Tony de Zorzi says the Proteas will “give it our best” on day four of the first Test against Pakistan as they seek another 226 runs for victory.

De Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton will resume their third-wicket stand of 33 in Lahore on Wednesday, with South Africa 51-2 and facing a steep chase against a Pakistan side that has weaponised a viciously turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch.

“We’ll all be crucial, along with anyone else who is going to come in,” De Zorzi told the media after day three. “They are all gun batters and if anyone can get into a partnership, that’ll settle the changing room.

“A partnership on this wicket is gold. Ryan and I are both lefties, but we bat differently and have different strengths. We complement each other quite well, we keep each other present in the partnership, and we try to take things one ball at a time.

“We remind each other of our good options, whatever they are at a particular time. The guys who still have to come in are as able and talented. They’re keen to get out there, but hopefully they won’t.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Pakistan vs Proteas (1st Test, Day 3)

The Proteas’ chase for what would be the highest successful run chase in Lahore follows a frantic day in which 16 wickets fell, including those of Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder late in the evening.

De Zorzi, who struck a superb 104 in the first innings, said the team had planned for this kind of trial by spin.

“It is what we prepared for and spoke about ahead of the series,” he said. “We did have the correct mindset, gameplans and team selection, along with how we play and adapt.

“We were prepared, and we’ll definitely give it our best on day four.”

Photo: Sameer Ali/Getty Images