Ayub's Century Lifts Pakistan to 308 in Rain-Shortened First Innings
Saim Ayub's brilliant century, his second of the series, powered Pakistan to a competitive 308/9 in their first innings against South Africa in Johannesburg. The match, reduced to 47 overs per side due to rain delays, saw Pakistan navigate challenging conditions to post a strong total.
After a delayed toss, Pakistan was put into bat in pace-friendly conditions, and early struggles followed. Opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a duck, marking his third consecutive duck in the series. However, Ayub and captain Babar Azam steadied the ship, adding 114 runs for the second wicket over 22 overs, despite a 75-minute rain interruption. The partnership helped Pakistan recover from the early setback and put them in a strong position.
Babar reached his fifty off 64 balls, featuring a stunning pull shot off Kwena Maphaka, but he was dismissed trying to repeat the shot. Mohammad Rizwan, who replaced Babar, played aggressively, scoring his own fifty off 48 balls. Rizwan's rapid scoring helped Pakistan build momentum, and the pair added 93 runs, putting pressure back on South Africa, who were already facing the pressure of trailing in the series.
Ayub, meanwhile, reached his century with a crisp cut shot off Aiden Markram, bringing up his third career hundred. However, his stay was cut short when he was dismissed by debutant Corbin Bosch, who took his maiden international wicket.
South Africa fought back with quick strikes from Bjorn Fortuin, who removed Kamran Ghulam and Rizwan in quick succession, slowing Pakistan’s progress. But Salman Agha and Tayyab Tahir countered with a 74-run partnership, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes to keep Pakistan’s innings afloat.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada were the standout bowlers for South Africa, taking five wickets between them, but the inexperience of Maphaka and Bosch allowed Pakistan to recover, adding valuable partnerships and surpassing the 300-run mark.
