WATCH: Mohammad Abbas clears Aiden Markram with a beauty on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test: SA vs PAK

The Boxing Day Test between south africa i Pakistan at Centurion’s SuperSport Park took an electrifying turn on Day 4 when Pakistan’s expert seamer, Mohammad Abbasdelivered what could be considered one of the balls of the match. Abbas, returning to Test cricket after a three-year hiatus, dismantled the South African opener Aiden Markram with a shrewd and precise delivery, highlighting his remarkable comeback.

The delivery that changed the game: Mohammad Abbas castels Aiden Markram

The moment came just after the fourth day’s cup break, with South Africa needing 148 runs to clinch victory and a place in the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship (WTC) final. Markram, who had been the backbone of South Africa’s chase with a well-made 37, was undone by Abbas’s command of the seam ball. The delivery, pitched just outside off, snapped back sharply, stayed low and broke through Markram’s defense to trouble the woodwork. The ball has been so good that even Markram, after the initial shock, could not help but acknowledge the brilliance of Abbas’ bowling.

Abbas masterfully silences critics

The dismissal was a testament to Abbas’ ability, especially given his reputation for accuracy rather than raw pace. Known for his ability to bowl long spells and extract movement from even the most inert pitches, Abbas’ return to the Pakistan Test side has been met with skepticism by some who favored pace over his line and constant length However, this delivery, and indeed his entire spell in this Test, silenced those doubts.

Abbas’s celebrations were intense; his reaction after the dismissal was pure elation mixed with relief, a sign of how much this moment meant to him after years on the sidelines.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/kDUkONkXrK

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Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad disposes of Tony de Zorzi with a beauty on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test: SA vs PAK

Pakistan strikes back

This wicket brought Pakistan back into the contest, reducing South Africa to 62 for 4, still needing 86 runs for victory. The match had been well set from the early stages, with South Africa’s batting looking to capitalize on a modest target set by Pakistan’s second innings. However, Abbas’ intervention changed the dynamic, showing that Pakistan could still fight despite their earlier batting struggles.

Notably, after dismissing Markram, Abbas took three more wickets and reduced the hosts to 116/8 at lunch, with the home side still needing 32 runs to win.

Also WATCH: SA vs PAK: Kagiso Rabada removes Saim Ayub with absolute beauty on Day 2 of Centurion Test