PAK vs SA: The South Africa vs Pakistan first test match being held at the Centurion currently saw some dip in performance as Pakistan picked three early wickets in an attempt to defend a 147-run target that they set for the Proteas in the first test.
The home team is looking to win at least one of the two tests, as that would give them a clear route of entry into the WTC finals of 2025, which is scheduled to be held at Lord’s.
South Africa had the best start to the match as Kamran Ghulam was the only Pakistan batter to have crossed a milestone of 50 runs, while Pakistan was dismissed for just 211 runs as Corbin Bosch, the debutant, gets a 4-for alongside Dane Paterson, who once again shocked all with his stunning 5-wicket haul.
Aiden Markram, who has often been criticised for his lack of consolidation at the top, as he has been promoted as the Protea opener for red-ball cricket, took some pride in scoring a team-saving 89; the debutant Corbin Bosch also came to their rescue with a brilliant 83, and South Africa was handed a 90-run lead in the first inning.
The second Pakistan inning marked the return of Babar Azam as he scored a 50 in red-ball cricket after a gap of 2 years; however, despite the vice captain Saud Shakeel’s stunning hand, they were bowled out for just 237 runs in their second inning, thus posing a target of just 147 in front of the Proteas.
The Proteas seemed confident until their top order collapsed once again to Pakistan pacers, as Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad were rewarded for their unerring spell. Chasing just 147, the Proteas have already lost their inform Rickleton and Stubbs, while Markram and skipper Bavuma take guard of the innings today at the Centurion in the hope of making their way to the WTC final and retaining the top spot in the points table.
Day 4 is yet to be loaded; what awaits is an exciting day of test cricket, especially for the South African fans.
