CENTURION, South Africa: South Africa’s pace attack dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to 211 runs in their first innings of the opening Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Thursday.
The two-match series began with South African bowlers showcasing their dominance, led by Dane Paterson’s five-wicket haul and Corbin Bosch’s four wickets on his Test debut.
South Africa, electing to field first, quickly capitalised on a lively pitch favouring seamers. Pakistan’s batting woes started early as opener Saim Ayub fell for 14, followed by captain Babar Azam’s disappointing return for just 4 runs.
Middle-order batters Shan Masood (17), Saud Shakeel (14), and Salman Ali Agha (18) failed to build significant partnerships.
Kamran Ghulam provided some resistance with a commendable 54, the highest individual score for Pakistan, but his effort wasn’t enough to stabilize the innings.
Contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (27 off 62) and Aamer Jamal (28 off 27) gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope before the lower order collapsed.
The ninth-wicket partnership between Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas pushed Pakistan past the 200-run mark, but Marco Jansen broke the stand, dismissing Shahzad and ending Pakistan’s innings. Naseem Shah departed for a duck.
In response, South Africa faced an early setback as Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad dismissed opener Tony de Zorzi in the third over. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton steadied the innings.
The Centurion pitch, known for its assistance to seamers, shaped the decisions of both teams. Pakistan, opting for an all-seam attack, fielded Mohammad Abbas, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, and Khurram Shahzad.
Abbas made his Test return after three years, while Naseem and Shahzad were back following injuries and omissions from recent series.
South Africa’s bowling lineup, despite injuries to several pacers, featured debutant Corbin Bosch, joining Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Dane Paterson. Bosch’s dream debut saw him claim four crucial wickets.
Pakistan Playing XI
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa Playing XI
Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch.
The first Test continues until December 30, with the second Test scheduled from January 3 to January 7 at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town.
