1st Test: Bosch's Exceptional Performance Brings South Africa Closer to WTC Finals
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Centurion, Dec 27 (NationPress) On the verge of sealing a spot in the World Test Championships (WTC) final, South Africa capitalized on a remarkable batting display by Corbin Bosch, who scored 81 not out on his debut, to gain the first innings lead against Pakistan in the initial Test at SuperSport Park on Friday.
Two spirited late wicket partnerships enabled South Africa to achieve a noteworthy advantage over Pakistan on the second day of the Boxing Day Test. This rearguard effort was pivotal in helping South Africa secure a critical lead after Pakistan's bowlers had nearly leveled the playing field. Subsequently, decisive strikes from their bowlers ensured that the upper hand remained with South Africa as they approached day three in Centurion.
The South African duo of Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma commenced the day positively, reducing the 129-run deficit by 54 runs in a swift manner. Bavuma eventually fell to a delivery from Aamir Jamal in the 37th over, marking Pakistan's first breakthrough. Nevertheless, newcomer David Bedingham accelerated quickly, hitting a rapid 30. South Africa appeared set for a comfortable lead, but Naseem Shah made a significant impact for the visitors.
The right-arm pacer dismantled the middle-order, causing the score to plummet from 178/4 to 191/7, and with Khurram Shahzad claiming the crucial wicket of Markram (89) at 213, South Africa found themselves with just two wickets remaining, having only just surpassed Pakistan’s total.
Yet, debutant Corbin Bosch had different intentions. He settled in and exhibited remarkable strokeplay during his unbeaten 81, striking 15 boundaries and collaborating with lower-order batsmen to extend South Africa's lead. His 41-run ninth-wicket partnership with Kagiso Rabada and a 47-run tenth-wicket stand with Dane Paterson provided the Proteas with a vital 90-run advantage.
In their third innings, Pakistan's openers began positively, amassing a swift 49 runs with Saim Ayub leading the scoring. However, following Ayub's dismissal by Kagiso Rabada for 28, Pakistan experienced a minor collapse, losing three wickets for just 25 runs. Marco Jansen contributed with two breakthroughs for South Africa.
Pakistan was still trailing by two runs when bad light interrupted play.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 211 & 88/3 in 22 overs (Saim Ayub 28, Shan Masood 28; Marco Jansen 2-17) trail South Africa 201 all out in 73.4 overs (Aiden Markram 89, Corbin Bosch 81 not out, Temba Bavuma 31; Khurram Shahzad 3-75, Naseem Shah 3-92, Aamer Jamal 2-36) by 2 runs.
