Abbas wreaks havoc as Pakistan looks to upset South Africa – Sports

South Africa were 32 runs short of winning the first Test, while Pakistan needed just two wickets for success as the contest headed for a thrilling conclusion on the fourth day in Centurion on Sunday.

Mohammad Abbas hurled Pakistan to the brink of an extraordinary victory when he took four wickets in a marathon spell of 13 consecutive overs as South Africa worked hard chasing a modest target of 148.

They were 116-8 at lunch with their hopes pinned on the fast bowling pair of Marco Jansen (five) and Kagiso Rabada (10), who were not out at lunch.

Abbas, whose total was 6-43 off 17 overs, produced a dramatic collapse after South Africa looked set to prevail with 50 runs needed and six wickets in hand.

His moves included the lucky dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma on 40, who went after thinking he had back-footed the ball to the wicketkeeper, but he will regret not reviewing the decision as TV replays showed it was not had touched his bat, but rather his pocket on the way through.

Abbas also bowled Aiden Markram and had David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch caught behind – Bosch walking first ball to see South Africa slump from 96-4 to 99-8.

Pakistan are on the brink of their first Test win in South Africa in 18 years as the home side chase a victory that will secure themselves a place in the World Test Championship final in June.

Set a modest target to win the first of a two-Test series, South Africa were 27-3 overnight but saw odds on victory as Bavuma and Markram advanced the result in a positive start on Sunday.

But Abbas, back in the team after a three-year absence, turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor when he bowled Markram for 37 before Bavuma’s unusual dismissal.

The home collapse saw Kyle Verreynne (2) bowled by Naseem Shah and Bedingham (14) and Bosch trying to drive rising deliveries from Abbas but both could reach wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.