Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad’s exceptional bowling performance late on the third day of the first Test match against South Africa at SuperSport Park left the hosts reeling at 27 for three in pursuit of 148 runs to win on Saturday. Abbas took two wickets for three runs, dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, while Shahzad trapped Ryan Rickelton. Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 22 as South Africa faced a nervous fourth day. The day was marked by three leg before wicket decisions, all of which were reviewed.
The start of the day was delayed by rain, but South Africa seemed on track for victory after Pakistan was bowled out for 237, with Marco Jansen taking six wickets. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 84 runs. Babar Azam and Shakeel added 65 runs before Babar was dismissed for 50, his first half-century in 19 Test innings. Jansen then took three quick wickets, including Shakeel’s, to leave Pakistan in a precarious position.
The tension rose as South Africa began their chase with Abbas and Shahzad ripping through the top order. De Zorzi’s attempt to counter Abbas’ swing came to nought as he was given out leg before wicket after a review. Rickelton and Stubbs quickly followed suit, falling to Shahzad and Abbas respectively. South Africa were faced with a daunting task of chasing down the target with only Markram standing between Pakistan and victory.
The dramatic turn of events on the third day set the stage for an exciting final day’s play as South Africa needed 121 runs to secure a place in the World Test Championship final in England next June. With Pakistan looking to wrap up the match quickly, the pressure was on the South African batsmen to deliver a miraculous win.
Despite the rains disrupting play earlier in the day, the action-packed final session saw Pakistan’s bowlers dominating proceedings and putting the hosts on the back foot. With Abbas and Shahzad leading the charge, Pakistan was within touching distance of a memorable victory against a formidable South African side on their home turf.
As the first Test headed for an enthralling finish, the spotlight was on the South African batsmen to defy the odds and pull off a sensational win. With Pakistan’s bowlers in top form and the pressure mounting, the final day promised to be a thrilling conclusion to what had already been a closely fought encounter between two cricketing giants.
