South Africa finished Day 1 of their Test against Pakistan in a strong position, trailing by 129 runs with seven wickets in hand. Meanwhile, Dane Paterson shone with a fiery five-wicket haul, dismissing Pakistan for 211 in their first innings.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles | Dane Paterson in Fire
So, winning the toss and electing to bat under overcast conditions, Pakistan’s decision quickly turned costly. South Africa’s pacers capitalized on the seamer-friendly pitch, making early inroads. Despite a promising start, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered due to a mix of poor shot selection and disciplined bowling by the hosts.

Kamran Ghulam provided some resistance, scoring a fighting 54 runs before falling to Paterson’s relentless attack. The rest of the top and middle order failed to build meaningful partnerships. Saud Shakeel’s hasty knock of 14 off just six balls was emblematic of Pakistan’s flawed approach, as he fell victim to an ill-timed aggressive shot.
Dane Paterson Stellar Performance

Dane Paterson was the hero of the day, delivering his second consecutive five-wicket haul. His precision and ability to exploit the pitch conditions left Pakistan’s batters struggling for answers. Paterson’s exceptional figures not only. Put South Africa in control but also showcased his growing confidence as a key player in the team’s bowling lineup.
South Africa’s Steady Response
In reply, South Africa’s top order calmly navigated the challenging conditions with composure. Notably, Aiden Markram led the charge with an unbeaten 47, anchoring the innings and ensuring stability. As a result, the hosts closed the day at 82/3, trailing by 129 runs with seven wickets in hand, setting the stage for a potentially strong first-innings lead.
Key Takeaways
- South Africa’s Position: Trailing by just 129 runs with seven wickets in hand, the hosts are in a strong position heading into Day 2.
- Kamran Ghulam’s Effort: Ghulam’s 54 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing innings for Pakistan.
- Dane Paterson’s Impact: Paterson’s five-wicket haul further continues his impressive form, solidifying his status as a standout performer.
As the match progresses, South Africa will aim to capitalize on their solid start, while Pakistan will need a disciplined bowling effort to regain control. Stay tuned for Day 2 updates as the Test promises more thrilling action.
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