Pakistan Bowlers Fight Back After Tough Start in First Test Against South Africa
The opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion, showcased dramatic cricket as Pakistan’s bowlers staged a late comeback after the tourists were bowled out for 211.
South Africa ended the day at 82 for 3, with Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas, keeping their team in contention after a challenging day with the bat.
Pakistan’s Struggles with the Bat
Winning the toss and electing to field, South Africa’s bowlers took charge early, with debutant Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up.
- Dane Paterson: Delivered a remarkable performance, taking 5 for 61 in 16 overs.
- Corbin Bosch: Enjoyed a dream debut, picking up 4 for 63 in 15 overs, including a wicket with his very first ball in Test cricket.
Key Moments in Pakistan’s Innings:
- Shan Masood’s Dismissal: Bosch struck with his first delivery, having Masood caught at third slip by Marco Jansen, becoming the 25th player to take a wicket with their first Test ball.
- Top-Order Collapse: Paterson quickly removed Ayub (14) and Babar Azam (4), as Pakistan slumped to 54 for 4 before lunch.
- Kamran Ghulam’s Fightback: The middle-order batter scored a fighting 54 off 71 balls, adding an 81-run stand with Mohammad Rizwan (27) for the fifth wicket.
- Rapid Decline: Pakistan lost three wickets for no runs, with Aamer Jamal, Salman Agha, and Naseem Shah dismissed in quick succession.
- Tail-End Resistance: Khurram Shahzad (9) and Mohammad Abbas (10) added a vital unbeaten 20-run partnership for the final wicket, frustrating South Africa’s bowlers.
South Africa’s Response
South Africa’s innings got off to a shaky start as Pakistan’s bowlers hit back:
- Khurram Shahzad struck twice, removing Dean Elgar (24) and Aiden Markram (14).
- Mohammad Abbas dismissed Rassie van der Dussen (4) late in the day, leaving South Africa at 82 for 3 at stumps.
Bosch Shines on Debut
Corbin Bosch’s inclusion in South Africa’s side came as a response to injuries among their regular fast bowlers, and the 30-year-old seized the opportunity. Playing on his home ground, Bosch took four crucial wickets, including:
- Shan Masood: First-ball dismissal, caught at third slip.
- Saud Shakeel: Caught behind after a successful DRS review.
- Aamer Jamal and Naseem Shah: Quick dismissals after lunch, further denting Pakistan’s innings.
Paterson’s Masterclass
Dane Paterson provided consistent breakthroughs and demonstrated excellent control throughout the day, claiming a five-wicket haul and dismissing key players at crucial moments, including:
- Kamran Ghulam (54): Ending the promising fifth-wicket stand.
- Mohammad Rizwan (27): Edging to second slip to halt Pakistan’s recovery.
What’s Next?
With South Africa holding a slender upper hand at the end of Day 1, Day 2 promises to be pivotal. Pakistan’s bowlers will aim to exploit the conditions and limit South Africa’s lead, while the hosts will look to build a commanding total.
The match remains finely poised as both sides battle for dominance in Centurion.
