SA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test, Day 4, Centurion Match Report, December 26-30, 2024

LunchSouth Africa 301 and 116 for 8 (Rabada 10*, Jansen 5*, Abbas 6-43, Naseem 1-22) Pakistan 211 and 237 for 31 runs

South Africa lost 5 for 37 in a frantic morning session at SuperSport Park, where Pakistan are two wickets away from securing their first Test victory in the country in 17 years and nine Tests. South Africa are 32 runs away from victory and guaranteeing a place in the World Test Championship final, but a spectacular collapse, largely at the hands of Mohammad Abbas, could deny them.

Returning after a three-year absence from the Test team, Abbas bowled a marathon 17 overs from Hennops River End and took a career-best 6 for 43. His morning figures read: 13-4-40-4 , as he defeated South Africa’s top and middle order with excellent disciplined and aggressive bowling from the back.

The most prized wicket was that of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, who was well placed on 40, when he was taken off what appeared to be the inside edge and walked.

Replays showed that Bavuma had not hit the ball and with the three reviews available, South Africa could have asked for a second opinion. Instead, Bavuma, who had received treatment on his elbow shortly before, left the middle order to finish the job. His dismissal led to the collapse of four wickets for three runs and left the tail at the crease.

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