Twitter reactions: South Africa rule Day 1 in Centurion as Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch devastate Pakistan’s batting

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The Day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Centurion showcased a riveting contest as the hosts ended firmly in command. Pakistan, opting to bat first, struggled to cope with South Africa’s disciplined bowling, folding for 211 in their first innings. Dane Paterson delivered a phenomenal performance, claiming five wickets, while Corbin Bosch provided excellent support with four scalps. South Africa responded confidently, ending the day at 82/3, with Aiden Markram anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 47. The hosts trail by 129 runs and are in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch demolishes Pakistan

Paterson was the star performer with the ball, producing a sensational spell to claim 5/61 in 16 overs. Utilizing the bounce and seam movement offered by the Centurion pitch, Paterson dismantled Pakistan’s top and middle order. He removed captain Shan Masood, the ever-reliable Mohammad Rizwan, and other batters with sharp, disciplined bowling. Pakistan never found momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Bosch’s impactful contribution (4/63) provided critical support, dismissing key players like Kamran Ghulam and Aamer Jamal. Together, the duo ensured that Pakistan’s innings lacked the partnerships needed for a substantial total.

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Kamran Ghulam stands tall amidst the collapse

Ghulam was the lone warrior in Pakistan’s batting lineup, showcasing resilience with a fluent 54 off 71 balls. Arriving at the crease with Pakistan struggling at 40/2, Ghulam played a composed yet attacking knock, striking eight boundaries and a six. He combined with Rizwan in a crucial 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket, countering South Africa’s relentless attack. However, Paterson ended his resistance just before tea, triggering a lower-order collapse. 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, wrapping up at 211 in 57.3 overs.

Aiden Markram guides South Africa’s reply

In response, South Africa had a mixed start, losing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton early to Khurram Shahzad’s 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, striking nine elegant boundaries and ensuring stability amidst the fall of wickets. Tristan Stubbs’ dismissal by Mohammad Abbas for 9 added to South Africa’s early woes, but Markram found a steady partner in Temba Bavuma, who remained unbeaten on 4. By stumps, the duo had guided South Africa to 82/3, setting up the platform for the hosts to seize control on the second day.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Also READ: SA vs PAK: Fans mercilessly troll Babar Azam for his flop show with the bat on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test

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