The wickets taken by Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad have kept Pakistan’s hopes alive at the close of Day 3 in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion. With South Africa chasing 148 runs for victory, early breakthroughs by Pakistan’s pacers have ensured a dramatic end to the rain-affected day.
South Africa, requiring 148 runs to solidify their chances of reaching next year’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, suffered a nightmare start to their second innings. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad rattled the Proteas’ top order, reducing them to 27-3 by stumps. Abbas claimed two crucial wickets, while Shahzad dismissed a key batter to bring the visitors back into contention.
The day began with rain washing out the entire first session, leaving Pakistan with limited time to capitalize on their lead. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel resumed with grit in the second session, fending off South Africa’s fiery bowling attack. Both batsmen registered half-centuries, adding a valuable 79-run partnership. However, the momentum shifted as Marco Jansen unleashed a sensational spell, claiming six wickets and reducing Pakistan to 212/8 by Tea.
Pakistan’s innings wrapped up shortly after Tea with a total of 224 runs, thanks to Jansen’s six-wicket haul and Corbin Bosch, who added another scalp to his impressive debut performance. South Africa’s bowlers had set the stage for a relatively straightforward chase, but Pakistan’s pacers had other plans.
Earlier in the Test, South Africa had opted to bowl first and dismissed Pakistan for 211 in the opening innings. Dane Paterson’s five-wicket haul and Bosch’s four wickets dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. In response, South Africa posted 301, led by Aiden Markram’s 89 and Bosch’s impressive 81, giving the hosts a 90-run first-innings lead.
Despite trailing, Pakistan refused to give up. Their bowlers, led by Abbas and Shahzad, launched a spirited fightback in South Africa’s second innings. The Proteas, now at 27-3, face a challenging Day 4 with the pitch offering plenty of assistance to the bowlers.
As the match heads toward a thrilling finish, Pakistan’s hopes rest on their bowlers’ ability to exploit the conditions and keep South Africa at bay. The stage is set for a gripping contest, with both teams vying for a crucial victory in this WTC clash.
