South Africa vs Pakistan, PAK in SA, 2 Tests, 2024/25 Full score card

Hard length, around middle, from over the stumps, Temba Bavuma keeps it down with ease from the front foot. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 1!

Good-length delivery, outside the off stump. Temba Bavuma pushes forward and defends it with soft hands, takes the healthy outside edge and goes on the bounce towards the slips.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Temba Bavuma goes forward and plays it with soft hands and steers it towards point.

Back of a length, on middle. Temba Bavuma tucks it towards square leg.

On a good length, outside off. Aiden Markram drives it towards wide mid on for a single.

Full and on the middle stump, skids on. Temba Bavuma leans on and flicks it towards Kagiso Rabada at mid-wicket. He is off for a quick single and Aiden Markram responds quickly. Temba Bavuma had to scamper there at the end.

No run.

Back of a length, around off, Temba Bavuma guides it wide of point for a single from the back foot.

On a good length, around middle and off, angles in, Temba Bavuma tucks it to mid on with ease.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, shapes away, Temba Bavuma doesn't offer any shot at it.

An appeal for a caught behind by Khurram but there is no support from the keeper and other fielders! Back of a length, down the leg, Temba Bavuma wants to tickle it to fine leg but gets misses it as the ball kisses his thigh pad and goes to the keeper who takes it left to him.

Hard length, around middle and off, shapes away, Temba Bavuma defends it right under his eyes with the straight bat.

On a good length, around off, from over the wicket, angles in, Aiden Markram blocks it from the front foot to end the over.

On a good length, outside off. Aiden Markram covers the line of the stumps and plays it softly towards fine leg. Dies down on its way to Mohammad Rizwan.

Back of a length, outside off, jags back inward. Aiden Markram picks up length in an instant and punches it towards cover off the back foot.

Full and outside off, nips away. Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

Back of a length, outside off. Aiden Markram gets on top of the bounce and defends it back down.

FOUR! Streaky that but Aiden Markram will take it. Bowled just back of a length, on off stump. Aiden Markram prods at it, takes a healthy outside edge and goes past gully towards the deep third fence for a boundary.

Back of a length, outside off, jags in. Aiden Markram stays inside his crease and defends it tentatively off the back foot towards cover. The batters come through for a single. And it is a NO BALL as well.

On a good length, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Temba Bavuma doesn't offer any shot at it.

A nice outswinger! Slightly fuller, wide outside off, shapes away, Temba Bavuma shoulders his arms as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Back of a length, around middle, angles in, Temba Bavuma keeps it down from the back foot.

Slightly fuller than the last ball, around off, nips back in, Temba Bavuma blocks it out with ease back to the bowler.

Beaten! Back of a length, on the fifth stump, seam away, Temba Bavuma gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to defend it with the full face of the bat.

Hard length, around middle and off, shapes away, Aiden Markram dabs it wide of cover and takes a quick single.

Fuller and outside off, swinging away. Temba Bavuma drives it off the front foot, past the left of cover for a brace as the fielder gives chase.

On a good length, outside off. Temba Bavuma defends it from the outside half of the bat towards point.

Full and outside off this time, seams away. Temba Bavuma walks at it with the full face of the bat to defend it towards cover.

On a good length, on middle, nips in. Temba Bavuma works it away towards mid on.

Beaten! Top delivery that. Full and outside off, jags away slightly off the wicket. Temba Bavuma pushes at it but it just sneaks inches away from the outside edge.

Full and outside off, seams away. Temba Bavuma leaves it alone off the front foot.

Hard length, wide outside off, shapes away, Aiden Markram leaves it alone comfortably.

On a good length, around off and middle, jags back in sharply, Aiden Markram shoulders his arms as the ball zips past the top of the stumps. Naseem Shah has overstepped and one more ball to go.

Again full, around off, shapes in, Aiden Markram comes forward and tucks it to mid on.

Goes fuller this time, around off, angles in, Aiden Markram dabs it to mid off from the front foot.

Hard length, around off, nips back in, Aiden Markram fends it back to the bowler with the full face of the bat.

On a good length again, just outside off, Aiden Markram shoulders his arms as the ball goes to the keeper.

Comes from over the wicket, on a good length, around off, Aiden Markram drives it to mid off with the straight bat.

FOUR BYES! Sprayed full down the leg, Temba Bavuma tries to have a look at it but misses it as the ball races away to the boundary in no time going past the diving keeper.

Full and outside off, skids through. Temba Bavuma lunges forward and prods at it, takes the thick outside edge but does not carry to the second slip. Excellent first delivery from Mohammad Abbas to Bavuma first up.

Temba Bavuma is the next man in.

OUT! LBW! That one looked dead straight. Mohammad Abbas goes up immediately and the umpire takes no time in putting his finger up. This is bowled full and on the off stump, skids through, keeps a tad bit low. It hits Tristan Stubbs on his shin as he tries to play at it jumping up in the air. The batter knows that it is plumb and there was nothing he could have done about that. Mohammad Abbas picks up his first wicket after a long break from international cricket. Stubbs falls for 9 off 28 and South Africa are 66/3!

Similar length, outside off, skids on. Tristan Stubbs goes forward to defend.

Much fuller, outside off. Tristan Stubbs goes forward to defend it firmly right underneath his eyes.

Back of a length, outside off, nips away. Tristan Stubbs shoulders arms.

On a good length, outside off, swings further away. Aiden Markram lets it go through.

Hard length, around middle, jags back in sharply, Aiden Markram gets cramped up for room as he edges out to square leg in an uncomfortable position.

Good length again, wide outside off, shapes away, Aiden Markram leaves it comfortably. Oh..oo! Naseem Shah has overstepped here. No Ball!

On a good length, outside off, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot at it.

FOUR! Thrashed through the covers! Slightly short than good length, wide outside off, shapes away. Aiden Markram gets enough room to free his arms as he cuts it hard from the back foot wide of deep point for a boundary.

On a hard length, around middle, straightens off the deck, Aiden Markram blocks it out back to the bowler with the straight bat.

Good length, around leg, shapes away after pitching, Aiden Markram tucks it to mid-wicket from the front foot.

Ends with a hard-length ball, around off, from over the wicket, Tristan Stubbs keeps it down with ease.

Goes short again, just outside off, jags in. Tristan Stubbs manages to tuck it off his hips behind square.

Back of a length, on off, nips in. Tristan Stubbs hops up to tuck it towards square leg.

Full and outside off, skids through. Tristan Stubbs leaves it alone.

Beaten! Back of a length just around the off stump, nips away. Tristan Stubbs pokes his bat at it from inside his crease as the ball beats past the outside edge.

FOUR BYES! Oh my word. Freebies right after the break. Bowled on a length, way down the leg side, nips away even further. Mohammad Rizwan dives towards his left but is still unable to reach it. The ball races towards the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Drinks! Despite losing two wickets, South Africa have managed to score at a good rate. Aiden Markram has been superb and is finding the boundaries regularly while Tristan Stubbs is holding up the other end. These two will hope to continue like this and come back on Day 2 to build on it. Pakistan will want to break this stand and pick up a couple of wickets to put pressure back on the hosts.

Fuller and outside off, Aiden Markram offers no shot at it.

Hard length and around off, Aiden Markram punches it through covers for a brace.

Good length and on off, Tristan Stubbs pats it in front of covers for a quick single.

Short of a length and around off, nips in, Tristan Stubbs lets it go to the keeper.

On a length and on leg, takes off again, Tristan Stubbs manages to pat it towards short leg.

Back of a length and on middle, Tristan Stubbs keeps it out well.

EDGED BUT FOUR! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes off a bit. Aiden Markram tries to ride the bounce and guide it away but gets an outside edge. The ball zips between the third slip and gully for a boundary.

Good length and outside off, shapes away, Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

On a length and on middle and leg, Aiden Markram flicks it through square leg for a brace. 50 up for South Africa!

Back of a length and on off, nips back in sharply, Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

Fuller one and on middle, Aiden Markram knocks it to mid on.

Short of a length and on the fifth stump line, Aiden Markram lets it go the keeper.

Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Tristan Stubbs leaves it alone.

Hard length and on off, Tristan Stubbs fends it down thee pitch.

FOUR! Gets through again! Goes fuller and on off, shaping away, Tristan Stubbs looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes along the carpet and beats the diving gully fielder for another boundary.

Short of a length and around off, Tristan Stubbs dabs it to point.

Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram pushes it towards covers for a single.

FOUR! A bit streaky! Good length and just around off, holds its line. Aiden Markram steps across to play but gets an outside edge along the ground. The fielder at gully dives to his right but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.

