CENTURION: Pakistan’s emerging star bowler, Abbas, is on a rampage as he claims his sixth wicket, showing no signs of slowing down in his quest to secure a thrilling victory for his side at Supersport Park on Sunday.
South Africa have resumed play on day four of the first Test against Pakistan, with hosts making efforts to put pressure on the visitors.
With wickets in hand, the hosts are looking to build a solid partnership and take control of the game in what promises to be an exciting day of Test cricket.
The visitors are also doing everything to break through, aiming to exploit any weaknesses and seize control of the game. With the match hanging in the balance, Pakistan’s bowlers are key to shifting momentum and taking advantage of any opportunity that arises.
Earlier, Pakistan’s pacers made a strong impact on Day Three of the first test at Supersport Park, leaving South Africa at 27/3 in their run chase of 148.
The hosts were rocked by two early wickets in the first five overs of their second innings.
Opening batter Tony de Zorzi fell for just two, followed by Ryan Rickelton who was dismissed for a duck.
End of the third day’s play: Pakistan set South Africa a target of 148 after scoring 237 in second innings. South Africa close day three at 27/3 in 9 overs. 🏏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/bEZMw2qtuP
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 28, 2024
Tristan Stubbs came to bat, but he was unable to pick up Mohammad Abbas’s magical delivery and was dismissed LBW for just one.
At the end of Day Three, South Africa stood at 27/3 after 9 overs, with Aiden Markram (22*) and skipper Temba Bavuma (0*) at the crease.
The Proteas will resume their batting tomorrow with 121 runs more to win the first match.
Tea break in Centurion ☕️
Pakistan are 212-8 with Saud Shakeel (66*) and Khurram Shahzad (2*) at the crease. 🏏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/jeLdEWfYZZ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 28, 2024
After the washout of the morning session due to constant rain, Pakistan resumed their second innings in the second session, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel at the crease.
The pair provided a crucial 79-run stand for the fourth wicket, offering some stability to Pakistan’s innings.
Babar managed to score a half-century off 85 balls but was dismissed by Marco Jansen leading to the collapse of the visitor’s batting line-up.
Jansen’s fiery spell saw Mohammad Rizwan (3) and Agha Salman (1) dismissed quickly, leaving Pakistan at 158/6.
Pacers bag early wickets as Pakistan set the stage for a thrilling finish in Centurion 🙌#SAvPAK 📝: https://t.co/fOyfJCu40b | #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/FgOoAN6MIR
— ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2024
Saud Shakeel, however, stood firm and was joined briefly by Aamer Jamal, who added 18 before falling to a sharp bouncer from Dane Paterson. Pakistan found themselves struggling at 208/7 in 49.5 overs.
Kagiso Rabada put further pressure, dismissing Naseem Shah for a duck in the post-tea session. Pakistan ended the session at 212/8, with a lead of 122 runs.
Saud Shakeel’s resistance was finally broken by Jansen who scored 84 runs. Pakistan’s innings came to a close at 237 all out in 59.4 overs, leaving South Africa with a target of 148 runs to win.
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Marco Jansen was the outstanding bowler for South Africa, with impressive figures of 6/42. Rabada grabbed two wickets, while Paterson and debutant Corbin Bosch chipped in with one wicket each.
Earlier, South Africa responded to Pakistan’s 211 in their first innings with a solid performance, posting a commanding 301/7 in 73.4 overs.
