Twitter Reactions: Wickets tumble as South Africa and Pakistan share honours after Day 1

As many as 15 wickets fell in the 83 overs bowled on the day.

By Sabyasachi Chowdhury

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South African team
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South African team. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Prior to their first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, Pakistan lost Haris Sohail and roped in Shan Masood. However, they had a decent first day and are currently leading by 54 runs in the first innings. The visitors were in a fair bit of trouble after which Babar Azam and the bowlers saved the day for them. The Proteas would be disappointed that they allowed Pakistan to make a comeback.

Olivier wrecks havoc    

After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Pakistan found themselves in all sorts of trouble as they were reduced to 111/8 in the 36th over. Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada accounted for the openers- Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. Steyn, with the wicket, became the Proteas’ leading Test wicket-taker. In the meantime, right-arm speedster Duanne Olivier grabbed the limelight with a spell of 14-3-37-6.

He ripped apart the middle order and picked up the last wicket of Shaheen Shah Afridi. Pakistan needed someone to put his hands up and it was Babar Azam, who took the attack to the cleaners. The Lahore-born batsman was severe on Steyn and scored 40 runs off his bowling from 24 balls with 10 fours. Babar fell prey to Rabada after scoring 71 from 79 balls with 15 fours. The visitors could only manage 181 runs.

Bowlers deliver for Pakistan

South Africa’s first innings didn’t start on an auspicious note as Hasan Ali trapped opener Aiden Markram plumb in front. At the score of 43, the hosts lost three wickets. Even as Afridi removed Dean Elgar, the other opener, and skipper Faf du Plessis, Mohammad Amir removed Hashim Amla. Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma put their heads down to put on a stand of 69 runs from 108 deliveries.

Amir got rid of de Bruyn for 29 to break the ominous-looking stand. Bavuma, at the other end, looked positive and remained not out on 38 runs from 47 balls with six boundaries and accompanying him is Steyn, who scored a quick-fire 13 runs with a couple of fours. Only 83 overs were possible on the day and the same is for the reason that rain interrupted play for a brief while in the post-Tea session.

Here is how Twitter reacted

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