Very full and on off, Tristan Stubbs leans on and blocks it out.

Short of a length and just outside off, Tristan Stubbs leaves it alone.

Fuller and on off, Aiden Markram taps it in front of short covers for a quick single.

Hard length and on middle, Aiden Markram stays back and keeps it out to the leg side.

Length again and on middle, Aiden Markram gets behind the line of it and blocks it ou.

Naseem Shah starts with a good-length delivery around off, shapes away, Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

Pitched up and on the sixth stump line, Tristan Stubbs pushes it to short covers.

Pulls his length back and on off again, Tristan Stubbs steers it to point again.

Full again and around off, Tristan Stubbs guides it off the outer half of the bat towards point.

Overpitched and on middle and off, Tristan Stubbs dead-bats it down the pitch.

Back of a length and outside off, Tristan Stubbs leaves it alone.

Full and on off, Tristan Stubbs prods forward and blocks it out.

Pitched up and on off, Aiden Markram strides out and pushes it towards covers. 10 runs off the over. South Africa trails by 173 runs now!

FOUR Stand and deliver! Back of a length and just around off. Aiden Markram stands tall, gets on top of it nicely and punches it sweetly through covers for another boundary.

Hard length and on middle, shoots up off the surface, Aiden Markram gets squared up and takes a boow high on the body.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Mohammad Abbas serves this full again and on middle. Aiden Markram presents the full face of the and drives it gloriously through mid on for a boundary.

Fuller one and angling into the pads, Aiden Markram clips it through mid-wicket f a single.

Short of a length and on off, Aiden Markram dabs it to point.

Back of a length, outside off, skids through. Tristan Stubbs stands tall inside his crease and lets it go through.

FOUR! Tristan Stubbs gets off the market with a boundary! Comes over the wicket on this one and bowls on full length, around middle and leg, nips back in, Tristan Stubbs leans and flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary to open his account.

Tristan Stubbs comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! An excellent catch by Mohammad Rizwan! Khurram Shahzad has got his second! He bowls on hard length, just outside off, from around the wicket, jags back in. Ryan Rickelton is tentative there and pokes at it from the front foot. The ball takes the outside edge and flies behind barely reaching the keeper, but Mohammad Rizwan dives forward to gobble it up. The replays also confirm it is a clean catch. South Africa two down now!

FOUR! Crunched through the cover! Comes around the wicket this time, angles in, around off, Ryan Rickelton gets forward, covers the line of the ball, and drives it wide of cover for a boundary.

Hard length, just outside off, nips back in after pitching, Ryan Rickelton watches it go through to the keeper as he knows where his off stump is.

Comes from over the wicket, good length, around off, Ryan Rickelton blocks it out with the straight bat.

Full, around off, from over the wicket, Aiden Markram fends it to cover with ease from the front foot.

That cut him in half. This one is bowled back of a length, seams in off the wicket. Aiden Markram goes forward but the ball starts its journey inward after pitching, takes Markram by surprise as he awkwardly looks to tuck it away but it is too late for him and the ball sneaks through.

On a good length, outside off, seams away. Aiden Markram leaves it confidently off the front foot.

Beaten! Back of a length, just outside off, nips in big time. Aiden Markram gets forward tentatively as it just sneaks past the outside edge.

Full and outside off, seams away. Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

FOUR! And another. Short and wide, full punishment given. Bowled outside off, nips away. Aiden Markram lines himself up for the cut, stands tall, gets on top of the bounce and cuts hard in front of point on the off side for four more runs. Oh.! It is called a No Ball for overstepping.

FOUR! Straying down leg, seams in a bit more off the wicket. Aiden Markram in his classic fashion flicks it off his legs towards square leg to pick up a boundary.

Full and on the off stump, angling across. Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms.

On a good length, just outside off, angles away, from over the wicket, Ryan Rickelton gets open up and tries to defend it with the soft hands but only manages to get an outside edge that falls short of the gully fielder.

Bowled back of a length, just outside off, seams in. Ryan Rickelton defends it awkwardly under his eyes.

A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire has turned it down! Khurram Shahzad has asked Shan to take a review and they are going upstairs! Full, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Ryan Rickelton shoulders his arms and plays with his right leg. The ball kisses the pads and goes to the keeper. The Ball Tracking shows that it is missing the stumps. Pakistan loses a review!

FOUR! Nice timing! Khurram Shahzad changes his line and goes middle and leg with a full-length ball, nips back in. Ryan Rickelton is waiting for that line as he comes forward and flicks it wide of mid on. Naseem Shah chases it from mid on but he can't save the boundary even with a dive.

Beaten right away! Hard length, just outside off, from over the wicket, angles away, Ryan Rickelton gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to punch it from the back foot with no feet movement.

On a good length, outside off, swings away. Aiden Markram leaves it confidently off the front foot.

Oh that was massively close to the stumps. Bowled back of a length, just outside off, nips inward a bit too much, beats Markram on the inside edge and thuds onto the back pad. The ball trickles towards the off stump as Aiden Markram with his instincts tries to stand in the way of the ball making his way to the off stump.

Full and outside off, seams away. Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

On a good length, outside off. Aiden Markram leaves it alone.

Full and on leg stump, seams away, completely opens up Aiden Markram. He still manages to get his bat down with a full face and defends it back to the bowler.

Full and outside off, seams away. Aiden Markram watches it go through. The ball dies down right in the end into the hands of the keeper.

Ryan Rickelton walks out to bat number 3.

OUT! BOWLED! WHAT A BALL! Khurram Shahzad has got his man on the last ball of the over! Tony de Zorzi departs for just 2! Khurram Shahzad again goes fuller, from over the wicket, around off, shapes in sharply. Tony de Zorzi comes forward to defend it with the full face of the bat but the ball finds the gap between bat and pads and goes to rattle the stumps. First down for South Africa! Pakistan players are pumped up!

An appeal for LBW but the umpire has turned it down as it is going down leg! Goes fuller this time, around middle and leg, jags back in sharply, Tony de Zorzi gets beaten on the inside edge as he looks to flick it and wears it on the pads.

Finally, he connects it! On a good length, around off, Aiden Markram comes forward and dabs it wide of mid off for a quick single.

A play and a miss! Short of a length, outside off, angles away, Aiden Markram goes for a cut shot from the back foot but misses it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Terrific delivery! Hard length, from the corner of the wicket, angles in, just outside off, shapes away after pitching, Aiden Markram gets beaten on the outside edge again as he isn't able to judge the line correctly here.

Beaten! On a good length, just outside off, a hint of outswing, Aiden Markram prods forward to defend it with the straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, zips through. Tony de Zorzi brings his bat down on time from an angle and defends in firmly back to the bowler.

Fuller and on the off stump, nips in. Tony de Zorzi comfortably right behind it to defend it firmly.

Full and in that channel outside off, nips away. Tony de Zorzi watches it go through.

On a good length, outside off, angling across. Tony de Zorzi plays with soft hands and defends it under his eyes.

Drifting onto the leg stump, skids on. Tony de Zorzi tucks it off his legs towards deep mid-wicket for a brace as the short leg fielder gives chase.

Starts off with a full one, just on off stump, angling across. Tony de Zorzi leaves it alone.

Mohammad Abbas to bowl from the other end.

Ends with a short-of-a-length ball, wide outside off, moves further away after pitching, Aiden Markram watches it go through to the keeper.

On a good length, just outside off, shapes away a little bit, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot at it.

FOUR! Timed! Aiden Markram is off the mark with this boundary! Slightly overpitched, just outside off, angles in, from over the wicket, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it left to the bowler down the ground for a boundary. First one for this innings.

Back of a length, around off, angles in, Aiden Markram dabs it to point and wants a quick run but is sent back by the non striker.

Hard length, on the fifth stump, a hint of outswing, Aiden Markram leaves it again.

Starts with a good-length ball, wide outside off, shapes away, Aiden Markram doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

OUT! CAUGHT! It only took three deliveries after the break to wrap up Pakistan's innings. This one is bowled full and just outside off, nips in, takes off after pitching. Khurram Shahzad opens up his body to pull it towards the leg side but it takes the leading edge and stands up tall in the sky. Dane Paterson stationed at mid-wicket stedies himself under the ball and completes the catch easily in the end. Pakistan are bundled out for a mere 211 runs.

Goes fuller this time, around off and middle, from around the wicket, Khurram Shahzad comes forward and drives it to mid off with ease for no run.

Khurram Shahzad is up and running right from the get go in this session. Coming in from around the wicket, bowls it full and on the off stump. Khurram Shahzad lofts it over towards sweeper cover to come through for a brace.

