Tags: Pakistan tour of South Africa, 2024-25,
South Africa v Pakistan, 1st Test at Centurion, 26-30/12/2024.,
South Africa,
Pakistan
Published: December 27, 2024
The first day of the opening Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the SuperSport Park provided some riveting cricket as both teams traded fierce shots. After Pakistan's batting line-up collapsed for 211, their bowlers fought back strongly to leave the hosts at 82 for three at stumps on Thursday.
Pakistan's Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led the fightback, troubling South Africa's top order. Shahzad's double strikes, along with Abbas's late breakthrough, ensured Pakistan stayed firmly in contention despite a challenging day with the bat.
of South Africa Dane Patterson and debutant Corbin Bosch played with the ball earlier in the day. Patterson, advancing at the age of 35, notched up his second consecutive five-wicket haul, finishing with five for 61. Bosch, making an impressive Test debut, complemented Patterson brilliantly by picking up four wickets for 63 runs.
Pakistan's innings found brief resistance in Kamran Ghulam, whose counter-attack of 54 off 71 balls injected some life into their batting. Ghulam played with intent, hitting boundaries to regain momentum during the Test phase against the South African bowlers. However, 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 struck early. Shahzad replaced Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in quick succession, while Abbas replaced Aiden Markram late in the day. Proteas captain Heinrich Klaasen remained unbeaten on 27, with partner Rassie van der Dussen on 19.
With a good grass pitch offering help to the bowlers, Day 2 promises more action as Pakistan look to capitalize on early breakthroughs and South Africa aim to build a commanding lead.