On the fourth day at Centurion, Pakistan needed two wickets to secure a dramatic Test win against South Africa, who required 32 runs for victory. Mohammad Abbas took four crucial wickets as South Africa slumped to 116-8, with Abbas finishing with figures of 6-43 in 17 overs. The match is pivotal for both teams, affecting Pakistan’s pursuit of a historic win and South Africa’s hopes for the World Test Championship final.
On a gripping fourth day at Centurion, Pakistan edged toward a remarkable Test victory, requiring only two wickets while South Africa sought to secure the 32 runs needed for triumph. Mohammad Abbas was instrumental for Pakistan, delivering a splendid performance by taking four wickets in a relentless 13-over spell, as South Africa crumbled in their quest for a modest target of 148 runs. By lunch, the hosts found themselves in dire straits at 116-8, relying on their lower-order batsmen Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada to salvage the match.
Abbas’s exceptional bowling figures of 6-43 from 17 overs proved crucial as he orchestrated a stunning collapse of the South African batting lineup, which had once seemed poised for victory with only 50 runs remaining and six wickets in hand. His pivotal strike came when South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 40 runs, fell victim to a controversial dismissal after he believed he had edged the ball to the wicketkeeper; however, replays revealed that the ball had only brushed his pocket.
Additionally, Abbas dismissed Aiden Markram and secured catches behind for David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch, with Bosch falling for a duck, facilitating South Africa’s dramatic decline from a solid 96-4 to a precarious 99-8. As Pakistan approached their first Test victory on South African soil in 18 years, the home team remained eager to win this fixture to affirm their place in the upcoming World Test Championship final in June.
After concluding day three at 27-3, South Africa initially appeared optimistic the next day as Bavuma and Markram made promising progress. Unfortunately for the hosts, Abbas’s re-inclusion into the side after a three-year hiatus proved decisive, as he delivered crucial blows by dismissing both Markram, who made 37, and Bavuma. Following these setbacks, the South African batting order disintegrated, highlighted by Kyle Verreynne’s dismissal for 2 runs and both Bedingham and Bosch falling to Abbas’s rising deliveries soon after.
The encounter between South Africa and Pakistan marked an intense first Test of a two-match series. With South Africa only needing 32 runs for victory while Pakistan sought two crucial wickets, the match reached a fevered pitch. Mohammad Abbas’s remarkable bowling took center stage, providing Pakistan with a resurgence after being on the back foot. The implications of this match are significant, not only for Pakistan’s potential victory but also for South Africa’s aspirations towards the World Test Championship.
In summary, the fourth day’s gameplay at Centurion showcased Mohammad Abbas as the standout performer for Pakistan, leading the side to the brink of a historic Test victory against South Africa. Abbas’s efforts significantly turned the match’s momentum, resulting in a remarkable collapse of the South African batting order. As both teams remain focused on their respective goals, the outcome of this riveting contest could have lasting implications for their standings in Test cricket.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
