Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas shine as Pakistan hopes to defend 148

The first Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion is delicately poised, with South Africa at 27 for 3, still needing 121 runs to win and secure a spot in the 2023-25 World Test Championship final. Pakistan set a target of 148 after being bowled out for 237, and though South Africa's chase seemed comfortable initially, Pakistan's bowlers fought back strongly in the evening session.

Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad put in precise and probing spells of medium-fast bowling, reaping rewards with timely breakthroughs. Abbas was particularly effective, striking Tony de Zorzi with a sharp delivery that jagged back into the batter. Pakistan’s reviews were far more successful in this innings, overturning two lbw calls. Shahzad, coming around the wicket, hit Ryan Rickleton on the front pad, earning a successful review, and later trapped Tristan Stubbs lbw after an excellent delivery.

Earlier in the day, Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul had put South Africa in control, as Pakistan failed to capitalize on a promising start. After a rain delay wiped out the morning session, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel shared a partnership of 79 for the fourth wicket. Babar reached his first Test half-century in nearly two years, but his dismissal to deep point broke Pakistan's momentum. Shakeel continued to bat well, scoring 84 and pushing Pakistan’s lead past 100, but South Africa’s bowlers quickly dismantled the tail. Jansen and Rabada were pivotal in cleaning up the lower order, and Shakeel's dismissal to a knee-high full toss ended Pakistan’s innings.

Despite the late setbacks, Pakistan’s bowlers have ensured South Africa’s chase will not be easy, keeping the match finely balanced heading into day four.

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