Day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion presented an exciting contest as the hosts finished firmly in the lead. Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled to cope with South Africa's disciplined bowling, being bowled out for 211 in their first innings. Dan Paterson he delivered a remarkable performance, claiming five wickets, while Corbin Bosch he gave excellent support with four scalps. South Africa responded with confidence, ending the day at 82/3, with Aiden Markram anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47. The hosts are chasing by 129 runs and are in a commanding position going into Day 2.
Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch demolish Pakistan
Paterson was the star performer with the ball, producing an exciting spell to claim 5/61 in 16 overs. Using the kick and swing movement that the Centurion pitch offered, Paterson decimated Pakistan's top order and middle order. He removed the cap Shan Masoodthe ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwanand other batsmen with sharp, controlled bowling. Pakistan never found momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Bosch's influential contribution (4/63) provided critical support, eliminating key players such as Kamran Ghulam and Amer Jamal. Together, the two ensured that Pakistan's innings lacked the partnerships needed for a big total.
Also WATCH: Dane Paterson bowls Babar Azam on Day 1 of USA vs PAK 1st Test
Kamran Ghulam stands tall among the fallen
Ghulam was the lone hero in Pakistan's batting line-up, displaying resilience with a fluent 54 off 71 balls. Arriving at the crease with Pakistan struggling at 40/2, Ghulam played a knock that was still attacking, hitting eight boundaries and a six. He joined Rizwan in a crucial partnership of 81 runs for the fifth wicket, defying a relentless South African attack. However, Paterson ended his run just before tea, prompting a further drop. While Jamal chipped in with a quick 28 off 27 balls, Pakistan's innings faltered as they lost their last five wickets for just 74 runs, reeling at 211 in 57.3 overs.
Aiden Markram leads the South African reply
In reply, South Africa had a mixed start, losing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton early to Khurram Shahzadand disciplined bowling. At 24/2, the pressure was on Markram, who rose to the occasion with a confident and unbeaten 47. Markram played with authority, hitting nine magnificent boundaries and ensuring consistency amid the fall of wickets. Tristan Stubbs' dismissed by Mohammad Abbas for 9 added to South Africa's early woes, but Markram found a steady partner in Temba Bavumaremained unbeaten on 4. With stumps, the duo had guided South Africa to 82/3setting the stage for the hosts to seize control on the second day.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
Back to back Dane Paterson fivers!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
FOR!!! HES has been awesome!!
Makes a lot of people eat humble pie.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/VOad2siUmU
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 26, 2024
Dane Paterson's purple streak continues! Another test five for!!!! 👏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vfXnOFGa6C
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 26, 2024
Back to back 5-wicket streaks with Dane Paterson 🔥🔥
All naysayers hide away
Pakistan 189/8 pic.twitter.com/auqBUgq6hg
— Werner (@Werries_) December 26, 2024
He said before. Once I was watching a WP practice session. Dane Paterson was the hardest worker on the field. He performed every sprint, ran every drill with intensity, pushed others to compete with him. The kind of person you want by your side
— BrentLFC (@BrentV_RSA) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch was at RR 3 years ago and was the type that sought excellence.
He has started well with the ball but it is worth remembering that he averages 40 more with the bat in FC 🏏. #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/3HF9jax8ie— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch took 4 wickets in the first innings on debut. His parents' comments were so nice 🥹🥹 #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/3rPPDAoLAu
– naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch on his debut bowls an effortless 145 KMPH with such a beautiful action and a capable batter at number 7. Good look for proteas.
– Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 26, 2024
Trivia: Corbin Bosch with a wicket off the first ball of his Test cricket. He is the third bowler to do so in 2024 after Shamar Joseph and Tshepo Moreki. This is the first time in Test history that three bowlers have achieved this feat in a calendar year.
– Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 26, 2024
⚪🟢Day 1 | Stumps
What a day of cricket action! ☄️🏏
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 211/10 (1st innings)
🇿🇦 South Africa: 82/3 after 22 overs at stumps.A good start for the Proteas.
Looking forward to more action tomorrow! 💪#Come with me #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/v7DfIwOF7Y— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 26, 2024
2nd five wicket haul for Dane Paterson 👏🏏#cricket #SAvPAK #DannPaterson pic.twitter.com/jRPxmlsLvW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2024
