Centurion: Pakistan is trail by 90 runs lead in second innings against South Africa in first test of two-match series here at Centurion.
The host all out at 301 runs setting lead of 90 runs over Pakistan.
The Centurion pitch, which began to flatten out, offered little assistance to Pakistan’s bowlers, who struggled for much of the session to apply consistent pressure.
Pakistan opened the day with Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas, but aside from some early movement from Naseem, the bowlers failed to pose a significant challenge to the South African batsmen.
Loose deliveries allowed the run rate to flow steadily, and Pakistan’s attack lacked the sharpness needed to trouble the batters consistently.
Debutant all-rounder Corbin Bosch scored an unbeaten half-century to propel South Africa to a handy 90-run lead on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan here at the Super Sport Park on Friday.
The right-handed batter dominated spirited Pakistan’s bowling attack, who were fueled with momentum after reducing the home side to 213/8.
Bosch turned the tide back in the hosts’ favour as he pushed their total past the 300-run mark with an unbeaten 81 off just 93 deliveries and comprised of 15 boundaries.
He was involved in one-sided partnerships with tailenders Kagiso Rabada (13) and Dane Paterson (12), who also made vital contributions at the backend.
Pakistan forced a comeback in the early phase of the eventful second session as the touring side took three wickets in quick succession including the prized scalp of Aiden Markram.
Markam remained the top-scorer for the Proteas with a gritty 89, studded with 15 boundaries.
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah took three wickets each, while Aamir Jamal bagged two. Returning Mohammad Abbas and Saim Ayub shared two between them.
Earlier in the day, Markram and Bavuma resumed South Africa’s response to Pakistan’s 211 and frustrated the touring side’s bowlers with a cautious stand.
The duo added 70 runs for the fourth wicket until Aamir Jamal got rid of the South African captain, who made a significant contribution with his 31-run knock.
Markram was then involved in another important partnership for the hosts when he added 42 runs for the fifth wicket with David Bedingham.
The middle-order dominated the stand with his brisk 30 off 33 deliveries before falling victim to Naseem Shah.
South Africa could add two more runs to their total before the Lunch and were 180/5 in 46 overs, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 81.
For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad bagged two wickets, while Mohammad Abbas, Jamal and Naseem shared three between them.