We are back for the last session! The sun is out now and the players are already in their positions. Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas will want to score as many as possible for Pakistan. Marco Jansen to bowl the first over of this session. Let's go...

... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...

The ball is still swinging after 57 overs which adds to the bowlers' advantage. Pakistan will come out to add more runs as their last partnership will do whatever they can. South Africa will want to wrap things up as soon as possible and look forward to their batting. Join us at 1.30 pm GMT for what promises to be an exciting final session!

The tailenders of Pakistan came out to bat and went as they weren’t able to handle this fiery bowling. However, the last wicket partnership has shown some grittiness by playing out the extended half an hour brilliantly and has added 20 runs till Tea. Dane Paterson was the star for South Africa, claiming three wickets in this session, taking his tally to a fifer (back-to-back fifers for him in the last two test matches) in this first inning. Corbin Bosch also chipped in two wickets in this session to make it an overall four. They both bowled with great rhythm and the latter will aim for an individual fifer after Tea.

Mohammad Rizwan contributed 27 runs before falling into the slip cordon. Two quick wickets at 142/6 put Pakistan under pressure but all-rounders Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal steadied the innings with a promising partnership of 47 runs where the latter survived two drop catches in the slip and then chopped on after making 26. Salman Agha departed just ahead of the scheduled Tea which made it worse for Pakistan as they have slipped out from 189/6 to 189/9 in a matter of time.

SESSION SUMMARY - 33 overs, 121 runs, 5 wickets! At Tea, South Africa holds the upper hand in a contested session. However, they would have been frustrated not being able to take the last wicket in the extended 30 minutes. Pakistan are struggling at 209/9, having started the session at 88/4 after 24 overs. Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan added a crucial 81-run partnership, with Kamran scoring his maiden fifty of the series. He played aggressively but was dismissed trying to hit a lofted shot.

Pitched up and around off, Mohammad Abbas opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a brace. TEA ON DAY 1 HAS BEEN CALLED NOW!

Fuller and outside off, Mohammad Abbas leaves it alone.

Good length but down the leg again, Mohammad Abbas misses his glance.

FOUR! Nicely played! Hard length and down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas tickles it away towards fine leg. Dane Paterson runs to his right and dives in but fails to stop it from going to the boundary. These are all valuable runs.

BEATEN! Back of a length and on off, nips away, Mohammad Abbas tries to guide it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Errs in line again and bowls this full and down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas misses his flick.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Khurram Shahzad somehow manages to keep it out to the leg side.

Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Abbas drills it away nicely down the ground. Temba Bavuma from mid off runs after it and slides forward to make the stop.Three runs taken.

Back of a length and on off, takes off a bit and straightens a bit too. Mohammad Abbas tries to play at it but misses.

Fuller but angling down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas misses his flick.

Good length and around off, holds its line, Mohammad Abbas plays well inside the line of it as the ball goes through to the keeper.

In the air...safe! Fuller and around off, Khurram Shahzad backs away and chips it in the air, Kagiso Rabada at deep point runs forward but the ball drops well in front of him. A single is taken. 200 UP FOR PAKISTAN!

Short of a length and on off, Mohammad Abbas rides the bounce well and keeps it out.

Full again but way down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas is nowhere near to play at that.

Touch fuller and outside off, Mohammad Abbas offers no shot at it.

Good length and on the fifth stump line, nips back in, Mohammad Abbas watches it through and leaves it alone.

Fuller one but angling down the leg side, Mohammad Abbas misses his flick.

Excellent fielding! Short of a length and on leg, Mohammad Abbas pats it wide of short leg. Tony de Zorzi dives to his right to make a fine one-handed stop. He throws it at the batter's end and almost catches Abbas out of his crease.

On a length and on middle, shapes in, Kamran Ghulam fails to flick it away and gets hit on the pads again.

Fuller again and outside off, shapes away, Khurram Shahzad swings wildly once more only to miss it.

Goes fuller and on middle, shaping in, Khurram Shahzad backs away to whip it but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Hard length and on off, Khurram Shahzad tries to swipe it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

EDGED AND FOUR! Good length and on middle, Khurram Shahzad throws everything into his slog across the line. Gets an outside edge that flies over the slips for a boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Khurram Shahzad stays back and blocks it out.

Hard length and angling into the body of the batter. Mohammad Abbas pats it down in front of short leg. Maiden over!

Bangs in a bouncer, on middle, Mohammad Abbas ducks under it.

Goes back to his fuller length and outside off, Mohammad Abbas offers no shot at it.

Nasty! Back of a length and on middle, angling in. Mohammad Abbas tries to get out of the way but it hits his gloves and drops down on the pitch.

Full again and just outside off, shapes away, Mohammad Abbas leaves it alone.

Fuller and on middle, Mohammad Abbas stays back and blocks it down the pitch.

Hard length and on middle, Mohammad Abbas swipes it off the inside half of the bat towards deep square leg for a run. Pakistan would at least want to go past 200 here.

Fuller and on leg, Khurram Shahzad misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards fine leg. A leg bye is taken.

Pitched up and around off, shapes away again. Khurram Shahzad swings hard again but only connects with thin air.

Fuller and well outside off again, shapes away. Khurram Shahzad throws the kitchen sink at it and goes for the big slog but misses. Kyle Verreynne grabs it and appeals for it but nothing doing.

FOUR! Valuable runs for Pakistan! Fuller and just outside off, Khurram Shahzad uses the width on offer and slices it over point for a boundary.

Swing and a miss! Back of a length and outside off, shaping way, Khurram Shahzad has a wild swipe at it but misses.

Well, if you are wondering why Tea has not been taken. It is because as Pakistan are nine down, this session has been extended by at least 30 minutes or till the last wicket falls, whichever is earlier.

On a good length, outside off, swinging away. Mohammad Abbas leaves it alone off the front foot.

Beaten! Bowled full and just around that probing channel. Mohammad Abbas prods at it as it goes inches past the outside edge. Absolute peach that.

Full and wide outside off, swinging away. Mohammad Abbas lets it go through.

Oh my word! That would have been curtains for Mohammad Abbas. A yorker on middle, swerves in through the air. Abbas just gets his bat down in time to keep it out.

Full and wide outside off, swinging away. Mohammad Abbas leaves it alone.

OUT! TWO IN TWO FOR SOUTH AFRICA! Corbin Bosch gets his fourth now! He goes fuller and on middle, sticks to the surface a bit. Naseem Shah tries to drive it down the ground but gets a bit hurried by the pace on the ball. It hits him high on the bat and loops towards mid on where Kagiso Rabada takes a dolly. Pakistan are 189/9 now!

Khurram Shahzad comes out to the middle now.

OUT! NUMBER FIVE FOR PATERSON! Back-to-back fifers for him in Test matches and this means a lot to him. The field was brought in before this ball and the hosts get the reward for it. Dane Paterson bangs in a good short ball around off, Salman Agha wants the strike and tries to swat it towards mid-wicket but goes through his shot a bit too early. The ball lobs up off the toe-end of the bat and Ryan Rickelton from point runs forward and takes a fine diving catch. Pakistan eight down now!

On a length and on middle, Salman Agha walks across and keeps it out to the leg side.

Goes fuller and on off, Salman Agha knocks it towards mid off.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, angling into leg, Salman Agha winds up for the pull but withdraws from it in the end.

Back of a length and outside off again, Salman Agha lets it go to the keeper.

Good length and just around off, Salman Agha leaves it alone.

Pitched up and on off, Naseem Shah blocks it out.

Naseem Shah walks out to bat now.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Corbin Bosch responds in brilliant fashion and he is pumped up here. This is on a good length and outside off again, Aamer Jamal throws his bat at it but has to reach out and goes a bit too hard at it. He loses his shape and only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. Jamal falls for 28 off 27 and Pakistan are seven down now!

SIX! BANG!! Corbin Bosch bangs this short and well outside off. Aamer Jamal gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it up and over point for a cracking six.

Fuller and on leg, Salman Agha works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short of a length and outside off, Salman Agha punches it wide of deep point for a brace.

DROPPED AGAIN! A tougher chance and it is Tristan Stubbs again! Good length and just around off, nips away. Aamer Jamal pushes at it but gets an outside edge. Stubbs at third slip dives to his right and goes with just his outstretched right hand and spills it out. He could have gone with both hands there. A single is taken.

Pitched up and on middle, nips back in sharply, Aamer Jamal just about manages to clip it to deep square leg for one.

