The first day of the first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa in Centurion had enough quality and entertainment in it to the keep the spectators interested for the entire day.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 181 in their first innings, after skipper Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat first.

South Africa pacer Dale Steyn became his country top wicket-taker in Test matches — surpassing Shaun Pollock — while Duanne Olivier claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.

Middle-order batsman Babar Azam gave Pakistan some hope with a scintillating knock of 71 runs.

In response, the home side were 112-5 at close of play and still trail Pakistan by 54 runs.

Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed two wickets each for the visitors.

Lets take a look at the major talking points of the day.    

Sarfraz’s bold decision to bat first

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed took a bold decision to bat first after winning the toss — despite the grass on the pitch and a potent South Africa bowling attack.

The visitors lost seven wickets with less than 100 runs on the board and had it not been for Babar Azam’s solid 71-run knock, Pakistan would have ended up with a much lower total.

While the pitch offered some pace and bounce and made life difficult for the Pakistan batsmen but that does not, in any way, take credit away from the way the Proteas pacers bowled.

The pace trio of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier consistently bowled a great channel and induced false shots from the Pakistan batsmen.  

The morning session was always going to be a difficult one — where Pakistan failed to outperform their opponents — and Sarfraz will have to bear the brunt of his decision to bat first. He would be hoping that his bowlers can turn things around before the situation gets even worse.   

Babar Azam reigns supreme

Pakistan middle-order batsman Babar Azam played a wonderful knock of 71 runs and it was unfortunate that he did not go on to register three figures — bearing in mind the quality of the innings.

Such was the impact of the innings that even commentator Mark Nicholas praised him with great words. 

"This is batting of the highest quality, it could be Kohli or it could be de Villiers, such is the command," he said.

On two occasions, he smacked Dale Steyn for four fours in a single over, leaving the highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Tests high and dry.

Azam’s 79-ball knock included 15 fours and gave Pakistan’s total some respectability — having lost seven wickets for just 96 runs on the board.

The right-handed batsman remained in complete control throughout the innings and his counter-attacking innings put the daunting Proteas bowling attack on the back foot, if only for a short while.

Bowlers keep Pakistan in the hunt

After being dismissed for a modest total of 181 runs, the onus was on the visiting bowlers to help their team recover lost ground — which they did.

Like their South African counterparts, the Pakistan pacers also did damage with the new ball — reducing South Africa to 43-4 at one point.

Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi were all amongst the wickets.

Pakistan would be happy to see the likes of Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla and captain Faf du Plessis back in the hut as they were all capable of scoring big and taking the game away from Pakistan.

Sarfraz and company would be hoping that they can pick up the remaining wickets as quickly as possible, without conceding a hefty first innings lead. The morning session on day two would be of pivotal importance for both sides.