🏟 South Africa’s Stunning Collapse in Lahore: How 174/2 Became 216/6
At one juncture in the 1st Test, Lahore 2025, South Africa looked firmly in control. They were 174 for 2, cruising with two set half-centurions at the crease. But within a brutal 10 overs, that dominance evaporated — the scoreboard morphed into 200 for 6. Suddenly, the pitch’s grip, low bounce, and disciplined bowling turned the contest.
At stumps on Day 2 Highlights, South Africa were 216/6, still trailing by 162 runs but in deep trouble. Tony de Zorzi (81*) hung on as a rare source of resistance, while Senuran Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 6.
This collapse is not just a statistical blip — it could define the momentum of the Test. In this Cricketory deep dive, we explore:
- The context and buildup to the collapse
- Pitch behavior and how it shifted
- Tactical lapses in South Africa’s response
- Key performances by bowlers
- What this means for both sides in the rest of the match
Let’s dissect how a steady innings turned into chaos, and whether Pakistan now hold the upper hand.
⏳ The Build-up: South Africa’s Strong Middle Phase
Before disaster struck, South Africa had navigated well through tricky phases.
- Rickelton and Markram began cautiously.
- After Markram’s dismissal, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder added crucial stability.
- The duo allowed momentum to build and soften the new ball threat.
- By 50.1 overs, the score was 174/2 — and things looked promising.
Two batters had already reached half-centuries and were well placed to take the innings forward.
At that stage, if South Africa had continued with calm precision, they might have seized the upper hand in the Test — a lead or a strong foothold in the match.
🎢 The Collapse Unfolds: 174/2 → 200/6
Cricketory reconstructs the collapse sequence:
- 50.1 ov: Rickelton departs, reducing control.
- Soon after, Tristan Stubbs fell, followed by Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, and Aiden Markram earlier.
- Noman Ali and Sajid Khan exploited the turning track and kept the seamers and spinners tight.
- In ten overs, four quick wickets fell, shifting the course entirely.
This collapse wasn’t just bad luck — it was a combination of pitch behavior, bowling excellence, and tactical misjudgments.
🌀 Pitch Behavior & Conditions: Turning, Low, and Unforgiving
From what unfolded, the pitch took a clear turn in behavior:
- Early on, it played fairly true.
- As time passed, the surface gripped more, favoring spin and slow seamers.
- The ball also began to “keep low” — making short, uncomfortable bounce.
Bowling sides — especially Noman Ali — found assistance.
Cricketory insight: On subcontinental surfaces, that last hour before lunch or late afternoon is when pitches shift. South Africa’s collapse coincided with those sticky hours.
🧠 Tactical Lapses in South Africa’s Approach
Several critical errors made the collapse worse:
🚫 Over-Aggression in Unfavorable Phases
After reaching 174/2, South Africa may have pushed too hard, looking for quick runs instead of consolidating.
🔍 Underestimating the Pitch Shift
They didn’t adjust shot selection when the surface started to change — playing the same strokes that earlier worked.
🧩 Poor Use of Partnership Support
When Rickelton fell, Mulder and de Zorzi should have recalibrated for caution — but momentum pressured them into risks.
🧱 Lack of Tailored Plan vs Spinners
Against Muthusamy and Noman Ali, they lacked variation in shots and failed to find soft hands or rotate strike effectively.
🎯 Bowler Dominance: Noman Ali & Sajid Khan Rise
While the collapse hurt South Africa, Pakistan’s bowling performance deserves full praise:
- Noman Ali was the standout — his line, length, and turn inflicted maximum damage.
- He bowled 27 overs, 3 maidens, and picked 4 wickets for 85 runs (economy ~3.14).
- Sajid Khan added 1 wicket for 73 runs in 24 overs.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Agha also contributed, ensuring balance in attack.
It wasn’t just wicket-taking — it was sustained pressure, tight fields, and relentless probing that induced mistakes.
📈 De Zorzi’s Stand: Ray of Hope in Pink Storm
Amid the carnage, Tony de Zorzi showed grit. His 81 off 140 balls* with 9 fours and a six anchored the tail.
He fought back against spin, rotated smartly, and absorbed pressure when the match tilted.
Cricketory view: de Zorzi's knock might prove pivotal. He’s the bridge between a broken top order and a chance for recovery.
⚖️ Match Context: Did Pakistan Favor or Slip Ahead?
Even after SA’s collapse, Pakistan doesn’t completely dominate — the Test remains contestable. But the balance has shifted:
Strengths for Pakistan now:
- Confidence from bowling success
- Momentum swing when opponents were in charge
- Full spinal support and pressure in second innings
Risks for Pakistan:
- Overconfidence or complacency
- Failure to capitalise with the bat
- Tail surprises from South Africa
But having wrested control when it mattered most, Pakistan are the favorites now.
📊 Statistical Lens: What These Numbers Say
| Metric | Pre-collapse | Post-collapse |
|---|---|---|
| Score at 2 Wickets | 174 | — |
| Score at 6 Wickets | — | 216 |
| Wickets in Collapse | 0 | 4 |
| Best Spinner Figures | Noman Ali: 4/85 | Maintained run discipline |
| Tail Resistance | De Zorzi 81* | Only real fightback |
The stark shift after 174/2 underscores how fragile advantages can be in Test cricket.
🔍 Cricktery Analysis: Why This Moment Matters
Psychological Blow
When a batting side crumbles from dominance, confidence drains fast.
Bowling Attack Validation
Pakistan’s spin trio and support fulfilled their roles under pressure.
Momentum for Later Days
Days 3–5 might tilt towards Pakistan, especially if South Africa’s tail offers little.
Test of Depth
South Africa’s middle and lower order showed vulnerability under duress.
🧩 What Could South Africa Do From Here?
To avoid being pinned down:
- Let de Zorzi settle the base.
- Use partnership focus over heroics.
- Rotate strike to disrupt bowler rhythm.
- Ensure tail defense, protecting the new ball as long as possible.
If they bounce back with 300+ runs, the Test remains alive.
🌐 Key Takeaways
- south africa collapse vs pakistan
- Lahore Test 2025 analysis
- Noman Ali performance
- Tony de Zorzi rescue innings
- Pakistan vs South Africa spin dominance
- Cricketory insights Lahore Test