South Africa strengthened their position in the first Test on the morning of day two, reaching 180 for 5 at lunch. Aiden Markram led the charge with a composed 81*, reducing the deficit to 31 runs with five wickets still in hand. The Centurion pitch had eased out, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers struggling to make an impact for most of the session. However, Naseem Shah’s late dismissal of David Bedingham provided Pakistan with a glimmer of hope.
Pakistan began the day with Naseem and Mohammad Abbas. Despite some early movement from Naseem, their bowling lacked consistency, offering enough loose deliveries to allow South Africa’s batters to score freely. Markram swiftly reached his half-century, dispatching Abbas for successive boundaries. At the other end, Temba Bavuma appeared solid, though a thick outside edge off Naseem flew safely through the slips.
Aamer Jamal broke the partnership after nearly 90 minutes of play, drawing Bavuma into a tentative poke outside off stump, resulting in an edge to the wicketkeeper. Unlike Pakistan’s first innings, South Africa did not suffer a collapse after the breakthrough. Bedingham looked assured, maintaining momentum for the hosts and playing with increasing flair after surviving an lbw review.
However, Bedingham’s confidence proved his undoing. Naseem adjusted his length and teased him outside off stump. Unable to resist, Bedingham played a loose backfoot drive, edging to first slip, where Kamran Ghulam held on comfortably. The dismissal gave Pakistan a boost, though their bowling lacked the incisiveness needed to control South Africa’s progress.
Markram remained unbeaten, standing as the key to South Africa’s hopes of securing a first-innings lead. With the deficit narrowing, the game remains finely poised heading into the afternoon session.
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