Tags: South Africa Pakistan Tour, 2024-25, South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st Test at Centurion, 26-30 December 2024, South Africa, Pakistan
Posted on: December 27, 2024
Scorecard | Commentary | graph
On the first day of the opening Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park, both teams played some exciting cricket as they exchanged fierce blows. With Pakistan’s batting line-up rocked for 211, the country’s bowlers retaliated strongly to leave the hosts at 82 for 3 by the stumps on Thursday.
Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas were at the forefront of the counterattack, destabilizing South Africa’s top order. Two strikes from Shahzad and a late breakthrough from Abbas ensured that Pakistan remained firmly in contention despite a tough day with the bat.
south african Dane Patterson and debutant Corbin Bosh Starred with the ball earlier today. Patterson, flourishing at the age of 35, took his second successive five-wicket haul to finish at number five for 61. Bosch, who made an influential Test debut, complemented Patterson well by taking four wickets for 63 runs.
Pakistan’s innings found short resistance from Kamran Ghulam. Kamran Ghulam’s counter-attack revitalized the batting effort as he scored 54 off 71 balls. Ghulam hit boundaries and played deliberately to regain momentum in the Test phase against the South African bowlers. But his dismissal marked the beginning of a rapid collapse, with Pakistan losing their last five wickets for just 29 runs.
When South Africa came out to bat, Pakistan’s bowlers attacked early. Shahzad eliminated Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in quick succession, while Abbas fired Aiden Markram later in the day. Proteas captain Heinrich Klaasen continued his unbeaten run on the 27th and partnered Rassie van der Dussen on the 19th.
With a well-grassed pitch to help the bowlers, Day 2 promises more action as Pakistan look to capitalize on an early breakthrough and South Africa aim to build a commanding lead.
