Noman Ali makes spinroads into South Africa's resistance

South Africa 216 for 6 (De Zorzi 81*, Rickelton 71, Noman 4-85) trail Pakistan 378 (Agha 93, Imam 93, Masood 76, Muthusamy 6-117) by 162 runs
After day one of Pakistan's home template went according to plan, the second day made sure it faithfully followed the same script. South Africa bravely resisted Pakistan's spinners for exactly 50 overs, but that was all they could take. South Africa then lost 4 for 26 in 62 balls as Noman Ali scythed through South Africa's middle order, upending a game that appeared to be heading towards a one-innings shootout.

After a productive morning for Senuran Muthusamy, who took a six-wicket haul, saw Pakistan dismissed for 378, South Africa had done their best not to allow Pakistan's spinners to blow them away early doors. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton saw off the new ball, building a stable opening partnership that inched towards fifty by the 12th over. But Noman, and spin in general, was always a threat. Markram ensured an umpiring decision was overturned when Rod Tucker deemed him to have nicked off to Rizwan, but two balls later, Noman served up another flighted delivery that spun away, and on that occasion it took Markram's outside edge with it.

On Sunday, Simon Harmer spoke of the importance of not losing wickets in clusters, and with Rickelton, Mulder hung around to add 35 for the second wicket. But an expansive smear towards midwicket was uncalled for and with Noman finding turn away from the right-hander, the ball kissed the outside edge into Rizwan's grateful hands.

The incoming Tony de Zorzi's innings could be split into two phases, one of extreme good fortunue following by superb temperament. Hasan Ali toyed with his outside edge the first over, though two of those deflections found their way through a gap in the slips to the boundary and set him on his way. From the other end, he nearly chipped one straight to Noman, and as tea neared, he looked especially vulnerable.