The first day of the Boxing Day Test Match between Pakistan and South Africa was evenly poised when 15 wickets fell in a day. But the things turned around so fast in the third session of the second day that sets South Africa a target of only 149 runs.
It was a good first session for the Pakistani fast bowlers where they took the last five wickets of South Africa before lunch. South Africa just managed to take the first innings lead of 42. Both Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi took 4 wickets to give Pakistan a hope.
The second innings of Pakistan started really well. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood were batting brilliantly but after the dismissal of Imam on 57, Pakistan lost their way and bowled out for 190.
At one stage, Pakistan was 100/1and looking to set a challenging target for South Africa, but another collapse has turned things into South Africa’s favor. Again Sarfraz got out on 0 but this time he followed the footsteps of Azhar Ali who also got out on 0 instead of Imam-ul-Haq.
South Africa’s D Olivier again grabbed 5 wickets that shattered the Pakistan’s batting line up. But thanks to Shan Masood who played a wonderful knock of 65.
There is still a hope for Pakistan as the world knows how good the Pakistani pace attack is. It is not impossible to take all the 10 wickets of South Africa under 149 runs. But it is a tough ask and Pakistan have to bowled and fielded well especially in the first session of tomorrow’s game.
