A groundsman drives a Tremendous Sopper on the outfield subsequent to the lined pitch as rain delays the beginning of play on the third day of the primary cricket Check match between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 28, 2024. —AFP
CENTURION: Rain performed spoilsport on Saturday because the third day of the continued first Check between Pakistan and South Africa on the SuperSport Park has been delayed.
If the rain subsides, Pakistan can be resuming the third day on 88 for 3, with star batters Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel at 16 and eight, respectively.
It’s pertinent to say that Pakistan is simply two runs in need of erasing South Africa’s first innings lead of 90 runs.
Notably, South Africa would qualify for subsequent yr’s World Check Championship remaining for the primary time with a victory in both match of this two-Check sequence.
Earlier on the second day, Pakistan’s top-order struggled, shedding three wickets early.
The left-handed batter Saim Ayub was despatched again to the pavilion for 27 after a promising begin, falling to Kagiso Rabada with the rating of 49.
Kamran Ghulam, who smashed 54 runs within the first innings, was dismissed for 4 runs within the second section after Jansen struck once more, leaving Pakistan tattering at 74/3.
Proteas capitalised within the first innings by posting 301 runs in response to Pakistan’s complete of 211, securing a 90-run lead.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Aiden Markram mentioned it was a typical Centurion pitch, offering help for the quick bowlers.
“While I was batting it did feel that at any time the ball could nip past your edge,” he mentioned.
Markram cautioned South Africa would wish to bowl nicely to press dwelling their benefit on Saturday.
