Bosch stars as South Africa gain upper hand against Pakistan

Corbin Bosch's dream debut continued as he played a key role in South Africa’s first-innings total, helping the hosts take a 90-run lead over Pakistan in the ongoing Test match at Centurion.

Bosch, who earlier took four wickets in Pakistan's first innings, played a brilliant knock with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 81. His performance not only included his maiden half-century but also set a record for the highest score by a No. 9 batter on Test debut. Bosch's knock was critical as South Africa, after a collapse from 178 for 4 to 213 for 8, managed to extend their lead. The 41-run partnership between Bosch and Kagiso Rabada and a 47-run stand between Bosch and Dane Paterson were instrumental in giving the hosts a substantial lead.

Pakistan, in response, lost three wickets and ended the day at 88 for 3, still trailing South Africa’s 301 by two runs. Babar Azam was unbeaten on 16, with Marco Jansen claiming two wickets for 17 runs. 

South Africa’s middle order had some questions over shot selection, but Bosch’s all-round performance helped the team stay ahead. He came to the crease at a crucial time, with South Africa at 191 for 7, and provided much-needed stability. Bosch’s aggressive batting helped relieve pressure, while Rabada played a solid supporting role.

The South African bowlers, despite their earlier struggles in the second innings, found their rhythm after the break. Rabada and Bosch took the new ball, but both were initially off the mark, allowing Pakistan’s openers, Saim Ayub and Shan Masood, to score freely. However, Paterson’s tight bowling built pressure, and Rabada soon found his stride. He dismissed Ayub with a beautiful delivery that hit off-stump, while Jansen took two quick wickets to reduce Pakistan to 74 for 3.

Saud Shakeel struck a few boundaries before bad light brought an early end to the day's play.

As play resumes, Pakistan will need a solid partnership to stay in the game and set a competitive target. South Africa, with Bosch’s all-round brilliance, remain in control with a slender advantage.

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