Advertisement
PAK vs SA: As the World Test Championship (WTC) race heats up, South Africa is in a precarious position in the first Test against Pakistan. South Africa’s top order has crumbled under pressure as it chases a modest target of 148, leaving just 121 runs to be scored. Pakistan’s fast bowlers have done the damage, taking crucial wickets to keep their hopes of victory alive and, in turn, keeping their opponents’ qualification hopes for next year’s WTC Final in doubt.
State of Play: South Africa’s Quest for Victory Against 148
Advertisement
On Day 3 of the first Test, South Africa is tasked to perform an uphill task. With the score at 27/3, the Proteas are still 121 short of victory to register themselves for the 2023-2025 World Test Championship final in London next year. The equation might look pretty workable, but the wicket is offering plenty of assistance to the fast bowlers, and with just three wickets left to fall, Pakistan is now firmly in control of the game.
South Africa’s chase began with a disastrous collapse as the top order folded up in the face of Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad’s pace bowling. Abbas was especially vicious, taking two wickets for just three runs, while Shahzad chipped in, claiming the third wicket for 22 runs.
Gutsy Performance by Pakistan’s Fast Bowlers IN PAK vs SA
Pakistan’s fast bowling pair, Abbas and Shahzad, had set the tone for the day with aggressive and precise bowling. Their efforts reduced South Africa to a precarious 27/3 by the end of the third day. As such, Pakistan’s hopes of pulling off an unexpected victory remain high, especially as the wicket conditions continue to favor the fast bowlers.
South Africa’s Fragile Top Order
The top-order collapse has left South Africa in a tight spot. It is only the opening batsman Aiden Markram who can be said to have shown some resistance, reaching 22 runs by the close of play. The pressure now fully rests on the remaining batsmen, especially captain Temba Bavuma, who is still to get off the mark and has yet to face the severity of the situation.
The South African batsmen would need to dig deep in order to tackle the tension of the atmosphere and the pressure exerted by the Pakistan bowlers in order to chase the remaining 121 runs.
Pakistan’s Second Innings Performance
Saud Shakeel and Babar Azam Led the Way Earlier in the match, Pakistan had set a target of 148 runs by posting 237 runs in their second innings. Saud Shakeel was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring an excellent 84 runs, supported by a 50-run knock from former captain Babar Azam. Despite their solid contributions, Pakistan’s total of 237 was well below what they might have hoped for.
For South Africa, fast bowler Marco Jansen was absolutely phenomenal, taking 6 wickets for 52 runs while also playing a key role in limiting Pakistan’s total in their second innings. Jansen’s efforts played a big role in shutting the windows of Pakistan’s chances at securing a bigger lead.
Lead of South Africa’s PAK vs SA First Innings: Glimmer of Hope
In the first innings, Pakistan had put up 211, and South Africa had managed to score 301 runs in total. This gave them a 90-run lead going into the second innings, which would have initially seemed to have put them in a relatively comfortable position for the chase. However, with the fast bowlers exploiting the conditions, South Africa’s chase now looks much more difficult.
The World Test Championship Final Picture: India and Australia Are the Other Contenders. South Africa’s performance in this Test match is very important as a win will get them a place in the WTC Final. But they are not the only team who is fighting for a place in the final.
India and Australia, two of the biggest contenders for the WTC crown, are also in the mix. The five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India is currently hosting against Australia, is another key piece of the WTC qualification picture. The fourth Test is ongoing in Melbourne. The teams that will qualify for the WTC Final in 2023-2025 will be determined by the outcome of these matches.
As it stands, South Africa’s fate is still in their hands, but they have to overcome the challenge of chasing down 121 runs with only seven wickets remaining. The battle between South Africa’s batters and Pakistan’s bowlers promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this Test.
An Exciting Finish Awaited in PAK vs SA 1st TEST
The third and final day of this Test promises to be quite an eventful affair as South Africa needs 121 to seal the deal for the WTC Final, while Pakistan, currently seven down, chases it as well.
South Africa will look to regroup and hold out against Pakistan’s relentless pace attack, while the home side will look to complete the job and cause a huge upset.
The outcome of this Test will have far-reaching implications for the WTC standings and the road to the Final, adding an extra layer of intensity to what has already been a thrilling contest.
ALSO READ: BBL 2024: Run Out Missed During The Match Due To No Appeal
