Regular wickets keep Pakistan on top despite Bavuma’s resistance

Pakistan’s disciplined bowling claimed three wickets in the first session of day three which kept the Men in Green on top despite the resistance of batsman Temba Bavuma, who has survived a staunch test of his abilities so far, during the second Test on Thursday.

South Africa ended the first session with a score of 188 for the loss of seven wickets in 60 overs. Three wickets fell in the session in 32 overs at the expense of 82 runs. Pakistan currently have a lead of 84 runs.

While three wickets in the first session might have been admirable in most conditions, two let-offs that occurred because of Pakistan’s insistence on not reviewing the decisions hurt the overall impact of a fine display of bowling on day three.

The Proteas had ended day two with a swift counterattack from skipper Quinton de Kock which resulted in a score of 106 for the loss of four wickets along with a deficit of 166 runs to overcome on day three.

Many expected De Kock to come out swinging but fast-bowler Shaheen Shah had other ideas and removed the opposition’s skipper early to stamp Pakistan’s authority on the match. The hard-hitting batsman had scored 29 runs off 20 deliveries before being bowled by the young pacer.

Spinner Nauman Ali then caught Temba Bavuma on the pads however the umpire adjudged it not-out. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan convinced captain Babar Azam that the ball would have missed leg stump and a review was not taken only for replays to show that the decision would have been reversed in case it had been sent upstairs.

Temba Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder then set out to resist the attacking Pakistan bowlers. The duo seemed to be building towards a substantial partnership before an ill-advised second run and a good throw from fielder Shaheen Shah resulted in Mulder’s dismissal. The batsman had managed 33 runs off 83 deliveries before his unfortunate departure.

All-rounder George Linde tried to fend off an awkward bouncer from fast-bowler Hasan Ali. The ball carried to Mohammad Rizwan and Hasan started appealing for a caught behind only for the wicketkeeper to point out that the ball had hit the batsman’s shoulders and the umpire's decision was not referred. Replays however showed that the ball had hit the gloves on its way to the keeper and South Africa had received another reprieve.

Linde however could not build on this chance as he was bowled by a slower delivery cleverly executed by Hasan Ali after the batsman had scored a run-a-ball 21.

Bavuma remained unbeaten at the end of the first session after scoring 36 runs off 116 deliveries. 

Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah picked up one wicket each to provide Pakistan the edge in the first session of day three of the second Test.