FOUR! Insult to injury! Dane Paterson goes fuller and just on off. Aamer Jamal leans on to his drive and hits it uppishly but safely through extra covers for another boundary.

DROPPED AND FOUR! South Africa have put down another catch here! Short of a length and outside off. Aamer Jamal slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge. Tristan Stubbs at third slip reacts a bit late and it bursts through his hands to the third man fence for a boundary. Jamla will look to make the most of this.

On a length and on off, Salman Agha pats it in front of covers for a single.

Beaten! Fuller in length and on off, shapes away a touch. Salman Agha steps across to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Back of a length and around off, shaping away, Salman Agha leaves it alone.

BEAUTY! Touch fuller and in that channel outside off, straightens a bit, Aamer Jamal tries to block it out but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Hard length but angling down the leg side, Aamer Jamal lets it go to the keeper.

Short of a length and outside off, Salman Agha throws his bat at it and slices it to deep point for a run.

Lovely bowling! Pitched up and just around off, holds its line after pitching. Salman Agha tries to play it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Full again and on middle, shaping into leg, Aamer Jamal clips it in front of short mid-wicket for quick single.

Fuller and on the pads, Aamer Jamal tucks it towards mid-wicket.

On a length and on middle, angling in, Aamer Jamal clips it off the inner half of his bat through square leg for one.

Short of a length and on middle and off. Salman Agha looks for the pull but fails to ride the bounce and mistimes it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length and around off, Salman Agha steers it wide of point where Marco Jansen dives to his right to stop the single.

Sticks to the fuller length and on middle, nips back into the leg side again. Salman Agha uses his feet once more but fails to work it away.

Full again and on off, nips back in, Salman Agha steps across this time to play at it but gets an inside edge on to his pads.

Fuller one and on middle, shaping in sharply. Salman Agha walks in to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls to the keeper.

Beaten! Bowled back of a length, just outside off, zips through. Aamer Jamal looks to get on top of the bounce to cut it but the ball flies inches over the top edge and goes into the keeper's gloves.

Short and wide outside off. Salman Agha gets on top of the bounce to cut it towards deep backward point for a single.

Pitched in short, angled towards the batter. Salman Agha ducks underneath it and lets it go through.

FOUR! Cheeky but smart that from Salman Agha. Goes short and wide outside off. Salman Agha gets underneath it and upper cuts it over the slips to get it towards deep third fence to pick up another boundary.

Full and outside off, nips in. Salman Agha defends it firmly back towards the bowler.

On a good length, on middle stump, nips in. Salman Agha brings his bat down at an angle with a full face and defends it back to the bowler.

Ends with a good-length ball, outside off, Aamer Jamal leaves it alone.

Full, just outside off, slow in pace, Salman Agha looks to drive it but gets an inside edge off the blade wide of cover for a single.

Hard length, outside off, Salman Agha comes forward and watches the ball sails through to the keeper as he doesn't offer any shot at it.

Short of a length, around middle and leg, shapes in sharply, Salman Agha ducks it with ease as the ball goes to the keeper.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, no swing at all, Aamer Jamal comes forward and drives it wide of point for a single to get off the strike.

Hard length, around middle, straightens off the deck, an extra bounce, Aamer Jamal wants to defend it but wears it on the shoulder of the bat.

A bouncer to end the over, around middle and leg, Salman Agha ducks it comfortably as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off. Aamer Jamal stands tall, gets on top of the bounce to slap it hard towards backward point region to pick up a single.

FOUR BYES! That one took off. Goes back of a length, outside off. This one takes off after pitching. The keeper Kyle Verreynne jumps up stretching both his hands high up but still couldn't reach it as it flies over him to go to the boundary cushions.

FOUR! Genius shot that. Bowled back of a length, just outside off, comes off quicker through the air. Aamer Jamal goes up on his toes, uses the pace of the ball and steers it towards vacant deep backward point region to pick up another boundary.

Fuller and outside off, nips away. Salman Agha looks to drive off the front foot but chops it towards cover.

Back of a length, on off. Salman Agha gets on top of the bounce, gets his hands high up and defends it back down.

Beaten! Absolute peach that! Bowled full and outside off, swinging away, inviting the drive. Aamer Jamal looks to drive but is beaten on the front foot drive of the outside edge.

BEATEN! Good length, just outside off, from over the stumps, shapes away, Aamer Jamal looks to defend it with the straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good length, around off, Aamer Jamal dabs it to mid off from the front foot.

WOW! Takes off from the surface! Back of a length, outside off, Aamer Jamal moves across to defend it with the full face of the bat but the ball takes an extra bounce after pitching and goes to the keeper in no time.

Leg bye! An appeal for LBW but it is turned down as it is going above the stumps clearly! On a good length, around off and middle, nips back in, slow in pace. Salman Agha walks down the pitch again to tuck it to mid-wicket but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads. They get a leg bye as the ball rolls away to point.

Hard length, just outside off, Salman Agha walks two-three steps ahead and keeps it down with the full face of the bat.

Stays in that probing channel, just outside off, seams away. Aamer Jamal rocks forward but does not offer a shot.

Goes fuller again, outside off. Aamer Jamal leaves it off the front foot.

On a similar length and line. Aamer Jamal watches it all along the way into the keeper's gloves.

On a good length, just outside off stump. Aamer Jamal lets it go through.

FOUR! Crunched through the covers! Bowled full and outside off, swinging away, inviting the drive. Aamer Jamal obliges and drives it confidently off the front foot towards deep extra cover region for a boundary.

Fuller and outside off, seams away. Salman Agha pushes it towards cover for a single.

Aamer Jamal is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT AT SECOND SLIP! Rizwan departs on 27! Dane Paterson gets his fourth and Pakistan are in trouble now as they are 142/6. Dane Paterson continuously bowls in the channel on hard length as this ball gets a little bit of outswing later on. Mohammad Rizwan who is already batting out of his crease, pokes at it but his head falls and he loses his bottom hand as well. The ball goes off the outside edge to second slip where Aiden Markram takes a simple catch with both hands.

Full and outside off, nips away. Mohammad Rizwan pushes forward and defends it firmly back towards the bowler.

Edged but it falls ahead of the third slip! Hard length in the channel, angles in, Mohammad Rizwan gets a thick outside edge in trying to defend it that goes to the third slip but it falls short.

A play and a miss! Hard length, withe medium pace, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and wants to block it with the full face of the bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone again.

Hard length from over the wicket, wide outside off, Mohammad Rizwan watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, Salman Agha doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

FOUR! Full and outside off, nips away. Salman Agha goes forward to it with soft hands and opens the face of the bat at the last minute to steer it past gully to pick up a boundary.

On a good length, outside off. Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone.

Full and outside off, goes away. Mohammad Rizwan lets it go through.

Full and outside off, nips away. Mohammad Rizwan lets it go through.

Comes from over the wicket, full, around off, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and tucks it to mid on for no run.

Drinks! South Africa finally got rid of Kamran Ghulam who was starting to look really dangerous here. He got under the skins of the Proteas with a few words and scored a fine half-century before being dismissed. Pakistan have to build another partnership if they want to get something around 300 and a lot will depend on the experienced Mohammad Rizwan. South Africa were searching for an opening and they have just got that. The hosts will want to build on that and pick up a couple more in the next hour. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us.

OUT! TAKEN! Not safe this time! An outrageous shot and Kamran Ghulam has thrown away his wicket here. The bowling change has worked like a treat for South Africa and they have finally managed to break the 81-run stand. Dane Paterson sees the batter advance and bangs this into the pitch, on middle, angling in. Ghulam skips down the track and tries to heave it across the line but gets cramped up and only manages to get a top edge. The ball flies towards deep square leg where Kagiso Rabada runs to his left, settles under it nicely and takes a good catch. A huge cheer from the crowd! Ghulam walks back for 54 off 71 and Pakistan lose half their side now!

Uppish but safe! Short of a length and on off, takes off viciously, Kamran Ghulam tries to ride the bounce and keep it out but fails to do so. It takes the shoulder of the bat and loops before dropping well in front of Marco Jansen at gully.

JAFFA! Dane Paterson bowls this at a nagging length and in the corridor of uncertainty. It straightens a bit after pitching and beat the outside edge of Kamran Ghulam.

Back of a length and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan stays back and pats it to the leg side for a run.

Fuller and on middle, shaping in, Kamran Ghulam looks to push it away but gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a single.

Wow...where has that come from? Hard length and outside off, shapes away, Kamran Ghulam skips down the track for a wild heave across the line. But he only connects with thin air.

