South Africa’s pace attack dismantled Pakistan’s top order, leaving the visitors struggling at 88/4 on the opening day of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
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Dane Paterson and debutant Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets each, making early inroads. Saim Ayub (14), Babar Azam (4), Shan Masood (17), and Saud Shakeel (14) were dismissed cheaply after Pakistan elected to bat.
South Africa, eyeing a spot in the World Test Championship final, opted to bowl first on a pitch traditionally favoring seamers. Captain Temba Bavuma justified the decision: “The new ball offers plenty of movement here.”
Corbin Bosch, making his Test debut, joined an all-seam attack with Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Paterson. Injuries to key bowlers gave Bosch his opportunity.
Pakistan also fielded an all-pace lineup, with Mohammad Abbas returning after three years and Naseem Shah rejoining the squad. Captain Shan Masood emphasized the importance of a strong first-innings score: “Conditions favor seamers, but there’s value for shots.”
The Proteas’ XI remains unchanged from their earlier announcement, while Pakistan brought back Babar Azam and debutant Khurram Shahzad after recent absences.
Playing XIs Pakistan: Shan Masood (capt), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch
South Africa needs at least one win in this two-match series to stay in contention for the World Test Championship final. The pitch and early bowling performance suggest the Proteas are well-positioned to challenge Pakistan.
