Late wickets rattle South Africa in winning bid after Jansen 6-fer sinks Pakisran 2nd innings

 


South Africa found themselves in a precarious position at 27-3 when bad light prematurely ended play on a rain-affected third day of the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion. The hosts, still 121 runs away from their modest target of 148, face a tense battle for victory.


Earlier in the day, South Africa’s bowlers gave the team the upper hand by dismissing Pakistan for 237 in their second innings. However, Pakistan's bowlers struck back emphatically, taking three quick wickets in just nine overs to reignite their chances. Mohammad Abbas removed Tony de Zorzi (2) and Ryan Rickelton (0), while Khurram Shahzad trapped Tristan Stubbs (1) lbw.


South African opener Aiden Markram, who was the top scorer in the first innings, remains unbeaten on 22, joined by captain Temba Bavuma. The duo will resume the innings on Sunday with the task of steadying the chase.


Earlier, South African pacer Marco Jansen played a crucial role in halting Pakistan's resistance. The tourists, who began the day with a slender two-run lead, were 212-8 at tea before being bowled out. Jansen claimed five wickets, including three in a devastating four-over spell. Saud Shakeel, Pakistan’s top scorer with 84, was dismissed by a full toss from Jansen, an unlucky end to an otherwise composed innings.


Shakeel and Babar Azam had earlier revived Pakistan’s innings with half-centuries, turning a 90-run first-innings deficit into a 153-3 score that briefly placed the hosts under pressure. However, a series of poor shot selections triggered a collapse. Babar, reaching his first Test fifty in 20 innings, was caught on the boundary off Jansen’s bowling after attempting a wide delivery. Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply for three, gloving a wayward ball to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, while Salman Ali Agha edged behind for a duck.


Further wickets fell as Aamer Jamal (18) and Naseem Shah (0) succumbed before tea, with Dane Paterson and Kagiso Rabada contributing to the bowling effort.


A victory in this Test would strengthen South Africa's bid for a place in the World Test Championship final. Should they fail to secure the win, they have another opportunity in the second Test, starting January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.


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