BEATEN! Dane Paterson starts his spell with a good-length delivery, on off, holds its line, Kamran Ghulam has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Well, it would not have mattered even if took the outside edge as Paterson has overstepped here. No Ball!

Dane Paterson (7-1-35-2) replaces Marco Jansen.

Much fuller this time, on middle and off, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it towards mid off.

On a length and on leg, Kamran Ghulam flicks it through square leg for a single.

Bowls this on a good length and on the sixth stump line, Kamran Ghulam offers no shot at it.

Full again and on off, shapes away, Kamran Ghulam lets it go to the keeper.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Kamran Ghulam tucks it in front of short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and around off, Kamran Ghulam plays a half-hearted pull shot. He mistimes it as the ball rolls towards short mid-wicket.

On a length and around leg, Kamran Ghulam glances it to fine leg for a run.

Sharp bowling! Marco Jansen bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle. Kamran Ghulam gets surprised by it but just manages to duck under it.

Goes fuller and on off, shaping in, Kamran Ghulam stays in his crease and blocks it out solidly.

Short of a length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan hops up and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Back of a length and around off, angling away, Mohammad Rizwan offers no shot at it.

Fuller in length and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan drills it wide of mid on where the fielder makes a good diving stop.

Hits the length hard and on off, gets it to nip back in sharply, Kamran Ghulam watches it through and leaves it alone.

Overpitched and on middle, Mohammad Rizwan looks to flick it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards covers for one.

Pitched up and on off, Mohammad Rizwan reaches out for it a bit and drives it to mid off.

Another beauty! Kagiso Rabada hits the length hard and just around off, takes off a bitand holds its line. Mohammad Rizwan moves across to play at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it towards mid on.

Good length and on the fifth stump line, shapes away, Mohammad Rizwan leaves it alone.

Coming in from around the wicket, angled towards middle stump. Kamran Ghulam pushes at it but it beats past the inside edge and loops up off the pads Stubbs at slip cordon dives forward to take the catch. There is a slight appeal for a catch but the umpire is unmoved. There is a slight question for LBW but Jansen says it is going down the leg side.

Fuller again and around off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it towards covers for one.

Pitched up and on the pads, Kamran Ghulam clips it through square leg for a single.

Pulls his length back a bit and outside off, shapes away a touch, Kamran Ghulam goes chasing after it but misses.

Fuller and on off, Kamran Ghulam drives it to mid off.

Back of a length and angling into leg, Mohammad Rizwan misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

DROPPED AND FIFTY FOR GHULAM! Kagiso Rabada has his hands on his head as he should have got his man here. Fuller in length and on off, Kamran Ghulam goes for the big drive but gets a thick outside edge. Marco Jansen at gully moves to his right, gets both hands on it, but spills it out. Ghulam gets a life and raises his bat to celebrate his half-century.

BEATEN! Touch fuller and on the fifth stump line, holds its line a bit. Kamran Ghulam stays back to play at it but it zips past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada steams in and bangs in a quick bounce, on middle, Kamran Ghulam ducks under it. A huge roar from the crowd now.

BEAUTY! Kagiso Rabada has been really unlucky not to get a wicket here so far. Hard length and in that channel outside off, shapes away. Kamran Ghulam has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge. Once again, a few words exchanged between the duo.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling in, Kamran Ghulam blocks it out with a straight bat. He shouts 'No run' in some bizarre fashion.

FOUR! Gets it away! Kagiso Rabada lands this on a good length and on middle, nips back in sharply. Kamran Ghulam looks to flick it away but it takes the inside edge of the bat and races away to the fine leg fence for a boundary. He moves to 48 now!

Back of a length, from around the wicket, angled in. Kamran Ghulam gets on top of the bounce to cut it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Changes his line to stumps, full again, angles in, Kamran Ghulam tucks it to mid-wicket with ease.

Overpitched, wide outside off, shapes away, Kamran Ghulam doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Slightly full than the last one, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it wide of cover from the front foot for a quick single.

Hard length, around off and middle, angles in, Mohammad Rizwan defends it with the full face of the bat.

Comes from around the wicket, good length, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam drives it wide of extra cover for a single to start the over.

BEATEN! Full, wide outside off, swings away, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge as it goes to the keeper.

In-ducker from outside off. Kamran Ghulam hops up and tucks it off his hips towards backward square leg for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, nips away. Kamran Ghulam sways his bat away from the line of the stumps and lets it go through.

Goes short again does Kagiso Rabada. Mohammad Rizwan pulls it behind square towards long leg for a single.

What in the world was that shot. This one is bowled back of a length, on off stump, nips away. Kamran Ghulam premeditates the pull but decides to pull away from it at the last minute but forgets to actually get his bat away from the line of the ball. It takes the bottom edge of the slanting bat and goes towards cover. The batters run through for a single.

Absolute seed that, from Kagiso Rabada​​​​​​. Bowled full and just around off stump, nips away off the wicket and very late.  Kamran Ghulam pushes at it as it zips past the outside edge.

Coming in from around the wicket, angled towards middle. Kamran Ghulam prods at it as it takes the leading edge and goes towards vacant sweeper cover region for a single.

Drags his length, outside off, Kamran Ghulam watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Goes fuller again, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam leaves it to the keeper.

FOUR! In the air and a boundary! Jansen serves it fuller, wide outside off, from around the wicket, shapes away, Kamran Ghulam prods forward and drives it wide of point in the air for a boundary.

On a good length, around off, nips back in, Kamran Ghulam looks to drive it gets hits on the pads through the edge.

Comes from around the wicket, hard length, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Kamran Ghulam doesn't offer any shot at it.

Full, on the fifth stump, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and wants to drive it but gets it through the inner half of bat to mid off for no run.

FOUR! Mohammad Rizwan is all over it. Bowled full and outside off, swings away. Mohammad Rizwan lunges forward and opens the full face of his bat and guides it past cover-point to pick up a boundary.

On a similar length, just outside off, zips through. Mohammad Rizwan presents a full face of the bat and defends it back down.

Full and outside off, nips away. Mohammad Rizwan defends it firmly right underneath his eyes.

On a similar length, just outside off. Mohammad Rizwan drags it out back towards the bowler this time.

Overpitched on off stump. Mohammad Rizwan digs it out back towards mid on.

FOUR! Glorious shot that. Goes back of a length, swinging away. Kamran Ghulam stands tall, gets his hands up high and punches it off the back foot past cover to pick up another boundary. That also brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Good length, around off, Kamran Ghulam fends it to cover from the front foot.

FOUR! Crunched! Back of a length, wide outside off, no swing at all, Kamran Ghulam gets enough room to free his arms as he slices it wide of cover for a boundary. With that, 100 comes up for Pakistan!

Comes from around the wicket, short of a length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan keeps it down wide of square leg for a single.

Hard length, outside off, shapes away, Mohammad Rizwan lets it go to the keeper.

Goes fuller and wide outside off, from over the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan goes for a drive from the front foot. The ball goes wide of cover where Bavuma gets a hand off it and they take a couple of runs.

Hard length, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam wants to leave it but can't be able to withdraw the bat properly as the ball hits it and rolls over to point. No harm is done!

Beaten! Bowled just on a good length, outside off, inviting the drive. Kamran Ghulam goes for it and gets beaten off the outside edge.

Full and outside off, shaping away. Kamran Ghulam leaves it alone.

FOUR! Put away nicely and all the pressure built has just fizzled out. Goes back of a length, outside off, swinging away. Kamran Ghulam stays inside his crease and punches this off the back foot past cover-point for another boundary.

Fuller and outside off, swinging away. Kamran Ghulam goes tentatively forward and drives it off the close face of the bat towards mid off.

Oh my word, that is a scary leave. Bowled full and just outside off, jags back in just that slight bit. Kamran Ghulam trusts the bounce of the pitch and leaves it alone off length.

End of a maiden over! On a good length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan guides it to point with ease.

On a length, wide outside off, from over the wicket, shapes away, Mohammad Rizwan goes for the chase but misses it.

JAFFA! Hard length, around middle, nips back in sharply, Mohammad Rizwan tries to keep it down with the cross bat but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes over the stumps.

Goes fuller this time, around off and middle, Mohammad Rizwan shows the full face of the bat from the front foot.

On a good length, around leg, no swing, Mohammad Rizwan defends it back to the bowler.

Comes from over the wicket, hard length, around middle and leg, nips back in, Mohammad Rizwan keeps it down with ease.

Marco Jansen to share the attack.

Absolute peach that. This one is bowled full and just around that probing channel, just nips away. Kamran Ghulam pushes at it and the ball just beats past the outside edge.

