1st Test, Centurion, December 26, 2024, 01:30 PM
Pakistan
211/10(57.3ov)
South Africa
82/3(22.0ov)
Day 1: Stumps - SA trail by 129 runs
SA 58%
Tie 0%
PAK 42%
Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Commentry
Right then, that is it from Day 1 of this first Test between South Africa and Pakistan. The hosts trail by 129 runs with 7 wickets in hand. They will look to keep reducing the margin while the visitors will need to make early inroads to make things exciting. Day 2 will begin at 8 am GMT but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
South Africa wasted no time, wrapping up Pakistan's innings in just three balls before taking the field in the last session. The reply started shakily as Khurram Shahzad struck early, removing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton in quick succession. But Aiden Markram, having a good record at this venue, counterattacked with fluent strokes, finding support from Tristan Stubbs until he fell to a Mohammad Abbas delivery that stayed low. Markram remained unbeaten on 47, and along with Temba Bavuma dug in, steering South Africa to Stumps with composure after an action-packed day!
Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam took the fight to the Proteas with a spirited 81-run stand, with Ghulam scoring a gutsy fifty before falling right on the hour, followed quickly by Rizwan. Just when South Africa seemed in control, Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal added a vital 47 runs, and the last-wicket pair's gritty effort pushed Pakistan past 200. Dane Paterson was sensational with a well-deserved fifer, while debutant Corbin Bosch grabbed four wickets. Despite an extended session, the Proteas were left frustrated by the visitors’ remarkable resilience.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Shan Masood, showed grit in the first hour, surviving Kagiso Rabada's probing spell to reach 36/0. But debutant Corbin Bosch turned the tide with his very first delivery, sparking a dramatic collapse as Pakistan tumbled to 56/4, losing four wickets for just 20 runs. South Africa’s disciplined bowling, led by Bosch and Dane Paterson, left the visitors reeling, though Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam fought back with some counterpunching strokes seeing the rest of the session out.
An exhilarating Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test comes to a close! 293 RUNS SCORED, 13 WICKETS FELL! South Africa holds a slight edge, but the game remains finely balanced. The Proteas made excellent use of the conditions with the ball, and Aiden Markram showcased his brilliance with the bat. Pakistan showed glimpses of individual brilliance but will need a more collective effort to truly challenge the hosts. We lost out on a few overs, which was disappointing and with rain forecasted for the next four days, time could play a big factor in this game. Hopefully, the rain stays away and we get to see both teams fight it out for a result with a WTC final spot up for grabs for the Proteas.
In over# 22
0
0
0
0
1
1
Mohammad Abbas 36/1(10)
21.6
.
Hard length, around middle, from over the stumps, Temba Bavuma keeps it down with ease from the front foot. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1!
21.5
.
Good-length delivery, outside the off stump. Temba Bavuma pushes forward and defends it with soft hands, takes the healthy outside edge and goes on the bounce towards the slips.
21.4
.
Full and outside off, goes straight on. Temba Bavuma goes forward and plays it with soft hands and steers it towards point.
21.3
.
Back of a length, on middle. Temba Bavuma tucks it towards square leg.
21.2
1
On a good length, outside off. Aiden Markram drives it towards wide mid on for a single.
21.1
1
Full and on the middle stump, skids on. Temba Bavuma leans on and flicks it towards Kagiso Rabada at mid-wicket. He is off for a quick single and Aiden Markram responds quickly. Temba Bavuma had to scamper there at the end.
In over# 21
0
1
0
0
0
0
Khurram Shahzad 28/2(8)
20.6
.
No run.
20.5
1
Back of a length, around off, Temba Bavuma guides it wide of point for a single from the back foot.
20.4
.
On a good length, around middle and off, angles in, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid on with ease.
20.3
.
Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, shapes away, Temba Bavuma doesn't offer any shot at it.
20.2
.
An appeal for a caught behind by Khurram but there is no support from the keeper and other fielders! Back of a length, down the leg, Temba Bavuma wants to tickle it to fine leg but gets misses it as the ball kisses his thigh pad and goes to the keeper who takes it left to him.
20.1
.
Hard length, around middle and off, shapes away, Temba Bavuma defends it right under his eyes with the straight bat.
In over# 20
0
0
0
0
0
4
1nb
Mohammad Abbas 34/1(9)