South Africa stumbles to 27-3 in pursuit of tricky 148-run target in 1st test against Pakistan
Rain delays the start of day three of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park, in Centurion, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Themba Hadebe]
CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s top-order stumbled against Pakistan’s pace attack as the first cricket test headed towards an exciting finish after Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul had set the home team a tricky 148-run target. South Africa needs a win in one of the two matches against Pakistan to seal its place in next June’s World Test Championship final. But it wobbled to 27-3 at stumps on a wicket where the pace bowlers have consistently troubled the batters. South Africa’s hopes may now rest on Aiden Markram, who was unbeaten on 22. Captain Temba Bavuma is yet to get off the mark.
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Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas, left, celebrates with teammates after successfully appealing for LBW against South Africa's Tristan Stubbs during day three of the Test cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan, at the Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Themba Hadebe