Centurion, December 27, 2024 – Day 2 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park witnessed intense action and dramatic shifts before bad light prematurely ended the day’s play. South Africa concluded the day with a slender advantage, leaving the visitors struggling to gain a foothold in the match.
Starting their second innings with a 90-run deficit, Pakistan faced an early setback as Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell dismissed Saim Ayub for 28. The young opener’s dismissal left Pakistan at 49/1, just shy of the 50-run mark. Shan Masood and Babar Azam attempted to steady the innings with a brief 21-run stand, but Marco Jansen struck to send the skipper back to the pavilion, putting South Africa firmly in control.
Jansen continued his impressive form by removing Kamran Ghulam for just four runs, leaving Pakistan reeling at 88/3. With two runs still required to erase the deficit, play was halted due to poor light, and match officials later called off the remainder of the day’s action.
Earlier in the day, South Africa built on their overnight score of 82/3, with Aiden Markram leading the charge. Markram’s composed 89 was a crucial knock for the hosts, particularly as he faced scrutiny following a series of low scores. His partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma added 54 runs, but Bavuma fell for 31 after edging a delivery from Aamer Jamal.
Corbin Bosch’s debut innings of 81 off 93 balls was a standout performance, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers. Bosch, alongside Dane Paterson, added valuable runs before South Africa were eventually bowled out for 301. Mohammad Abbas and Saim Ayub claimed wickets in the lower order to limit the damage.
Pakistan’s bowlers showed moments of brilliance, particularly Naseem Shah, whose extra bounce dismissed the aggressive David Bedingham for 30. However, the lack of consistent breakthroughs allowed South Africa to maintain control.
South Africa’s formidable home record against Pakistan adds extra pressure on the visitors. The hosts need to secure a series win to keep their hopes alive for the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
As the match progresses, Pakistan will need a significant effort from their middle order to counter South Africa’s fiery pace attack. With the home side leading the series stakes, the third day promises high-stakes action.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch.
