South Africaa rising star, Corbin Boschdelivered a stunning debut performance to seize control of the first Test of the two game series against Pakistan at SuperSport Park. Bosch played an important role, batting at No. 9, with an unbeaten 81 off 93 balls, marking the highest ever score by a batsman in that position in Test cricket. His innings turned South Africa's slim lead into a resounding 90-run win, as the hosts were bowled out for 301 in reply to Pakistan's 211.
Corbin Bosch's heroics take South Africa to the top for the first time
Bosch's innings was capped with 15 magnificent boundaries, showcasing his ability to combine technical precision with aggressive intent. His stunning knock came under great pressure after the team lost wickets in quick succession, leaving the innings precariously poised at 213-8. The match definitely went in South Africa's favour, thanks to Bosch's partnerships with the lower order. He added 41 runs in the debut Kagiso Rabada (13). Dan Paterson (12).
Bosch batted with vigor and confidence, displaying a wide range of shots that left the Pakistani bowlers frustrated. His ability to find gaps with precise cover drives and draw shots underpinned his batting prowess. Despite being a fast bowler, Bosch's top-order batting average of over 40 proved he was more than capable of stepping up in a critical situation. Bosch's bowling contributions were equally impressive, as he finished with impressive figures of 4/63 on debut. His blazing pace and collection troubled the Pakistani batsmen throughout the innings.
Pakistan falls against the lead of South Africa
South Africa's bowlers built on Bosch's heroics by putting Pakistan under huge pressure in their second innings. At the end of play on Day 2, the visitors were struggling at 88/3still going on by two runs. The opening pair Saim Ayub (28) and a captain Shan Masood (28) he got off to a good start, countering the South African pace attack with a 49-run opening stand. However, Pakistan's progress was derailed as they lost three wickets for just 25 runs in fading light conditions. Kagiso Rabada provided the breakthrough, dismissing Ayub with a fading delivery that sent his stump back.
Marco Jansen further tightened South Africa's grip by removing Masood and the awards' top scorer Kamran Ghulam (8) quickly. Jansen made good use of the bleak conditions, finding the outside edges of both bats with well-directed deliveries to slip and gully, respectively. Pakistan's hopes now rest on him Babar Azam (16 not out) and Saud Shakeel (8 not out), who showed some resistance before the poor light brought an early end to the day's play. With the South African bowlers keeping up the pressure relentlessly, the visitors have a daunting task to regain parity in the game.
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South Africa is recovering after a middle order collapse
Earlier, South Africa's strong position came after they overcame a troublesome collapse in their first innings. The team was cruising at 178/4 when a fiery spell came Naseem Shah it triggered a spectacular slide, reducing them to 213/8. Naseem bowled a marathon 10-over spell, claiming three crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of the opener Aiden Markramwho top-scored with a fluent 89. Markram missed out on his eighth Test century, giving away a side-leg delivery from Khurram Shahzad to a guardian Mohammad Rizwan. His dismissal left South Africa's middle order vulnerable, with captaincy Temba Bavuma (31) and David Bedingham (30) also fail to change their onset.
Bavuma and Markram had stabilized the innings earlier with a 70-run fourth wicket stand. However, Bavuma was dismissed, taking a long ball from Amer Jamalit opened the floodgates for Pakistan's bowlers. Bedingham fought back briefly, smashing five boundaries in his knock of 33, but Naseem's extra kick proved too much to handle as Bedingham picked up a sharp first delivery just before lunch . South Africa's collapse seemed to have handed the momentum back to Pakistan until Bosch's late heroics turned the tide in stunning fashion.
Bosch's attack, along with Paterson's smart batting, not only extended the lead but also discredited Pakistan's bowling attack. Paterson showed his own batting abilities, hitting six straight off the return Mohammad Abbas (1/79), who was returning after three years. Although Bosch did not have a memorable first century, his contribution ensured that South Africa entered the second innings in Pakistan with strong momentum on their side.
Here's how Twitter reacted:
Corbin Bosch becomes first Proteas player to take 4-wicket haul and score 50 on debut π₯ pic.twitter.com/7XR9kzwDrG
β Werner (@Werries_) December 27, 2024
fifty years on his first visit!π
Fairytale start to Corbin Bosch's Test Match career for the Proteas so far.ππΏπ¦β¨#Come with me#BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/emg6guuLfp
β Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 27, 2024
This Corbin Bosch debut is better than Konstas's
– absy (@absycric) December 27, 2024
It's a real shame that average players like Bjorn Fortuin & Phehlukwayo keep playing ahead of much better players like Corbin Bosch & George Linde.
– Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) December 27, 2024
Dreams are not denied by delay.
What a special few weeks for Corbin Bosch and his family, to be beaten by 4 wickets and now 50 on Boxing Day in his Test debut? Totally unique. Dreams are coming true.@ProteasMenCSA#SAVPAK pic.twitter.com/QD84LOaUQA– Matthew Bauer (@MB5Plug) December 27, 2024
This Corbin Bosch performance is a testament to how selection is not a linear thing. Numbers don't always tell everything and sometimes numbers feel overwhelming. He has had an incredible week in Bosch's South African colours.
– Philasande Sixaba (@psixaba) December 27, 2024
Corbin Bosch played in the Caribbean Premier League for two seasons. He looked like a good cricketer. Good to see him having a memorable Test Debut.
– John Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 27, 2024
Debaters making noise at the Boxing Day Test.
Sam Konstas (60 off 65) π€ Corbin Bosch (4/63 & 46-ball fifty) pic.twitter.com/jfRTKkOviW
– Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 27, 2024
Corbin Bosch
The first South African to take 4 wickets and score a fifty in the first test.
Dream debate!
β Dale (@ncakos316) December 27, 2024
50 on the first test match for Corbin Bosch to go with his 4 wickets in the first innings!!!
He plays so well πTRUE ALL ROUNDER π₯π₯
Bro seals a place in this team πβ¦. it's not going anywhere!! #SAvPAK #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/BFHZxsKyzg
β Lawrence Bailey βͺ πΏπ¦ (@LawrenceBailey0) December 27, 2024
Corbin Bosch has cemented his place in the side.
β JR (@Rasimione) December 27, 2024
Maiden Test fifty for Corbin Bosch ππ#Cricket #CorbinPosch #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/bLgqptS7qM
β CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 27, 2024