![SA vs PAK [WATCH]: Kagiso Rabada removes Saim Ayub with an absolute beauty on Day 2 of the Centurion Test](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kagiso-Rabada-2-1.webp "SA vs PAK [WATCH]: Kagiso Rabada removes Saim Ayub with an absolute beauty on Day 2 of the Centurion Test")
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Day 2 of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan witnessed a fiery start by Kagiso Rabada as he delivered a stunning opening spell for his team. Pakistan, in their second innings, had made steady progress through the efforts of their young opener Saim Ayub. However, Rabada’s relentless accuracy and probing line ensured that the Proteas struck a crucial blow at the perfect time.
Kagiso Rabada strikes with a beauty: Fall of Saim Ayub
In the 11th over, Rabada produced a delivery worthy of his reputation as one of the finest fast bowlers in modern cricket. Pitching the ball on a length, he attacked the stumps with pinpoint precision. The ball nipped away ever so slightly after pitching, just enough to beat Saim Ayub’s attempted defensive shot. Failing to cover the line of the ball, Ayub saw it sneak past his bat and rattle the top of off-stump.
This dismissal was the culmination of Rabada’s persistent probing around the off-stump channel, forcing Ayub into uncertainty. Rabada celebrated with intensity, knowing the importance of breaking Pakistan’s opening stand. Ayub, who scored 27 off 36 balls with six boundaries, departed disappointed, leaving Pakistan at 49/1. Rabada’s figures at that point read an impressive 5.3-1-22-1, underlining his dominance in the early stages.
Here’s the video:
— Sunil Gavaskar (@gavaskar_theman) December 27, 2024
Also READ: SA vs PAK: Corbin Bosch enters record books with unique achievement in his Test debut at Centurion
Pakistan’s resilient fight in the first innings
Pakistan’s batting lineup faced a challenging start against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite early blows, Kamran Ghulam‘s composed 54 and Aamer Jamal‘s quickfire 28 ensured a respectable total of 211. Dane Paterson emerged as South Africa’s star bowler, claiming five wickets and consistently troubling the visitors. Corbin Bosch provided valuable support with four wickets, dismantling the lower order efficiently. Pakistan’s innings had its moments of resistance but lacked substantial partnerships, leaving the hosts with a slight upper hand. The visiting team’s efforts ensured South Africa would not dominate entirely.
South Africa’s big lead and Pakistan’s response
Aiden Markram‘s elegant 89 anchored South Africa’s innings as they built a solid total of 301. Bosch’s unbeaten 81 proved pivotal, pushing the team past the 300-mark after middle-order struggles. Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah led Pakistan’s bowling efforts with three wickets each, ensuring the hosts did not run away with the game. In their second innings, Pakistan reached 88/3, with Shan Masood and Ayub contributing solid starts. At stumps on Day 2, Babar Azam (16 not out) and Saud Shakeel (8 not out) were rebuilding, setting up an intriguing battle for the remainder of the Test.
