Aiden MarkramHis 89 runs gave South Africa a strong position in their first Test match against Pakistan. He started the day with 47 not out and played an innings that took South Africa very close to PakistanScore of 310. His performance was vital in preventing Pakistan from taking control, although he missed out on scoring a century.
Strong morning session for South Africa
On the second day, South Africa The morning session started with optimism. With a deficit of just 31 runs and five wickets in hand, they looked set to take control of the match. The pitch at Centurion, which became flatter after the early action, seemed to offer more support to hitters. Markram's clear limits Timba BafumThe steady approach by the home team helped gain the upper hand, although the Pakistani bowlers did their best to take the lead.
Naseem Shah Mohammad Abbas opened the bowling for Pakistan but was unable to maintain a sustained challenge. Despite some early movement from Naseem, the Pakistani bowlers allowed South Africa to score freely. Markram, in particular, took advantage of their lack of pressure, reaching his half-century with ease and then sending Abbas to two boundaries.
Bavuma was solid at the other end, showing his composure against Naseem, although he was lucky to find openings after an outside edge narrowly missed players.
Markram holds one end
When it looked like South Africa had the situation under control, Pakistan's Aamir Jamal did the most important thing. He delivered a well-placed ball for Bavuma to advance to the wicket-keeper and break a promising stand. It left South Africa at 176/4, yet they continued to maintain the momentum.
Markram showed courage, but his roles were cut short less than a century ago. He faced 144 balls and scored 15 boundaries before Khurram Shehzad dismissed him for 89. Shehzad surprised him with a short ball down leg. Markram tried to pull it but put his glove on the wicket-keeper, ending his innings.
This innings marked Markram's 13th Test half-century. He continued to perform well against Pakistan, scoring 517 runs at an impressive average of 51.70 in just six matches against them.
South Africa's lower order quickly followed, with Kyle Vereen, Marco Jansenand Markram's wicket fell in quick succession. South Africa were soon all out for 211 runs, giving Pakistan a 90-run lead.
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