The first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa had plenty of drama on the opening day itself. Quinton de Kock won the toss and elected to bat first. They managed to post 220 at the expense of all the wickets.
Dean Elgar was the pick of the batsmen as he top-scored for the visitors with 58 including 9 fours. Other than his contribution, George Linde played his part as he scored 35 to his name. Pakistani bowlers did their job quite well as they kept the Proteas in check more often than not.
Yasir Shah was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. The leg-spinner took 3 wickets to his name. The likes of Shaheen Afridi and Nauman Ali accounted for 2 dismissals each. Hasan Ali took just 1 wicket.
A lot was expected of Proteas in the bowling as they posted a modest total in the first innings. South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was in full flow against Pakistan on Day 1 of the Karachi Test.
The right-arm fast bowler ripped through the defense of Pakistan batting line-up and terrorized them with superb deliveries. Pakistani openers namely Abid Ali and Imran Butt couldn’t keep the scorecard ticking as they faced pressure early on in the innings.
Rabada sends Ali’s off-stump for a walk
Abid Ali was figuring out ways to score runs. While he scored 4 runs to his name, he faced Kagiso Rabada. The right-arm fast bowler didn’t give him much space to go for the kill.
The deadly pacer brought his bowling skills to the forefront as he dismissed Abid Ali at the best scene. The Pakistani opener didn’t have any solution and was beaten all ends up. The ball went on to make a mess of his off-stump as he departed for just 4.
The video of Rabada sending the batsman’s off-stump has gone viral on social media. Rabada once again proved to all of us that he is one of the best pacers in the world. His delivery speaks huge volumes.
Watch the video:
Pakistan in complete command
Rabada also got rid of Imran Butt in the 7th over. The hosts lost 2 wickets for just 15 runs. Then again, South Africa spinner Maharaj came into the attack and dismissed Azhar Ali and Babar Azam. The hosts were reeling at 33 for the loss of 4 wickets as Day 1 came to a close.
At the end of the opening day, Proteas were in total control of the game. However, on Day 2, Pakistan started to fight back. Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam added a 94-run stand for the fifth wicket before Azhar Ali departed after making a crucial half-century.
Fawad went about his business alongside Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan as the duo added a 55-run stand before Rizwan departed for 33. Fawad scored a brilliant century with the help of 8 fours and 2 sixes.
Faheem Ashraf is also looking good at the crease as he has gone past 30-run mark including 5 fours. The hosts have gone past the 250-run mark with a lead of 30 runs. Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi were the only top-performing bowlers for the visitors on Day 2 as they picked up a wicket each.
