Aiden Markram’s gritty 89 runs have given South Africa a strong position in their first Test match against Pakistan. He started the day with 47 runs not out and played an innings that brought South Africa quite close to Pakistan’s score of 310. His performance was vital in keeping Pakistan from gaining control, even though he narrowly missed scoring a century.
A Strong Morning Session for South Africa
On Day 2, South Africa started the morning session with optimism. With a deficit of only 31 runs and five wickets in hand, they looked poised to take control of the match. The pitch at Centurion, flattening out after the early movement, seemed to offer more support for the batters. Markram’s crisp boundaries and Temba Bavuma’s steady approach helped the hosts gain the upper hand, though Pakistan’s bowlers did their best to make inroads.
Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas opened the bowling for Pakistan but couldn’t maintain a consistent challenge. Despite some early movement from Naseem, the Pakistani bowlers allowed South Africa to score freely. Markram, in particular, capitalized on their lack of pressure, reaching his half-century with ease and then dispatching Abbas for two boundaries.
Bavuma was solid at the other end, showing composure against Naseem, although he was fortunate to find gaps after an outside edge narrowly missed the slip fielders.
Markram Holds One EndÂ
When South Africa seemed to be in control, Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal did the most important thing. He delivered a ball that was well placed for Bavuma to edge to the wicketkeeper and break a promising stand. It left South Africa at 176/4, yet they continued to maintain the momentum.
Markram showed grit, but his innings was cut just short of a century. He faced 144 balls and scored 15 boundaries before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad for 89. Shahzad surprised him with a short ball down the leg side. Markram tried to pull it but gloved it to the wicketkeeper, which ended his innings.
This innings marked Markram’s 13th Test half-century. He has continued to perform well against Pakistan, scoring 517 runs with an impressive average of 51.70 in just six matches against them.
South Africa’s lower order soon followed, with Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Markram’s wicket falling in quick succession. Soon, South Africa were all out for 211 runs, giving Pakistan a lead of 90 runs.Â
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