Sat Jan 04 19:50:18 UTC 2025: **South Africa Pile on Mammoth 615, Leaving Pakistan Facing Steep Chase**
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa posted a colossal first-innings total of 615/10 against Pakistan in the ongoing Test match, setting up a challenging chase for the visitors. Ryan Rickelton led the South African charge with a magnificent 259 runs off 343 balls, while Temba Bavuma contributed a solid 106. Mohammad Abbas and Salman Agha were the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, each claiming three wickets. Mohammad Rizwan also impressed behind the stumps with six catches.
Pakistan’s response got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 64 runs. Babar Azam (31) and Mohammad Rizwan (9) were the top scorers for Pakistan at the close of play, but the pair struggled against a disciplined South African attack. The early wickets were shared between Kagiso Rabada (2/9) and Marco Jansen (1/14). The South African bowlers managed to keep the scoring in check despite some late hitting, which frustrated the Pakistan batting line up.
South Africa’s lower order also contributed significantly to the team’s huge total, with Marco Jansen smashing a valuable 62 and Keshav Maharaj adding a quick-fire 40. Their late surge added 102 runs, extending the already substantial lead.
Pakistan faces a daunting task to avoid a significant deficit heading into the second innings.
First Piper 