Goes fuller this time, around off, slightly overpitched, Mohammad Rizwan has to come up to drive it down the ground past the bowler. Corbin Bosch from mid on chases it as they take three runs.

That one came in sharply. Bowled full and on off stump, nips. Mohammad Rizwan pushes at it with hard hands as it misses the inside edge of the bat and thuds into the pads.

Ouch, that must have hurt. Pitched in back of a length, just outside off, nips away. Mohammad Rizwan awkwardly prods at it as it shoots up and hits his fingers before dropping down on the pitch. He looks in some discomfort.

Fuller this time, just outside off stump, nips away.  Mohammad Rizwan lets it go through.

Starts off with back of a length, outside off. Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms.

We are back for the second session! The players are already out in the middle now. Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam will resume batting for Pakistan. Kagiso Rabada to start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

Pakistan will be a bit disappointed that, despite managing to see off the first hour without any casualties, they let that position slip. If Rizwan and Ghulam continue to bat in the same counter-attacking fashion, South Africa won't mind it, as it opens avenues for them to strike. It promises to be another entertaining session. Do join us back at 10.40 am GMT for the start of the second session. Cheers!

After the first hour, which saw the tourists reach 36/0, fortunes quickly turned in favour of the hosts. Debutant Corbin Bosch struck with his first delivery in Test cricket, triggering what turned out to be a frenetic hour of play. Dane Paterson soon got into the act, and the visiting side slipped from 36/0 to 56/4, losing 4 wickets for just 20 runs due to a combination of disciplined bowling and indifferent batting. Despite the collapse, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam did not shy away from taking their chances and attempted to rebuild the innings with some counterattacking strokes.

Well, that's the end of an entertaining session to kickstart the Boxing Day Test. It turned out to be a tale of two halves, with South Africa dominating the second half of the session to head into the break as the happier of the two sides. Having been sent in to bat, the first hour was always going to be a stern test for Pakistan. Saim Ayub and Shan Masood navigated it unscathed despite a probing opening spell from Kagiso Rabada. There were multiple plays and misses, and on the rare occasions when the ball caught the edge, it failed to carry, hinting at the slower nature of the pitch.

Pitched fuller, wide outside off, Kamran Ghulam leaves it alone. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 1!

Full, on the fifth stump from over the wicket, Kamran Ghulam watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Goes fuller this time, around leg, nips back in, Mohammad Rizwan nudges it wide of square leg for a single.

Pushed across the batter, on a good length, Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms.

Again same line down the leg, on a good length, Mohammad Rizwan doesn't offer any shot this time.

An appeal for caught behind but the umpire Nitin Menon shakes his head! Hard length down the leg, Mohammad Rizwan wants to tickle it towards deep fine leg but misses it completely as the ball goes to the keeper.

Marco Jansen is back into the attack with just under 5 minutes left for Lunch. 4-0-13-0 so far for Jansen.

Full and outside off, swinging away, inviting the drive. Kamran Ghulam drives it without any foot movement from inside his crease, towards point off the outside half of the bat.

Full and on the off stump, nips in. Mohammad Rizwan tucks it towards square leg for a single.

Back of a length, nips in. Mohammad Rizwan is cramped up for room as he awkwardly tucks it towards square leg.

On a good length, further swings away. Mohammad Rizwan throws his horizontal bat at it but the ball goes well away from his bat.

Ouch, that must have hurt. Back of a length, on middle. Mohammad Rizwan prods at it awkwardly as it hits him high on his pads, near the box.

Fuller on the middle stump, nips in. Mohammad Rizwan clips it off his legs in between mid-wicket and mid on. The fielder gives chase as the batters run through for a brace.

Short of a length, around middle, as the ball climbs onto the batter, Mohammad Rizwan goes deep in the crease and keeps it down wide of square leg for a single to end the over.

Goes fuller this time, around middle and leg, Kamran Ghulam nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, around off, straightens off the deck, Kamran Ghulam wants to defend it with the full face of the bat but gets it off the outer part of the bat wide of gully for a couple of runs.

FOUR! DISPATCHED! Slower ball, full and outside off, Kamran Ghulam comes down the track and slices it wide of cover for a boundary. He is playing aggressively here even after losing four wickets.

On a good length, around middle, shapes in, Mohammad Rizwan clips it wide of square leg for a single.

Hard length, around off and middle, nips back in, from over the wicket, Mohammad Rizwan opens up and keeps it to point.

Outside off, on a short of a good length, left alone by Kamran.

Back of a length, down leg, nips in. Kamran Ghulam looks to flick but misses.

FOUR! Short and wide and given full treatment. Bowled short and wide outside off, swings further away. Kamran Ghulam from inside his crease flays his bat at it. The ball flies over the backward point region to go one bounce over the ropes.

Oh my word! That is a brave leave. Back of a length, just outside off, nips in. Kamran Ghulam leaves it off a length as it goes just over the off stump.

SIX! Streaky! Banged in short, outside off stump, zips off the wicket. Kamran Ghulam takes it on, looking to pull, takes the top edge and flies straight over the keeper to go all the way for a biggie.

Back of a length, around off, Kamran Ghulam lets it be.

Oh, hello! Sign of intent from Mohammad Rizwan! Short of a length, outside off, Rizwan walks down the track to heave it over mid-wicket but can't connect it properly. It rolls off the toe end of the bat towards gully.

Good length, around off and middle, swinging in, Kamran Ghulam has a jab at the delivery with a straight bat but gets it off the inner half of the bat to square leg. They get a single.

Honing in at the stumps, on a good length, Kamran Ghulam defends it from the crease.

Hard length, on off, straightens off the deck, Kamran Ghulam doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball goes to the keeper.

On a good length, around middle and leg, nips back in, Kamran Ghulam helps it towards short fine leg and sets off but there is a bit of hesitation halfway through the run and they decide not to complete the single.

FOUR! Cracking shot! Dane Paterson serves it full, outside off, with no swing at all, in the slot, Kamran Ghulam comes forward and slaps it wide of cover for a boundary. First one for him this morning!

FOUR! Slightly tentative there. Bowled fuller just outside off, nips in. Mohammad Rizwan goes forward to play at it but decides to leave it alone as the ball takes of the length. Mohammad Rizwan decides to leave it off the last minute as it goes off the face of the bat and flies past gully to go towards deep third boundary cushions.

Goes fuller again and outside off, jags away. Mohammad Rizwan makes a watchful leave off the front foot.

Bowled on a length, just outside off, nips away. Mohammad Rizwan lets it go through.

Mohammad Rizwan walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A loud appeal from the bowler and the keeper but the umpire is unmoved. South Africa decide to challenge the decision. This one is bowled short and angled down leg. Saud Shakeel decides to take it on as he gets inside the line. He looks to pull it away behind square but misses and the keeper Kyle Verreynne takes it to his right. UltraEdge shows that there is a slight murmur just when it is next to the right glove. The South African players are overjoyed as they see this on the big screen. Corbin Bosch has his second wicket. From 36/0, Pakistan have now lost 4 wickets for 20 runs.

Banged in short, angled towards the batter. Saud Shakeel takes it on and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Back of a length, angled in towards the batter. Kamran Ghulam hops up and tucks it off his hips towards backward square leg for a single.

FOUR! FIFTY up for Pakistan. This one is bowled full and outside off, nips away. Saud Shakeel lunges forward and flays his bat through the line of the ball and drives it square towards cover-point and picks up another boundary.

FOUR! An aggressive shot considering this is his third ball! Dane Paterson serves it full, around middle from over the wicket, swinging in, Saud Shakeel lofts it down the ground with the full face of the bat over the head of the bowler. Second one for him.

Corrects his length this time, on a good length, around middle, Saud Shakeel tucks it to mid-wicket with ease.

FOUR! Saud Shakeel gets off the mark with a boundary! Dane serves it full from over the wicket, around leg, nips back in, Saud Shakeel comes on the front foot and flicks it wide of deep square leg for a boundary.

Saud Shakeel comes out to bat at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT AT SECOND SLIP! Dane has got the big fish! Babar departs for just 4. Second wicket for Dane Paterson. He bowls on a hard length from over the wicket, just outside off. Babar Azam just has a poke at the delivery away from his body with no foot movement. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes straight to the second slip where Aiden Markram takes it nicely with both hands near his waist. From 36/0, Pakistan have slipped to 41/3.

Comes from over the wicket, on a good length, wide outside off, swings away, Babar Azam doesn't offer any shot at it and watches the ball go to the keeper.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Kamran Ghulam defends it firmly under his eyes and yells 'No run!'.

