On day 1 of the first test between South Africa and Pakistan in Centurion showed a fascinating contest in which the hosts finished firmly in command. Pakistan, who opted to bat first, struggled to cope with South Africa’s disciplined bowling, folding for 211 in their first innings. Daniel Paterson put in a phenomenal performance, claiming five wickets, while Corbin Bosch provided excellent support with four scalps. South Africa responded with confidence and finished the day at 82/3, with Aiden Markram anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 47. The hosts trail by 129 runs and are in a dominant position heading into Day 2.
Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch take down Pakistan
Paterson was the star player with the ball, producing a sensational spell to claim 5/61 in 16 overs. Using the bounce and seam movement offered by the Centurion delivery, Paterson dismantled Pakistan’s top and middle order. removed the captain Shan Masoodthe always reliable Mohamed Rizwanand other batsmen with accurate and disciplined bowling. Pakistan never found momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals. Bosch’s striking contribution (4/63) provided critical support, dismissing key players such as Kamran Ghulam and Amer Jamal. Together, the duo ensured that Pakistan’s innings lacked the collaboration needed for a substantial total.
WATCH also: Dane Paterson sends Babar Azam packing on Day 1 of SA vs PAK 1st Test
Kamran Ghulam stands tall amid collapse
Ghulam was the lone warrior in Pakistan’s batting line-up, showing resilience with a fluent 54 off 71 balls. Reaching the crease with Pakistan struggling at 40/2, Ghulam played a composed but attacking knock, hitting eight boundaries and a six. He combined with Rizwan in a crucial 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket, countering South Africa’s relentless attack. However, Paterson ended his resistance just before tea, leading to a lower order collapse. While Jamal contributed a quickfire 28 off 27 balls, Pakistan’s innings faltered as they lost their last five wickets for just 74 runs, ending on 211 in 57.3 overs.
Aiden Markram guides South Africa’s response
In response, South Africa got off to a mixed start, losing Tony de Zorzi and ryan rickelton early to Khurram ShahzadIt is a disciplined bowling team. At 2/24, the pressure was on Markram, who rose to the occasion with a confident, unbeaten 47. Markram played with authority, hitting nine stylish boundaries and ensuring stability amid falling wickets. Tristan StubbsThe dismissal of Mohammad Abbas for 9 years added to South Africa’s initial problems, but Markram found a stable partner in Temba Bavumawho remained undefeated with 4. By stumps, the duo had guided South Africa to 82/3setting the stage for the hosts to take control on the second day.
This is how Twitter reacted:
Dane Paterson back-to-back finals!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
DESERVED!!! IT HAS BEEN BRILLIANT!!
Make a lot of people eat humble pie.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/VOad2siUmU
– Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) December 26, 2024
Dane Paterson’s purple stain continues! Another five for test!!!! 👏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vfXnOFGa6C
– ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 26, 2024
Consecutive 5-wicket hauls by Dane Paterson 🔥🔥
All the detractors hide
Pakistan 189/8 pic.twitter.com/auqBUgq6hg
– Werner (@Werries_) December 26, 2024
I said it before. I was once watching a WP practice session. Dane Paterson worked the hardest on the field. He did every sprint hard, performed every exercise with intensity, and pushed others to compete with him. The type of person you want by your side
– BrentLFC (@BrentV_RSA) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch was at RR 3 years ago and was the type to chase excellence.
He has started well with the ball but it is worth remembering that he averages 40 plus with the bat in FC 🏏. #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/3HF9jax8ie—Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch got 4 wickets in the first innings on debut. His parents’ reactions were soooo cute 🥹🥹 #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/3rPPDAoLAu
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) December 26, 2024
Corbin Bosch on debut is bowling at 145 KMPH effortlessly with such beautiful action and a capable batsman at number 7. Great prospect for the Proteas.
—Prasanna (@prasannalara) December 26, 2024
Trivia: Corbin Bosch with a wicket on the first ball of his Test cricket. He is the third player to do so in 2024 after Shamar Joseph and Tshepo Moreki. It is the first time in the history of the event that three players have accomplished this feat in a calendar year.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 26, 2024
⚪🟢Day 1 | stumps
What a day of cricket action! ☄️🏏
🇵🇰 Pakistan: 211/10 (first innings)
🇿🇦 South Africa: 82/3 after 22 overs at stumps.A solid start for the Proteas.
We look forward to more action tomorrow! 💪#Come with me #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/v7DfIwOF7Y— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 26, 2024
Second five-wicket haul for Dane Paterson 👏🏏#cricket #SAvPAK #DanePaterson pic.twitter.com/jRPxmlsLvW
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 26, 2024