1st Test: Bowlers Shine as Pakistan Stages a Comeback at Centurion Following 211 All Out
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Centurion, Dec 26 (NationPress) After being bowled out for 211 on their first batting innings, Pakistan mounted a robust response, limiting South Africa to 82/3 at the close of play on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park on Thursday. The fast bowlers dominated as the day saw a total of 13 wickets tumble, leaving the match finely balanced.
An engaging contest is unfolding in Centurion as South Africa, aiming to secure their spot in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, put in a strong effort on a pitch that offered pace and bounce. They capitalized on some questionable shot selection from the Pakistan batsmen, highlighted by a magnificent five-wicket haul from Dane Paterson (5-61). Following their batting struggles, Pakistan retaliated effectively with the ball, dismantling South Africa's top order. By the end of the day, the Proteas found themselves 129 runs behind Pakistan's total with seven wickets remaining. In total, 293 runs were scored, coinciding with the fall of 13 wickets throughout the day.
A victory in this Test would guarantee South Africa's participation in the WTC final, where they currently sit atop the WTC Standings.
Both teams fielded fast bowling-heavy lineups, with South Africa featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, and debutant Corbin Bosch. In contrast, Pakistan included Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamer Jamal.
In their first innings, South Africa solidified their position as Paterson and Bosch combined to take nine wickets of Pakistan. Choosing to field first, the hosts struck early in the day. Making his debut, Bosch claimed the first wicket by inducing an outside edge off skipper Shan Masood that was caught by Marco Jansen at gully.
Paterson followed up in the next over, taking out Saim Ayub with a brilliant delivery that angled into off stump. Shortly after, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel also fell victim to the two fast bowlers.
Kamran Ghulam (54) and Mohammad Rizwan (27) formed a partnership, adding 79 runs for the fifth wicket. However, just as Pakistan appeared to gain momentum, Paterson struck again, dismissing Ghulam. The floodgates opened for the hosts, as four more wickets fell before Tea, with Pakistan managing only 52 runs in return. They plummeted from 189/6 to 189/9, facing the prospect of a sub-200 total.
With just one wicket in hand, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas displayed a late-innings resistance. However, Marco Jansen soon wrapped up Pakistan's innings. Paterson achieved his second Test five-wicket haul, while Bosch concluded with four wickets on his debut.
In South Africa's innings, Aiden Markram showed resilience with the bat, even as his teammates faltered against Pakistan. Khurram Shahzad decimated the top order, dismissing Tony de Zorzi (2) and Ryan Rickelton (8) in his opening spell. Mohammad Abbas, playing his first Test since 2021, claimed the wicket of Stubbs (9) at 66. Markram then anchored the innings with a brave 47, surviving the day’s final stages alongside skipper Temba Bavuma (4 not out).
Brief scores:
Pakistan 211 all out in 57.3 overs (Kamran Ghulam 54, Aamer Jamal 28; Dane Paterson 5-61, Corbin Bosch 4-63) lead South Africa 82/3 in 22 overs (Aiden Markram 47 not out; Khurram Shahzad 2-28, Mohammad Abbas 1-36) by 129 runs.
