Pakistan ended Day 2 of the first Test against South Africa trailing by two runs at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with their second innings facing early setbacks. Upon coming in to bat, Pakistan lost Saim Ayub, who was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada for 28 runs, leaving the team just a run short of the 50-run mark.
Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam added a brief partnership of 21 runs before Masood fell to Marco Jansen, who struck again in the very next over, dismissing Kamran Ghulam for just 4 runs. The match was then delayed due to bad light, and the players returned to the pavilion before the play was officially called off for the day with Pakistan’s score at 88/3.
Earlier, South Africa gained a 90-run lead on Day 2, thanks to a steady 89-run knock from Aiden Markram and a debutant Corbin Bosch’s 81 runs. Markram had been under pressure after a series of low scores but played a solid innings, leaving South Africa 31 runs behind with five wickets remaining in the first innings.
Pakistan bowlers, Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah, each grabbed three wickets, while Aamer Jamal claimed two. Mohammad Abbas took one wicket, and Saim Ayub dismissed the last batter. Pakistan faces significant pressure as they still trail South Africa’s first innings total of 211.
The match is crucial for South Africa, who need to win the series to qualify for the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. They have won their last seven home tests against Pakistan.
