South Africa gained a firm grip on the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion on day two, despite a determined fightback from the visitors.
Pakistan, chasing a 90-run deficit, finished the day at 88 for 3, still trailing by just two runs. South Africa’s debutant Corbin Bosch played a key role, scoring an unbeaten 81 and taking 4 wickets for 63, as his all-round performance handed his team the advantage.
Earlier, Bosch’s 81 not out from number nine helped South Africa to 301, while Aiden Markram contributed a solid 89, setting a strong foundation for their lead.
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Pakistan kept themselves in the contest with key wickets in the morning session, dismissing Temba Bavuma (31) and David Bedingham (30). However, with the breakthrough of Saim Ayub (28) and quick wickets of Shan Masood (28) and Kamran Ghulam (4), Pakistan found themselves under pressure at 70 for 3.
Babar Azam (16 not out) and Saud Shakeel (8 not out) steadied the innings, reaching 88 before bad light halted play. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Bosch and Rabada, put Pakistan on the back foot, making a win in the series crucial for both teams, with South Africa eyeing a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.
