Pakistan claw back after Proteas grind to take the lead

South Africa batsmen Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen showed grit and determination to hit 74 and 64 respectively, but the three wickets in the final half-hour gave Pakistan the edge on day three of the first Test at the National Stadium on Thursday.

At stumps on day three, Proteas` score read 187/4 and the side has a lead of 29 runs. Keshav Maharaj and Quinton de Kock were unbeaten on 2 and 0 respectively. After conceding a lead of 158, Proteas would have been hoping for the batsmen to show some grit, and that is what exactly happened as the top-order was in no mood to give in.

However, the final half-an-hour brought about a change in the fortunes of Pakistan as the hosts managed to pick three quick wickets — Markram, van der Dussen, and Faf du Plessis (10) — to come right back into the game.

Resuming their second innings with a deficit of 158, Proteas openers Markram and Dean Elgar provided a steady start to the side as the duo put on 37 runs, ensuring…

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