South Africa had the better of Day 1 in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at Centurion, thanks to impressive bowling from Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch. After Pakistan were all out for 211, South Africa reached 82/3 by the end of the day, still trailing by 129 runs but in a strong position.

The day started with some excellent bowling from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, but Pakistan’s openers, Shan Masood and Saim Ayub, survived the early pressure. The first breakthrough came when debutant Bosch bowled a loose ball outside off-stump. Masood, eager to score, played at it and was caught by Jansen at third slip without scoring.

Paterson and Bosch then took control. Paterson got Saim to edge a ball for just 14, and Babar Azam, returning to the side, was dismissed cheaply when he also edged a ball to slip.

Pakistan’s middle order then started to fight back. Saud Shakeel tried to be aggressive but was out for just 14 after gloving a hook shot to the keeper.

Despite South Africa's strong start, Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan put together a partnership worth 81 runs. Ghulam scored a solid 54, but he was eventually caught at fine leg off Paterson. Rizwan was dismissed soon off Bosch.

Pakistan’s tail did their best to resist, With Aamer Jamal adding some valuable runs. But Paterson and Bosch took quick wickets, and Pakistan were all out for 211. Bosch took the key wicket of Jamal, while Paterson dismissed Agha. 

When South Africa came to bat, Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad produced some quality bowling, removing Ryan Rickleton and Tony de Zorzi early on. South Africa were 24/2 and under pressure, but Aiden Markram played confidently, finishing the day unbeaten on 47.

At stumps, South Africa were 129 runs behind Pakistan, but with seven wickets in hand, they will feel they are in control of the match.

Paterson (5/61) and Bosch (4/63) were the standout performers for South Africa. 

Teams:

South Africa (Playing XI): Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson

Pakistan (Playing XI): Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas