OTD | South Africa beat Pakistan by 53 runs in 3rd Test in Faisalabad to take home the series 1-0 in 1997

The third test match of the series between South Africa and Pakistan was played in Faisalabad in 1997. Having won the toss South Africa elected to bat. Coming to bat South Africa posted a total of 239 runs as current Pakistan coach Garry Kirsten scored 100 runs and remained not out throughout the innings. 

While he didn’t get much support Pat Symcox stood with him and scored 81 runs to put on a good score. However, Pakistan managed to score 310 as Inzaman-ul-Haq scored 96 runs before getting out while Mohin Khan scored 80 runs.

As the second innings started South Africa put on total of 214 runs as Pat Symcox was the only player to reach 50 runs mark while others failed to score big runs. But it got tough for Pakistan to chase down the score. During the second innings of Pakistan their batter didn’t have any answer for Shaun Pollock bowling as he dismantle their batting line-up through his deliverers. 

He took 5 wickets during the second innings. Meanwhile Pakistan managed to score only 92 runs and were bowled out which resulted in South Africa winning the match by 53 runs and opening the series by 1-0 lead. However Pat Symcox was awarded with Man of the Match award for his batting role as he helped South Africa to win the match.   

The home team was disappointed as they went from 23 for no loss to 92 all out chasing a meager goal of 146 runs, which could have been Pakistan’s maiden Test and series victory against South Africa. Shaun Pollock was instrumental in orchestrating South Africa’s comeback, taking five wickets for 37 runs. At the time, it was the lowest target defended by any side against Pakistan, and it was also South Africa’s first series victory on Pakistani territory.

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