NEW DELHI: Corbin Bosch made an impressive unbeaten 81 while Marco Jansen secured two crucial wickets, putting South Africa in a commanding position during the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
Batting at number nine, Bosch helped South Africa establish a 90-run first innings advantage. The bowlers capitalised on this lead by claiming three Pakistani wickets before the deficit could be erased.
Pakistan concluded the day at 88 for three, trailing by two runs. A South African victory in either match of this two-Test series would secure their maiden World Test Championship final appearance next year.
The match was balanced when Aiden Markram departed for 89, leaving South Africa at 213 for eight, marginally ahead of Pakistan's 211. Naseem Shah's intense bowling spell yielded three wickets as South Africa lost four wickets for 35 runs around lunch.
Bosch, maintaining a first-class batting average exceeding 40, played freely whilst partnering with Kagiso Rabada (13) and Dane Paterson (12), transforming a slim advantage into a significant lead. His 93-ball innings included 15 boundaries.
The 30-year-old's outstanding debut continued, following his first-innings figures of four for 63, where he recorded the match's fastest delivery at 147kmh.
Bosch, whose Test cricketer father Tertius passed away when he was five, initially wasn't considered a primary fast-bowling option this season.
However, injuries to senior players and his recent performances earned him selection.
Although Bosch shared the new ball with Rabada, he remained wicketless in his three-over spell before leaving the field.
The Pakistani opening pair of Saim Ayub and Shan Masood each scored 28, establishing a 49-run partnership before Rabada bowled Ayub. Jansen then dismissed Masood and first-innings top-scorer Kamran Ghulam (8) before poor light halted play.
