Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 81 on debut and crucial lower-order stands helped South Africa secure a 90-run first-innings lead against Pakistan in the first Test.
Introduction:
Corbin Bosch scripted a memorable Test debut in South Africa by rescuing his side with an unbeaten 81 as they managed a vital first-innings lead of 90 runs against Pakistan. His innings was full of composure and aggression as South Africa teetered at 213 for 8. A few good partnerships with Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson ensured a good finish, putting South Africa in a very good position on 301 all out.
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Corbin Bosch Leads Lower-Order Resistance
The South African lower order batted very responsibly with the pressure mounting in and their innings stabilized under Bosch’s brilliant knock, which was his second half-century coming in at No. 9 after scoring two back-to-back boundaries off Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah, followed by another on a cover drive which completed his half-century-the second fastest by a South African debutant.

Bosch first looked to the partnership with Rabada for a crucial 41-run stand. Rabada, more used to bowling, was composed and showed a glimpse of his all-round skills with a beautiful cover drive. But when Aamer Jamal came back into the attack, impatience got the better of Rabada as he holed out to Babar Azam at midwicket.
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Then, Bosch collaborated with Paterson in a 47-run last-wicket stand. Paterson also contributed some aggressive strokes that included a six over long-off off Mohammad Abbas before being dismissed by the part-time spin of Saim Ayub.

Aiden Markram’s Missed Opportunity
Much earlier in the innings, Aiden Markram anchored the top order superbly with a well-crafted 90. After resuming the day on 47, he quickly reached his half-century, dispatching loose deliveries from Abbas with great precision. And around him, though he was rock-steady, wickets kept falling.
Markram’s dismissal highlighted Pakistan’s resilience. After a string of back-of-a-length deliveries, Shahzad sent down a sharp bouncer which left Markram off guard. His edge to Mohammad Rizwan denied him a second hundred this year and left South Africa vulnerable at 215 for 8.

Pakistan’s Bowling Highlights
Pakistan’s bowlers had moments of brilliance, and one such was Naseem Shah, who had a marathon 10-over spell which rattled South Africa’s middle order. Naseem’s figures of 3 for 49 included dismissals of Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, and Bedingham, all falling to well-crafted deliveries that tested their patience.
However, Pakistan could not hold on for long. Loose deliveries in the early morning helped South Africa to score freely, and their inability to capitalize on key moments, such as a dropped catch off Jansen, proved costly.

Middle-Order Collapse
South Africa’s middle order collapsed either side of lunch, prompted by Naseem Shah’s probing spell. Kyle Verreynne played a loose drive to a fifth-stump line, gifting his wicket early in the second session. Marco Jansen followed soon after, caught behind off Naseem.
David Bedingham, who had looked assured initially, fell victim to a similar backfoot drive, edging to slip. His dismissal just before lunch marked the start of a collapse that saw South Africa lose four wickets for just 35 runs.

Pakistan’s Missed Opportunities
Pakistan began the day slowly, with Naseem and Abbas struggling to maintain pressure. Aside from an early edge from Bavuma that fell short of the slips, South Africa scored freely, with Markram taking advantage of loose deliveries.

Aamer Jamal finally came up with a breakthrough, dismissing Bavuma for 22 with a length ball that drew an edge. The morning session was, however, characterized by the lack of penetration that enabled South Africa to gain momentum, which proved crucial in their eventual lead.

What Lies Ahead
South Africa is in a very commanding position with a first-innings lead of 90, but Pakistan’s batting line-up is too potent to be ignored. The onus will be on South Africa’s bowlers, especially Rabada and Bosch, to capitalize on the momentum and break Pakistan’s top order early on Day.
For Pakistan, the task is clear: bat long and build a substantial second-innings total to challenge South Africa on a deteriorating pitch.