World Test Championship: A win away from sealing a place in the final of the World Test Championships (WTC), South Africa rode on brilliant batting by Corbin Bosch, who scored 81 not out on debut, to take the first innings lead against Pakistan in the first Test at the SuperSport Park here on Friday.
Two feisty late wicket stands helped South Africa gain a significant advantage over Pakistan on the second day of the Boxing Day Test. The rearguard action helped South Africa secure a crucial lead in the first innings after Pakistan pacers had nearly equalised the contest. Thereafter, strikes from their bowlers ensured that advantage remained with South Africa going into day three in Centurion.
The South African pair of Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma began the day positively, cutting down the 129-run deficit by 54 runs in a brisk start. Bavuma ended up nicking one-off Aamir Jamal in the 37th over, giving Pakistan their first strike. However, newcomer David Bedingham picked pace in no time and smashed a quickfire 30. South Africa looked like they might set in for a comfortable lead, but Naseem Shah came good for the tourists.
