell for a duck to Simon Harmer with the score at just two.
Shan Masood (7) then joined Abdullah Shafique to stitch a brief 31-run partnership before also falling to Harmer.
At lunch, Pakistan were 36 for 2 with Shafique unbeaten on 21 and skipper Babar Azam at the crease on 1.
The hosts hold a lead of 145 runs as they look to consolidate their advantage in the match.
Tony de Zorzi (104) stood out with a composed century, showing grit against Pakistan’s spin attack, while Ryan Rickelton added a solid 71 before the visitors bowled out for 269.
For Pakistan, Nauman Ali starred with figures of 6 for 112, supported by Sajid Khan, who took three wickets, and Salman Agha, who chipped in with one.
On Day 2, Pakistan collapsed from 352-5 to bundle out for 378 runs, courtesy of an exceptional spell from left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who registered his career-best figures in Test cricket.
Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha made 93 each while Muthusamy finished with impressive figures of 6 for 117 in 32 overs.
In pursuit of Pakistan’s 378-run first-innings total, South Africa got off to a decent start as openers Aiden Markram and Rickelton negotiated the Pakistani bowling attack before lunch on Day 2.
After the break, Markram added valuable runs alongside Rickelton before the partnership was broken when Noman Ali dismissed the former to leave South Africa at 45-1.
Wiaan Mulder then joined Rickelton and built a 35-run partnership before their stand ended when Noman struck again, removing the right-hander for 17.
De Zorzi walked in next and, along with Rickelto, continued to apply pressure on Pakistan, finding boundaries as they gained confidence.
The 94-run stand was broken when Salman Ali Agha removed Rickelton, who played a vital knock of 71. Despite losing partners, de Zorzi continued to show his class and went on to become the top scorer of the match so far.