1st Test: Late Drama as Pakistan Takes Three Early Wickets Against South Africa

Centurion, Dec 28 (NationPress) Former captain Babar Azam made a noteworthy return by scoring his first half-century since December 2022, while Saud Shakeel played a brilliant innings of 84 runs, as Pakistan established a demanding target for South Africa. Subsequently, they took three early wickets, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the first Test of the series at SuperSport Park on Saturday.

After reducing Pakistan to 88/3 at stumps the previous day, South Africa appeared to be in control. However, the visitors ended the rain-interrupted third day on a suspenseful note by dismissing the hosts for just 27 runs while taking three wickets before bad light halted the game.

With South Africa needing 148 runs to secure their position in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, they suffered a disastrous start in Centurion as Pakistan's pacers struck early. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad made significant breakthroughs, leaving South Africa at 27 runs with three wickets down by the end of the day. South Africa now requires 121 runs, while Pakistan needs to secure seven more wickets to clinch the match.

Earlier, the rain-affected third day saw the entire first session washed out. Pakistan entered the second session with determination to extend their lead. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel handled a challenging bowling spell expertly, gradually shifting the pressure back onto the South African side.

Both players achieved half-centuries, creating a solid partnership of 79 runs. However, the momentum shifted dramatically towards the hosts as Marco Jansen delivered a fiery spell, claiming three quick wickets and leaving Pakistan struggling at 176/6. Dane Paterson and Kagiso Rabada maintained the pressure by claiming one wicket each, leaving Pakistan at 212/8 by the time of the Tea break. South Africa swiftly wrapped up the final two wickets shortly after lunch, with Jansen achieving an impressive six-wicket haul and Corbin Bosch adding another to his tally in his debut Test.

Despite having a low total, Pakistan remained resilient, quickly taking three wickets within the first ten overs and setting the stage for a thrilling finish.

After winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, South Africa bowled out Pakistan for 211, with Dane Paterson claiming five wickets and Corbin Bosch impressing on his debut with four wickets. In reply, South Africa scored 301, with Aiden Markram and Corbin Bosch leading the scoring with 89 and 81 runs, respectively.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 211 & 237 all out in 59.4 overs (Saud Shakeel 84, Babar Azam 50; Marco Jansen 6-52, Kagiso Rabada 2-68) leads South Africa 301 & 27/3 in 9 overs (Aiden Markram 22 not out; Mohammad Abbas 2-3, Khurram Shahzad 1-22) by 120 runs