Pakistan bowlers counter South Africa’s charge on eventful first day

Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led the fight, troubling South Africa’s top order. Shahzad’s twin strikes, coupled with Abbas’ late breakthrough, ensured Pakistan remained firmly in contention despite a challenging day with the bat.

South Africa Dane Paterson and newcomer Corbin Bosch starred with the ball earlier in the day. Paterson, thriving at the age of 35, claimed his second consecutive five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of five for 61. Bosch, making a stunning Test debut, complemented Paterson brilliantly by picking up four wickets for 63 runs.

Pakistan’s innings met with brief resistance from Kamran Ghulam, whose counter-attacking 54 off 71 balls injected some life into their batting effort. Ghulam played with intentional and surprising boundaries to fight the momentum during a test phase against the South African bowlers. However, his dismissal marked the beginning of a rapid collapse, with Pakistan losing their last five wickets for just 29 runs.

When South Africa came out to bat, Pakistan’s bowlers attacked early. Shahzad withdrew Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in quick succession, while Abbas dismissed Aiden Markram late in the day. Proteas captain Heinrich Klaasen remained unbeaten on 27th, joined by Rassie van der Dussen, who is on 19th.

With a well-oiled pitch offering assistance to the bowlers, Day 2 promises more action as Pakistan look to capitalize on early gains and South Africa aim to build a commanding lead.