PAK vs SA 1st Test: Khurram Shahzad shines as Markram steadies South Africa after day of fast bowling drama

Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion, delivered thrilling cricket, with 13 wickets falling as both teams relied on pace-heavy attacks. At stumps, South Africa reached 82/3, trailing Pakistan by 129 runs. Aiden Markram spearheaded the hosts’ counterattack with an unbeaten 47 off 67 balls, while skipper Temba Bavuma held firm at 4 off 23 deliveries.

South Africa began their innings chasing 211, a total Pakistan managed after a spirited lower-order fightback. The hosts stumbled early as Khurram Shahzad rattled their top order. Shahzad struck in the opening moments, dismissing Tony de Zorzi with a sharp in-swinger that uprooted the middle stump.

Markram looked in fine form, punishing any wayward deliveries and keeping South Africa in contention. However, Shahzad struck again, removing Ryan Rickelton, who edged a good-length delivery to Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan’s diving catch to his left was one of the highlights of the day.

Tristan Stubbs, fresh off excellent form, was unlucky to fall lbw for 9 off 28 balls, trapped by a sharply turning delivery. Markram and Bavuma ensured no further damage, stabilizing the innings as South Africa ended the day three wickets down.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan were sent in to bat after losing the toss. Openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub started cautiously, showing resilience before the drinks break. However, South Africa’s pace attack dismantled the batting lineup soon after.

Corbin Bosch struck on his maiden Test delivery, removing Masood. Dane Paterson, maintaining pressure from the other end, claimed crucial wickets as Pakistan slumped to 56/4.

The visitors found stability through an 81-run partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan. Ghulam played a composed knock, while Rizwan showcased his trademark grit. Salman Agha (11) and Aamer Jamal (28) added valuable runs in the middle order, while tailenders Khurram Shahzad (11) and Mohammad Abbas (10*) chipped in late contributions to push Pakistan to 211.

South Africa’s bowlers were instrumental in restricting Pakistan to a modest total. Dane Paterson led the charge with a five-wicket haul, ably supported by Corbin Bosch, who claimed four wickets on debut. Marco Jansen picked up one wicket, while Kagiso Rabada bowled economically but went wicketless.