Pakistan’s bowlers counter South Africa’s attack on an eventful first day

Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led the counterattack, unsettling South Africa’s top order. Shahzad’s double strikes, coupled with Abbas’ late breakthrough, ensured that Pakistan remained firmly in the running despite a challenging day with the bat.

South Africa Dane Paterson and debutant Corbin Bosch played with the ball earlier in the day. Paterson, who was successful at the age of 35, took five wickets for the second time in a row and finished with five for 61 runs. Bosch, who made an impressive Test debut, complemented Paterson superbly by taking four wickets for 63 runs.

Pakistan’s innings briefly encountered resistance from Kamran Ghulam, whose counter-attack of 54 off 71 balls breathed some life into their batting attempts. Ghulam played with purpose and hit boundaries to get back into the swing of things during a Test against the South African bowlers. However, his dismissal marked the start of a rapid collapse as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for just 29 runs.

When South Africa came to bat, the Pakistan bowlers struck early. Shahzad dismissed Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma in quick succession, while Abbas dismissed Aiden Markram late in the day. Proteas captain Heinrich Klaasen remained unbeaten on 27, along with Rassie van der Dussen, who is on 19.

With a well-turfed pitch to provide support for the bowlers, Day 2 promises to be more action-packed as Pakistan look to capitalize on early breakthroughs and South Africa look to build a commanding lead.