South Africa took a 1-0 series lead over Pakistan on the third day of the first Test match in Centurion. A target of 149 runs in the second innings was not very easy to chase as the Pakistani fast bowlers are in a good rhythm. But an unbeaten 63 from Hashim Amla helped South Africa to win a good Test match.
There was an overcast condition in Centurion when two South African openers, D Elgar and AK Markram arrived at the crease on day 3. In the second over of the innings, AK Markram got out on the bowling of Hassan Ali. Then Amla came, and build a good partnership with D Elgar who also scored a good match wining fifty.
South African batsmen gave few chances but Pakistan missed those chances that cost them a match. Both Hashim Amla and D Elgar got dropped in slips when there was a shaky start from South Africa.
Pakistani bowlers started really well and bowled some outstanding deliveries with pace, swing, and bounce. But, South African batsmen were too good for them and snatched the victory.
Shan Masood bowled some quick overs and took a wicket of D Elgar. Also, Hassan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Yasir Shah shared one wicket each.
Pakistan bowled well in both innings but their batting led them down in this hard fought Test match. In both innings, Pakistan didn’t manage to score more than 200 due to some poor shot selection.
Pakistan should bat sensibly in the second test match to keep the series alive. Otherwise, South Africa will not allow them to win a single test match.
