Courtesy: Google
On day one of the first Test of the two-match series at the Supersport Park in Centurion between South Africa and Pakistan, Babar Azam became the third batter in international cricket to score 4,000 or more runs in all formats combined. The 30-year-old is the third batter after Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to achieve the incredible feat at the international level, sending a firm reminder to his critics about his versatility with the bat in hand over the years.
Babar Azam reached the milestone on the first ball of his innings in the morning session of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan after hitting Corbin Bosch past square leg area for a stylish four. Although the innings of Babar Azam lasted 10 more balls without scoring any more runs as he was dismissed for four off 11, finding Aiden Markram at slip while being in two minds on whether to play or leave the ball from Dane Paterson.
Pakistan are 133/4 in 36 overs on day one of first Test vs South Africa
Just a ball prior to Babar Azam’s arrival in the middle, Corbin Bosch had a dream start with the ball at the Test level, picking up a wicket on the first delivery of his career. He sent Pakistan captain Shan Masood back to the pavilion for 17 off 58, trying to drive the ball on the up against the debutant, only to find Marco Jansen in the slips cordon, who accepted the catch gleefully for his fast bowling teammate.
Pakistan were quickly reduced from 36/0 to 56/4 within the space of 20 minutes as Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch picked up a couple of wickets each for South Africa. Following that, Kamran Ghulam (52* off 60) and Mohammed Rizwan (25* off 50) are currently in the midst of an unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 77 runs, to keep Pakistan in the contest in the afternoon session on day one at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