Absolute snorter that. Bowled back of a length, just around that probing channel, nips away. Kamran Ghulam pokes his bat at it and then just pulls his bat away from the line of the ball and lets it go through.

Fuller this time but on leg stump. Babar Azam misses his flick and wears it on the front pads and the ball trickles away towards square leg. The batters run through for a leg bye.

Touch fuller on the off stump, Babar Azam defends it tentatively under his eyes.

Pulls his length back a bit, just outside off, nips in. Babar Azam stays inside his crease and defends it firmly back onto the ground.

Goes full and just outside off, nipping in. Babar Azam rocks on the front foot to defend it right underneath his eyes.

Full and outside off, seams away. Kamran Ghulam leaves it alone.

Comes over the wicket now, on a good length, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam defends it from the front foot.

Kamran Ghulam is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Second wicket after the break! Saim departs now! Both openers are back in the hut after playing the first hour brilliantly. A good length ball, on off, from around the wicket, straightens off the deck, Saim Ayub tries to block it with the full face of the bat from the back foot. He presses forward as the ball takes the outside edge of the bat and goes straight to the keeper Kyle Verreynne who takes it comfortably at chest height.

On a good length, outside off, Saim Ayub lets it go to the keeper.

A very good outswinger in the channel! Full just outside off, shapes away after pitching, and takes an extra bounce, Saim Ayub goes forward to defend it but withdraws his bat at the last moment.

Comes from around the wicket, full on the fifth stump, Saim Ayub shoulders arms to let it go.

A repeat of the last ball! Same full length, wide outside off, outswinger, Babar Azam leaves it alone.

Goes fuller this time, wide outside off, shapes away, Babar Azam doesn't offer any shot at it as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Slightly fuller, outside the off stump, goes away. Babar Azam lets it go through off the front foot.

Full and outside off, nips away. Babar Azam leaves it alone.

A slight hold-up in play as Babar is unhappy with something behind the bowler's arm. The issue has been sorted and we are all good to go now.

FOUR! Cricket is a great leveller! This one is a full toss on the leg stump and Babar Azam is all over it in a flash. He leans on and flicks it off his legs towards backward square leg to pick up his first boundary and is up and running.

Babar Azam walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! An absolute dream start for Corbin Bosch on debut! He starts off with a full and wide one, outside off stump, nipping further away. Shan Masood throws his hands at it, from inside his crease, takes the outer half of the bat and it flies quickly towards Marco Jansen at gully where he takes it near his left shoulder. This is a start that Test cricketers dream about and Corbin Bosch is living it. South Africa have their first wicket.

Drinks break! What a riveting first hour of play we have witnessed! There have been numerous plays and misses, with the ball keeping the bowlers thoroughly interested. The Pakistani openers, Shan Masood and Saim Ayub, haven’t looked entirely comfortable but have shown great determination to hang in there. Marco Jansen struggled to find his rhythm in his opening spell, while Kagiso Rabada was relentless and on the money throughout but without any success. It will be the local boy and the debutant Corbin Bosch to bowl after the break, replacing Rabada.

From around the wicket, on a length, just outside off, Saim Ayub covers his off stump and shoulders arms.

Attacking the front pad, on a good length, Shan Masood ekes out an inside edge due to the sharp inward movement off the deck. The ball rolls through square leg for one more.

Very full but spilled down leg, Shan Masood is late on the tickle.

Angling across the batter from over the wicket, short of a length, outside off, Shan Masood cuts it firmly but picks out Ryan Rickelton at backward point.

This is on a good length, on off, Saim Ayub lunges to defend but the ball comes back in off the deck. The ball catches the inside edge and it rolls behind square on the leg side for one.

On a good length, on middle, patted with a straight bat to mid on by Saim.

Lands it on a back of a length, over off, Shan Masood is a bit tentative on the back foot. The ball jags back in to catch the inside edge back onto the pads.

Half a shout for LBW but that is going down leg! On a nagging length, at the stumps, Shan Masood plays all around it as he looks to flick it away. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it high on the thigh pad.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Shan Masood gets on his toes and pushes it back to Rabada.

Beaten! In and around the off-stump line, on a short of a good length, Shan Masood shuffles across to cover the line. Gets beaten all ends up as the ball decks away to go past the outside edge.

Sprayed down leg, on a back of a length, Shan Masood looks to help it away by getting inside the line but misses. Good diving take by Kyle Verreynne to his right.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! From around the wicket, angled in, on a nagging length, Saim Ayub looks to turn it away on the leg side but the ball comes on slower than Ayub expected. He closes the bat face early and gets a leading edge that drops in the vacant cover region. They cross.

Dane goes past the bat to end the over! This is on a length, on off, Masood is drawn forward in defence but the ball nips away off the deck to whistle past the outside edge.

Edged but the soft hands save Masood! This decks away, on a good length, Shan Masood presents a straight bat to block it out. Gets an outside edge that drops well in front of second slip.

Full again, around off, Shan Masood gets his weight into the shot as he gets on the front foot. Gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid off.

Fuller in length, on off, Shan Masood lunges and taps it down on the off side.

A loud shout for LBW but that seems to have pitched outside leg! Seaming back in, on a good length, on middle, Shan Masood presses half forward and ends up defending outside the line of the ball due to the movement. The ball brushes his front pad first before going onto hit the back pad.

This is on a good length, outside off, Shan Masood leaves the ball alone.

NO BALL! For the second over in a row, Dane has overstepped on the first two balls. Pushed across the batter, on a good length, left alone by Shan.

NO BALL! Dane has overstepped again, on a good length, on middle, Shan Masood blocks it out off the back foot.

Lands it full now, on off, Saim Ayub defends it right under his eyes.

An absolute jaffa! Rabada continues to angle the ball in from around the wicket and then it leaves the batter after pitching, on off, on a good length, Saim Ayub looks to cover the line of the ball with a straight bat but gets squared up. The ball brushes his trousers on the back thigh and goes behind to the keeper.

FOUR! Streaky! Slightly overpitched, on off, Ayub is late on the ball as he goes for the drive. Gets it off the outer half of the bat but it goes along the ground through the gap between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary.

Pitched up, on off, Ayub leans forward and blocks it out.

Leg bye! Another delivery that angles it in, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Shan Masood looks to work it away on the leg side with the angle but gets squared up as the ball seams away. Wears it high on the thigh pad and the ball rolls away on the off side for a leg bye.

Rabada continues to beat the bat! Steaming in from around the wicket, on a good length, angling in and then the ball holds its line, on a good length, Shan Masood is better off leaving it alone but he defends away from the body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Brings the line close to the off stump, on a good length, not that short or wide for the cut but Masood goes for it. Chops it down in front of cover for a single.

Edged but it does not carry! Angling across, on a good length, Shan Masood presses forward to defend but he does so with soft hands. As a result, the outside edge does not carry to gully where Marco Jansen gets low to make the stop to his right.

On middle and leg, on a back of a length, Shan Masood gets on his toes and nudges it through square leg. Shan calls for two immediately and they make it.

On a good length, on the sixth stump line, Shan Masood stays leg side of the ball and punches it to point.

Very full, honing in at the stumps, flicked straight to mid-wicket by Shan.

Dane drags the length back and it is around off, Shan Masood shoulders arms.

NO BALL! This leaves the batter again but it is a bit too wide, left alone by Shan. Dane has overstepped again.

NOA BALL! A false start for Dane! Going across the batter, on a good length, Shan Masood plays for the ball seaming back into him but this just goes with the angle to go past the bat. Dane has overstepped.

FOUR! This will help Ayub feel a lot better! Fuller in length, on off, Saim Ayub presses on the front foot and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Trifecta of plays and misses! On a back of a length, slanting in and then nipping away a bit, on off, Saim Ayub hangs back to stab it down with a straight bat but sees the ball zip past the outside edge.

And again! The length stays full but this is wider on off, Saim Ayub still goes after it as he goes for the drive well away from his body and gets beaten all ends up.

Play and a miss! A tempter from Rabada, fuller in length, outside off, Saim Ayub is lured into the drive and the ball just seams away to beat the outside edge.

On a length, outside off, Saim Ayub offers no shot.

Was that a chance? The reactions from the men behind the bat and Rabada suggest so. Angling in, on a good length, on off, Saim Ayub looks to play the line of the ball with a straight bat. Gets an outside edge that goes low towards third slip where Tristan Stubbs dives across to his right in front of second slip. The ball dips on him and goes under his hands.

Not close enough to make the batter play, on a back of a length, left alone by Masood.

