The Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion kicked off with all the drama and excitement one expects from a high-stakes cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan. The day began with both teams eager to assert dominance, but it was Pakistan’s Khurram Shahzad who stole the early li?melight with a delivery that would be talked about for days.

Khurram Shahzad’s stunning dismissal of Tony de Zorzi

In a moment that encapsulated the beauty of Test cricket, Shahzad dismissed South African opener Tony de Zorzi with a delivery that can only be described as a ‘beauty’. Shahzad, known for his ability to swing the ball, produced an in-swinging delivery that deceived De Zorzi, straightening just enough after pitching to beat his defensive shot and crash into the stumps. This early breakthrough for Pakistan, with De Zorzi scoring just 2 runs, set the tone for what would be a challenging day for the South African batting line-up.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/QmlkkhgBcV

— Crickistan Media (@Crickistanmedia) December 26, 2024

Also READ: Twitter reactions: South Africa rule Day 1 in Centurion as Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch ??devastate Pak??istan’s batting

A day of fast bowling and tactical nuances

Notably, the opening day was dominated by fast bowling from both sides, with the pitch offering enough assistance to keep the batters o?n their toes. Pakistan, choosing to bat first, ??were bowled out for 211, thanks to a fantastic bowling display by South Africa.

Dane Paterson was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 5 for 62, supported by Corbin Bosch, who on his debut grabbed 4 wickets. Kamran Ghulam‘s fighting 54 was the highlight for Pakistan, providing some resistance in the middle order.

In reply, South Africa’s innings didn’t start as planned, losing two early wickets to Shahzad’s pace and precision. However, Aiden Markram‘s unbeaten 47 helped stabilize the innings alongside Temba Bavuma, as South Africa closed the day at 82 for 3, still trailing by 129 runs. The day’s play set up a fascinating contest, with both teams showing they could capitalize on conditions and fight back when cornered.

Also WATCH: Dane Pate??rson sends Babar Azam packing on Day 1 of the SA vs PAK 1st Tes??t

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In a stunning display of fast bowling, Khurram Shahzad led Pakistan’s charge against Bangladesh in the second Test at Rawalpindi, as the visitors crumbled dramatically, losing six wickets for just 26 runs. This collapse was pivotal in Pakistan’s quest to assert dominance in the match, which is part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC).

Khurram Shahzad leaves Bangladesh in tatters

After Bangladesh resumed their first innings on Day 3 from overnight score of 10/0, they were quickly put under pressure by Pakistan’s bowlers. Shahzad, who had taken 2 wickets in the opening Test of the two-match series, showcased his skills with a fiery spell that dismantled the Bangladeshi batting lineup. His relentless pace and precision proved too much for the batsmen, as he took 4 wickets for just 15 runs before the lunch break.

Shahzad and Mir Hamza made early inroads for Pakistan, exploiting the new ball to trouble the Bangladesh batters. Zakir Hasan narrowly escaped being dismissed twice in the first over, but was eventually bowled by Shahzad. Shadman Islam and Najmul Hossain Shanto also fell victim to Shahzad’s accurate bowling. Mushfiqur Rahim, the hero of the opening Test, was dismissed for 3 in the first innings of the second Test. Shakib al Hasan was also trapped in front by Shahzad’s accurate delivery.

Here are the videos:

No doubts about this one ☝️

Khurram Shahzad strikes ?early on day three �?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvBAN?s??rc=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/yWikwdHBEb

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2024

Also WATCH: Abdullah Shafique goes packing by Taskin Ahmed’s beautiful inswinger in the second PAK vs SL Test

BREATHING FIRE IN RAWALPINDI 🏟️�?/p>

Incredible spell this from Khurram Shahzad! 🎯🎯#PAKvBAN | #TestOnHai pic.twitter.com/NALHt1y6x3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 1, 2024

Bangladesh reaches 75/6 at lunch

Struggling at 26 for 6, Mehidy Hasan Miraz countered Hamza’s bowling with two boundaries through the offside, while Litton Das struck a four off a weary Shahzad, who was in the midst of his seventh consecutive over. The Bangladeshi batters handled Mohammad Ali and Abrar Ahmed with ease. As the ball aged and the sun beat down on the pitch, batting became easier. At lunch, Bangladesh were 75/6, making a short comeback in the game with Mehidy hitting seven ?fours in his knock of 33 not out.

Also WATCH: Litton Das’ stunning stumping gets rid of Saim Ayub on Day 2 of the PAK vs BAN Test

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