Win Projections to be updated soon
1st Test, Centurion, December 26, 2024, 01:30 PM
Pakistan
211/10(57.3ov) & 88/3(22.0ov)
South Africa
301/10(73.4ov)
Day 2: Stumps - PAK trail by 2 runs
SA 69%
Tie 0%
PAK 31%
Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Commentry
Right then, that is it from an entertaining Day 2 of this first Test. South Africa will be the happier side going into the 'Moving Day', but Pakistan also had good moments and will not go down without a fight. Day 3 will begin at 8 am GMT, but you can join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!
The Pakistani openers came out with intent in their second outing, quickly cutting down the deficit with confident strokes. But Kagiso Rabada produced a gem to dismiss Saim Ayub, followed by Shan Masood falling to Jansen after another promising start. Babar Azam endured a nervy phase, surviving a few close calls, while Marco Jansen struck to remove Kamran Ghulam, turning up the heat on the visitors. Yet, Saud Shakeel and Babar steadied the ship with grit and determination, bringing the trail down to just 2 runs before bad light intervened.
Pakistan began the second session brightly, with Naseem Shah striking early to dismiss Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen. However, they failed to maintain the pressure as South Africa turned the tables. Aiden Markram fell agonizingly short of a century, dismissed for 89 by Khurram Shahzad at a critical juncture. Yet, Corbin Bosch stole the show, playing a sensational unbeaten knock of 81 and rallying the tail to extend South Africa’s lead to a commanding 90 runs. Pakistan missed a golden opportunity to limit the damage, leaving the hosts firmly in control of the match.
South Africa dominated the morning session, heading into Lunch at a commanding 180/5, trailing by just 31 runs. Aiden Markram was the star, crafting a composed fifty and standing tall against Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling. He shared a crucial 70-run stand with Temba Bavuma before Aamer Jamal struck to dismiss the skipper for 31. David Bedingham added a brisk 30 off 33 balls, but his dismissal just before Lunch frustrated the hosts. Pakistan’s bowlers lacked the spark of Day 1, with Khurram Shahzad notably underused, possibly due to a niggle. Markram, unbeaten and in sublime touch, saw the rest of the session out along with Kyle Verreynne.
Well, it did not take long for the official confirmation to come in! IT IS STUMPS ON DAY 2! Session Summary - 88 runs and 3 wickets in 22 overs! Despite not getting full overs on both days, this game has moved at a rapid pace. South Africa have a slight advantage going into the 'Moving Day' where their bowlers will hope to turn the game completely in their favour. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to bat extremely well to turn the 2-run deficit into a significant target for the hosts.
Hold on! What is going on here? The umpires have taken out the light meter, and they are taking a reading. It looks like they are not satisfied that there is sufficient light for the play to continue here. The players are making their way out of the ground and it is a bit disappointing to once again lose overs and time on this Test. However, it is still not officially Stumps, but with not much time left, it is unlikely we get more action.
In over# 22
0
0
0
4
0
0
Dane Paterson 19/0(8)
21.6
.
Overpitched and on middle, Babar Azam drills it towards mid on.
21.5
.
Goes fuller and on middle, angling in, Babar Azam steps across and flicks it away nicely. Tony de Zorzi at mid-wicket dives to his right to make a good stop.
21.4
.
Hard length and outside off, shaping away, Babar Azam leaves it alone.
21.3
4
FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and outside off. Babar Azam gets the chance to free his arms and cuts it away between point and gully for a boundary. The deficit is down to just 2 runs now!
21.2
.
Full again and on off, Babar Azam steps across and knocks it to the left of the bowler.
21.1
.
Fuller one and on off, Babar Azam pushes it to short covers.
In over# 21
0
4
0
4
1
0
Marco Jansen 17/2(4)
20.6
.
Marco Jansen bangs this one short and around off, takes off quite a bit, Saud Shakeel leaves it alone.
20.5
4
FOUR! Lovely shot! Overpitched and on off, Saud Shakeel leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers for another boundary. He holds the pose for the cameras as well. Pakistan trail by just 6 runs now!
20.4
.
Loose shot! Short of a length and outside off, Saud Shakeel slashes at it but misses due to the extra bounce.
20.3
4
FOUR! Up and over! Marco Jansen goes full and wide outside off. Saud Shakeel accepts the width on offer and throws his hands at it slicing it over point for a boundary.
20.2
1
Hard length and on off, angling in, Babar Azam works it off inner half of the bat to the leg side for a single. Pakistan trail by 14 runs now!
20.1
.
BEATEN! Marco Jansen hits the good length and on off, holds its line, Babar Azam has a tentative push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.