South Africa made a commanding start in the Boxing Day Test, as their bowlers skittled Pakistan for just 211 on Day 1 in Centurion, before closing the day at 82 for 3 in response.
Pakistan’s innings began positively, with openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub building a solid 36-run stand. However, the tide quickly turned when debutant Corbin Bosch struck with his very first delivery, dismissing Masood for 17. In the next over, Kyle Verreynne kept up the pressure, sending Ayub packing.
The wickets kept tumbling as Dane Paterson claimed Babar Azam’s scalp, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 41 for 3. Saud Shakeel briefly fought back, hitting three boundaries off Paterson, but his aggression led to his downfall, caught behind off Bosch.
Despite the early collapse, Pakistan found some stability through Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam, who added 81 runs for the fifth wicket. Ghulam brought up his maiden Test fifty, though he was lucky to survive a tough drop on 48. Unfortunately, he couldn’t capitalize, falling to Paterson for 54.
Rizwan, who made 27, was dismissed shortly after, and Pakistan’s lower order struggled. A partnership of 47 between Aamir Jamal and Salman Ali Agha provided brief hope, but both were dismissed quickly, with Paterson claiming his five-wicket haul. Bosch wrapped up Pakistan’s innings by sending Naseem Shah back to the pavilion, leaving them all out for 211.
South Africa’s bowlers, led by Paterson with five wickets and Bosch with four, dominated the day.
In reply, Pakistan struck early with Khurram Shehzad dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton in quick succession. But Aiden Markram stood firm, crafting an unbeaten 47 and sharing a 42-run stand with Tristan Stubbs before Stubbs fell to Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa closed the day at 82 for 3, still 129 runs behind, with Markram anchoring the innings as they aim to chase down Pakistan’s modest total.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE