Centurion witnessed a gripping day of cricket as South Africa tightened their grip on the first Test against Pakistan, despite a spirited fightback from the visitors.
Pakistan, chasing a 90-run first-innings deficit, ended day two at 88 for 3, still trailing by two runs, after South Africa’s debutant Corbin Bosch starred with both bat and ball to hand his team the advantage.
Earlier, Bosch’s remarkable 81 not out from number nine propelled South Africa to a first-innings total of 301 in reply to Pakistan’s 211.
Bosch, with a first-class batting average above 40, smashed 15 boundaries in his 93-ball innings and shared crucial lower-order stands—41 with Kagiso Rabada (13) and 47 with Dane Paterson (12).
His innings followed impressive bowling figures of 4 for 63, making him the standout performer of the day.
Aiden Markram also played a pivotal role for the hosts, scoring a composed 89 before being the eighth man out with South Africa just two runs ahead.
Markram’s chanceless innings, coming under pressure after a series of low scores, laid the foundation for South Africa’s lead.
Pakistan managed to keep themselves in the contest with key strikes in the morning session, dismissing captain Temba Bavuma (31) and David Bedingham (30).
With South Africa resuming at 82 for 3 overnight, Markram and Bavuma extended their partnership to 54 runs before Aamer Jamal’s delivery found Bavuma’s edge, resulting in a catch behind.
Bedingham, meanwhile, fell to Naseem Shah’s extra bounce, edging to Kamran Ghulam in the slips. Despite Pakistan’s efforts, Markram’s innings ensured the hosts maintained the upper hand by lunch, trailing by just 31 runs with five wickets in hand.
South Africa’s bowlers capitalized on the lead, with Kagiso Rabada delivering the first breakthrough in Pakistan’s second innings.
He bowled Saim Ayub for 28, breaking a promising opening partnership of 49 between Ayub and captain Shan Masood.
Then, Marco Jansen struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Shan (28) and Kamran Ghulam (4), leaving Pakistan at 70 for 3.
Babar Azam (16 not out) and Saud Shakeel (8 not out) steadied the innings, taking the score to 88 before bad light forced an early end to the day.
Pakistan’s struggles were compounded by the need to erase the deficit while facing relentless pressure from South Africa’s attack.
The day undoubtedly belonged to South Africa, with Bosch’s all-round performance shining through.
The hosts, seeking to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June, remain firmly in control.
A win in this two-match series would assure South Africa a place in the final, adding to the intensity of the contest. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need a significant effort on day four to turn the tide in their favor.
1735283394-0/sidra--(9)1735283394-0-270x192.webp "passenger overboard from norwegian cruise search called off")
1720030784-0/Smog-free-Lahore-(14)1720030784-0-270x192.webp "country s first ever smog tower installed")
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