In a dramatic begin to the primary Take a look at between South Africa and Pakistan on the SuperSport Park, Centurion, quick bowler Dane Paterson made headlines by dismissing former Pakistan captain Babar Azam for simply 4 runs on Day 1 of the match. This early wicket proved essential as Pakistan struggled to determine a strong basis in opposition to a formidable South African bowling assault.
Babar Azam fails to impress
South Africa received the toss and opted to bowl first underneath sunny skies, a choice that paid off early. Babar, who was returning to the Take a look at aspect after being dropped from the final two video games of the house sequence in opposition to England, confronted simply 11 balls earlier than falling sufferer to Paterson’s sharp supply. The dismissal got here as a disappointment not just for Babar but additionally for his crew, as they had been already underneath strain with the rating at 40 for two.
Paterson’s supply was well-pitched and angled in, prompting Babar to play a shot that was deemed pointless given the circumstances. He tried to drive the ball however ended up edging it to Aiden Makram within the second slip. This wicket marked a big second within the match, because it highlighted Babar’s ongoing struggles with kind within the longest format of the sport.
What was Babar doing? pic.twitter.com/rzm9X69LbD
— Kumar Sourav (@AdamDhoni1) December 26, 2024
Additionally READ: SA vs PAK 2024-25, Take a look at Sequence – Broadcast, Dwell Streaming particulars | When and the place to look at in India, USA, South Africa, Pakistan, different nations
Pakistan loses 4 wickets within the first session of play
Babar’s early exit left Pakistan reeling, as they had been already lacking out-of-form opener Abdullah Shafique, who was dropped from the squad following disappointing performances in current ODIs. With Kamran Ghulam (23 not out) and Mohammad Rizwan (10*) on the crease, Pakistan must rebuild rapidly to keep away from additional losses. Nevertheless, Paterson continued to use strain, contributing to an intense opening session for the guests.
Paterson’s bowling will instrumental for South Africa within the ongoing sequence. His capability to swing the ball and preserve a disciplined line and size could make him a key participant of their bowling arsenal. Earlier than Babar’s wicket, he claimed the prize scalp of inform batter Saim Ayub.
Pakistan had been 88 for the lack of 4 wickets at lunch. They misplaced the wickets on skipper Shan Masood, Ayub, Babar and Saud Shakeel on the bowling pleasant pitch on the SuperSport Park.
