The ongoing first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa continues to entertain the fans in many different ways. With plenty of twists and turns, the first Test in National Stadium, Karachi has already witnessed good moments.
So far, 3 days have been finished and it is tough to predict the winner. There are plenty of interesting things in store for the fans in the next two days. That’s the beauty of Test cricket. With 2 more days to go, both teams will give everything to seal the opening Test.
Both teams are playing quite well at the moment. Pakistan was miles ahead in the first innings as they extended a healthy lead of 158. While everyone expected South Africa to bundle out Pakistan to a modest total, the hosts turned it around after being reduced to 33/4 on Day 1.
Fawad Alam defied the odds and scored a brilliant Test century at home. He top-scored for the hosts with 109 with the help of 9 fours and 2 sixes. Faheem Ashraf played his part by scoring 64 including 9 fours. Azhar Ali scored a vital half-century at the top of the order.
Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada picked up 3 wickets apiece for South Africa. The likes of Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi settled for 2 wickets each. Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 220. Deal Elgar top-scored with 58.
Yasir Shah was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he accounted for 3 dismissals. Besides his contribution with the ball, he also showed great intent with the bat as well. He scored an unbeaten 38 off 37 balls with the help of 4 fours and a six.
Mohammad Rizwan has done it again!
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan hogged the limelight when he brought his wicketkeeping skills to the forefront. During South Africa’s first innings, Rizwan effected a brilliant run-out to get rid of Proteas batsman Van Der Dussen.
Van Der Dussen hit the ball straight to extra cover in search of a single. He covered half the pitch before his partner Dean Elgar sent him back. Before Van Der Dussen could reach the striker’s end, Rizwan put in a full-blooded dive to affect a sensational run-out.
During South Africa’s second innings, Rizwan once again made an impact as a wicketkeeper. He once again showed the incredible presence of mind as he took a diving catch to dismiss Deal Elgar.
Watch the video:
The incident took place during the 1st ball of the 17th over bowled by Yasir Shah. The leg-spinner placed a superb delivery to Elgar and the latter attempted to sweep the ball in search of a boundary. As it turned out, he mistimed the ball and ended up lofting it near the crease. Meanwhile, Rizwan saw the ball and put it in a full-blooded dive only to take a sharp catch. Elgar departed after making 29.
South Africa lead by 29 runs
In reply to Pakistan’s 378 in the first innings, South Africa scored 187 for the loss of 4 wickets at the end of Day 3. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen frustrated Pakistan by adding a 127-run stand for the second wicket.
Markram top-scored with 74 (10 fours) while Van Der Dussen scored 64. Yasir Shah was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan as he took 3 wickets to his name. Nauman Ali settled for one wicket apiece. Keshav Maharaj and Quinton de Kock will resume the gameplay on Day 4.
