South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test: South Africa wins by 2 wickets

Centurion, December 29 — In the 1st Test at Centurion, South Africa emerged victorious by 2 wickets in a thrilling contest against Pakistan.

Pakistan, batting first, posted a total of 211 all out in their first innings. Kamran Ghulam was the top scorer with a fighting 54, while the South African bowlers, led by Dane Paterson (5/61), proved too strong for the rest of the Pakistani batting lineup. Shan Masood (17), Saim Ayub (14), and Babar Azam (4) fell cheaply, as Pakistan’s batting crumbled under pressure.

South Africa replied with a total of 301 all out, with Aiden Markram playing a standout knock of 89. Corbin Bosch (81 not out) provided crucial support, and despite strong efforts from Pakistan's bowlers, notably Mohammad Abbas (1/79) and Naseem Shah (3/92), South Africa managed to set Pakistan a target of 148 to win the match. Khurram Shahzad also bowled well, taking 3 wickets for 75 runs.

In their second innings, Pakistan’s batting again faltered as Marco Jansen (6/52) ripped through their middle order. Despite Babar Azam (50) and Saud Shakeel (84) providing a solid foundation, Pakistan was bowled out for 237, setting South Africa the modest target of 148. Saim Ayub (27) and Shan Masood (28) got starts but couldn't convert them into bigger scores.

South Africa's chase started in a wobbly fashion, losing key wickets early. Tony de Zorzi (2) and Ryan Rickelton (0) were dismissed cheaply, and Tristan Stubbs (1) followed soon after.

However, Aiden Markram (37) and Temba Bavuma (40) provided a steady hand in the middle. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Mohammad Abbas (6/54) and Khurram Shahzad (1/47), kept taking wickets to keep South Africa under pressure. But, with a partnership between Marco Jansen (16 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (31 not out), South Africa reached the target of 148, winning by 2 wickets.

The match saw standout performances from Mohammad Abbas with 6 wickets in the second innings and Saud Shakeel, who scored 84 runs in Pakistan's second innings.

On the South African side, Marco Jansen was the star with the ball, taking 6 wickets in Pakistan's second innings, and Aiden Markram was the top scorer with 89 runs in the first innings.

—With input from the agencies.