On a good length, outside off, Shan Masood resists this time and leaves the ball alone.

Beaten! Banged in on a hard length, around off, Masood fiddles at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Nice shot! A bit too full from Jansen, outside off, Shan Masood stays balanced as he leans into the shot and caresses the drive through covers for a boundary.

Slipping down leg, on a length, Shan Masood gets inside the line to tickle it fine but misses. The keeper Kyle Verreynne takes it to his right and goes up in appeal but Marco Jansen is unmoved and just turns around.

On a length, on off, Masood presses forward and stabs it down on the off side.

Beaten! Rabada goes wide of the crease and gets the ball to angle in, on off, on a length, Saim Ayub is forced to play the angle but the ball holds its line and whistles past the outside edge.

Rabada changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket and bowls it on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub stays back to flick it away but misses and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Taken at short leg but not much excitement from the Proteas! On the pads, on a nagging length, a bit of extra bounce, Ayub looks to help it away off the pads but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball lobs off the pads towards Tony de Zorzi.

On a short of a good length, outside off, left alone by Saim.

Lovely delivery! On a good length, angling across the batter, Saim Ayub presses forward to defend and plays inside the line as the ball goes away off the deck to zip past the outside edge.

On a hard length, over the top of off, Saim Ayub waits on the back foot and steers it along the carpet to gully.

A bit too straight from Jansen, on the pads, on a length, Shan Masood misses the tickle and gets hit on the thigh pad.

A hint of away movement off the deck, on a good length, Shan Masood makes a watchful leave.

Lands it on a back of a length, over off, Saim Ayub gets on his toes and pushes it wide of cover for a single.

Slanting onto the pads, on a length, glanced down to deep fine leg for a single by Masood.

FOUR! Good response from Masood! Not as short as the previous delivery, on middle, Shan Masood presses on the back foot and lifts his front leg as he helps the pull to the right of deep fine leg for a boundary.

Halt! The physio is out for the mandatory concussion check. The assessment is complete and Masood is fine to continue.

An absolute snorter from Jansen! Jansen bends his back and bangs into the deck, at the left shoulder of the batter, Shan Masood looks to fend it down on the leg side as he hops but the ball keeps climbing onto him. The ball goes onto to hit the helmet off the shoulder of the bat and drops beside the pitch on the off side.

At 137 kph, closer to the off stump and it is full, Saim Ayub angles the bat face slightly and just eases the drive past cover for a couple of runs. Dane Paterson gives it a chase and cuts it off.

Little bit wide again by Rabada, outside off, on a length, Saim Ayub is happy to let it go.

Another tempter from Rabada, full in length but this is a bit too wide on off, an easy leave for Saim.

Going across the batter, that inviting length and line for the drive, full and outside off, Saim Ayub resists and lets it be.

The length stays full, just outside the off stump, Saim Ayub lunges and defends it down the deck.

Rabada bowls it full, on off, Shan Masood presses forward to drive it to the right of the bowler. Gets it off the inner half of the bat and it rolls through mid-wicket for one.

In and around the off stump line, on a good length, Shan Masood taps it wide of cover and takes the single.

Delivers it on a back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood offers no shot.

On a hard length, on off, Shan Masood plays away from his body as he pokes at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fuller in length, on middle, Shan Masood brings his wrists into play and clips it off the pads but Tony de Zorzi at short leg is quick to make the stop by staying low to his right.

On middle and leg, on a length, Saim Ayub glances it down to deep fine leg for a single.

A loud shout for LBW but turned down! Temba Bavuma has a word with the bowler and the keeper and then takes the review. Jansen attacks the stumps as he bowls it full, Saim Ayub takes the risk of playing across the line as he looks to flick it away. Gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball nips in to hit him on the front pad. There is no bat involved but the Ball Tracking shows that the ball was clipping the leg stump and it is umpire's call. South Africa keep their review.

Sharp work by Tony! On a nagging length, on middle and leg, Shan Masood clips it off the back foot towards short leg. Tony de Zorzi stays low and then gets up quickly to make the stop over his head.

At 142 kph, bashed into the deck by Rabada, on a back of a length, around off, Shan Masood has a slight fiddle at the delivery away from his body. Tries to withdraw his bat but it is late by then as the ball goes past the outside edge.

Closer to the off stump, on a good length, Shan Masood watches the ball closely and shoulders arms.

Angling across the left-hander, on a length, Shan Masood lets it go this time.

Beaten again! A wobble seam delivery, fuller in length, angling across from over the wicket. Shan Masood is lured into the drive as he gets on the front foot. The ball zips past the outside edge again.

Oh, that's a beauty! On a back of a length, on middle, Shan Masood hangs on the back foot and looks to keep it out with a straight bat. The ball pitches and leaves the left-hander as it whistles past the outside edge.

Bowls it full again does Jansen, not much movement in the air, around off, Saim Ayub leans into the shot and eases the drive but picks out the man at backward point.

Lands it full and honing in at the stumps, Saim Ayub lets the ball come to him and pats it in front of mid on with a straight bat.

Not close enough to make the batter play, outside off, on a good length, Saim Ayub leaves the ball alone. The keeper Kyle Verreynne collects it at shoulder height.

Much better from Jansen! This is on a good length, nipping back in, on off and middle, Shan Masood looks to get behind the line of the ball to offer a defence. Gets an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine leg for a single.

Another delivery slanting down leg, Shan Masood watches it go past him.

Spilled down leg from over the wicket, on a nagging length, left alone by Shan.

It will be Marco Jansen to steam in from the other end.

Pakistan and Shan Masood are away! This is on a length from Kagiso, on off, Shan Masood presses forward and drops it in front of cover for a quick single.

Almost dragged it back onto the stumps! Pitched up by Rabada, a scrambled seam delivery, around off, Shan Masood plays it well in front of his body and has a jab at it with a straight bat. The inward seam movement results in the ball catching the inside edge onto the back thigh pad.

Wayward from Rabada as this is sprayed well wide on off, Shan Masood lets it be.

Fuller this time from Rabada, just around the off stump, Shan Masood shuffles across to cover the off stump and shoulders arms.

In that channel on off, on a back of a length, Shan Masood watches it all the way and makes the leave.

A good lift first up for Rabada as he steams in from over the wicket, on a hard length, at the hips, Shan Masood looks to turn it away on the leg side but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball hits him on the thigh pad and drops in front of Tony de Zorzi at short leg.

All set for the action to commence in this series opener! It’s a cloudy morning with a mix of blue and grey skies in Centurion, but thankfully, it remains dry as the umpires make their way out to the middle. Temba Bavuma and Co. are in a huddle before taking their respective positions in the field. With no Abdullah Shafique in the XI, Pakistan will field a new opening pair, with captain Shan Masood set to partner Saim Ayub at the top. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball in hand. Three slips, a gully and a short leg in place. Here we go!

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Corbin Bosch (On debut), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson. 

TOSS - South Africa have won the toss and they will BOWL first.

Traditionally, Centurion's pitch has provided pace and bounce, making it an exciting venue for fast bowlers. With overcast conditions expected on all five days, the seamers are likely to remain a constant threat, making this a potentially challenging surface for the batters. With both teams eager to seize the early advantage, this promises to be a thrilling contest of skill, strategy, and determination. The first day will set the tone for the rest of the series, and the stage is perfectly set for a battle of nerves and talent. Stay tuned for the toss.

On the other hand, Pakistan enter this series with renewed confidence after a dominant 3-0 sweep in the ODI series against South Africa. Their ODI triumph will be fresh in the minds of their players, and they will look to translate that success into the longer format. The return of Mohammad Abbas after 3 years to their pace battery adds a new dimension to their attack, and it will be interesting to see how Pakistan plan to counter South Africa's batting strength. On the batting front, the onus will be on their seasoned players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and the captain Shan Masood to lead the charge.

With their eyes firmly set on securing a place in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in 2025, South Africa know that winning here is paramount. They are just a win away from cementing their spot in the WTC final, so the pressure is on them to deliver. The Proteas have been in solid form and will be looking to continue their strong Test record, especially against Pakistan, who have not won a single Test match in this part of the world in 17 years. The ever-reliable Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram, and Temba Bavuma will be key figures in the batting department for the hosts. The bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, supported by Marco Jansen, and the debutant, Corbin Bosch will be eager to exploit any opportunity that comes their way.

Hello and welcome to Day 1 of the first Test match between South Africa and Pakistan from the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. We are in for an exciting two-match series as two intriguing teams in world cricket battle it out and it all kicks off here on Boxing Day. 

... MATCH DAY ...