Mohammad Abbas has turned the tables for Pakistan, bringing his team within reach of a landmark win in the first Test against South Africa. His stellar performance, claiming six wickets, left South Africa in shambles at 116 for eight by lunch on Day 4. Pakistan now requires only two more wickets, while the hosts need an additional 32 runs to pull off a thrilling victory.
South Africa’s chase of 148 runs began disastrously, with Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad wreaking havoc on their top order. By stumps on Day 3, the Proteas had slumped to 27-3, thanks to Abbas’s two early breakthroughs and Shahzad’s crucial dismissal of a key batter. The early breakthroughs have placed Pakistan in a commanding position, with Abbas continuing his dominance into Day 4.
The fourth day began with a delayed start due to rain, washing out the entire first session. Despite the reduced time, Pakistan capitalized on their momentum when play resumed. Earlier, Pakistan’s second innings saw a spirited effort from Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel, who added a vital 79-run partnership after resuming on Day 3. Both batsmen scored half-centuries, stabilizing the innings against South Africa’s fiery pace attack.
However, Marco Jansen turned the tide with a sensational bowling performance, claiming six wickets and reducing Pakistan to 212/8 by Tea. The visitors managed to add just 12 more runs after Tea, ending their innings at 224. Jansen’s six-wicket haul and Corbin Bosch’s valuable contributions marked a strong showing by South Africa’s bowlers, setting the stage for what seemed like a manageable chase.
In the first innings, South Africa had opted to bowl and dismissed Pakistan for 211. Dane Paterson’s five-wicket haul and Bosch’s four wickets dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. The Proteas responded strongly, scoring 301 runs, led by Aiden Markram’s 89 and Bosch’s remarkable 81 on debut, earning a 90-run first-innings lead.
Despite the deficit, Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion, launching a spirited fightback. Abbas and Shahzad exploited the conditions expertly, leaving South Africa’s batting order in tatters during their second innings.
As the match nears a dramatic conclusion, Pakistan’s bowlers hold the key to securing a vital victory in this ICC World Test Championship clash. With both teams fighting tooth and nail, cricket fans are in for an edge-of-the-seat finale.
