Pakistan's pacers rock South Africa’s top order in Centurion test

Despite half-centuries from Babar and Saud, Pakistan struggled, leaving South Africa needing 148 to win the first Test

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Pakistan’s opening bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad, delivered a fiery spell to leave South Africa struggling at 27-3, still 121 runs short of their target of 148 to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final in England next June.

Abbas, with an impeccable display of swing bowling, claimed 2-3 in four overs, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs. Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton leg-before, adding to the visitors' dominance.

Aiden Markram, South Africa’s top scorer in the first innings, held firm with an unbeaten 22 as the hosts brace for a tense fourth day on a challenging pitch.

Earlier, South Africa’s Marco Jansen took center stage with a stellar 6-52, bundling Pakistan out for 237 in their second innings.

Reflecting on the conditions, Jansen noted the pitch had “quickened up” with inconsistent bounce but remained optimistic, saying, “148 isn’t too much. Once the ball gets older, it gets easier to bat.”

The Pakistan pacers targeted the stumps relentlessly, with all three South African dismissals coming via LBW decisions. De Zorzi, attempting to counter swing by batting outside his crease, reviewed his dismissal but to no avail.

Rickelton departed without scoring, and Stubbs managed just one run before falling to Abbas after a successful Pakistan review.

Rain delayed the start of the day by three hours, but Pakistan showed resilience as Saud Shakeel’s gritty 84 and Babar Azam’s 50 lifted their total.

Babar’s half-century, his first in 19 Test innings, ended when Jansen triggered a collapse, taking three wickets in 14 balls.

Shakeel, the ninth man out, played a crucial knock, striking 10 fours and a six in his 113-ball innings before being undone by a Jansen full toss.

Reflecting on his delivery, Jansen admitted, “I was looking for a yorker. I missed by a shin length.”