Aiden Markram scores 89 as South Africa puts pressure on Pakistan in Test

Aiden Markram’s valiant 89 runs have given South Africa a strong position in their first Test match against Pakistan. He started the day with 47 runs not out and played an innings that brought South Africa quite close to Pakistan’s score of 310. His performance was vital in preventing Pakistan from gaining control, even though he came close to scoring a century.

A strong morning session for South Africa

On Day 2, South Africa began the morning session with optimism. With a deficit of just 31 runs and five wickets in hand, they looked set to take control of the match. Centurion’s pitch, which flattened out after the initial swing, appeared to offer more support to the batsmen. Markram’s crisp boundaries and Temba Bavuma’s steady focus helped the hosts take the lead, although Pakistan’s players did their best to advance.

Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas opened the bowling for Pakistan but could not sustain a consistent challenge. Despite some early moves from Naseem, the Pakistani players allowed South Africa to score freely. Markram, in particular, took advantage of his lack of pressure, reaching his half-century with ease and then dismissing Abbas for two boundaries.

Bavuma was solid at the other end, showing composure against Naseem, although he was lucky to find space after an outside edge narrowly missed the fielders.

Markram holds one end

When South Africa seemed to be in control, Pakistan’s Aamer Jamal did the most important thing. He delivered a ball that was well placed for Bavuma to get close to the goalkeeper and break a promising position. It left South Africa at 176/4, but they continued to maintain the momentum.

Markram showed grit but his innings was reduced to just under a century. He faced 144 balls and scored 15 boundaries before being dismissed by Khurram Shahzad for 89. Shahzad surprised him with a short ball down the leg side. Markram tried to pull it but handed it to the 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 soon followed, with Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen and Markram’s wicket falling in quick succession. Soon, South Africa were bowled out for 211 runs, giving Pakistan a lead of 90 runs.

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