By the second session, Pakistan scored 106/4 in 28.4 overs at a current run rate of 3.69 as the top order struggled early, with Saud Shakeel departing after a quick 14 off 6 balls.
Kamran Ghulam provided some stability, scoring an aggressive 35 off 32 balls (6 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 109.37. Mohammad Rizwan held the innings together with a cautious 16 off 34 balls, playing sensibly against a strong bowling attack.
South Africa won the toss and elected to field first, putting Pakistan into bat under challenging conditions.
A crucial 50-run partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship after early losses.
Kagiso Rabada (9.4 overs, 20 runs, 0 wickets) and Marco Jansen (7 overs, 25 runs, 0 wickets) bowled with discipline but were unable to make further inroads into the middle order.
The bowlers maintained consistent pressure, but Pakistan's middle-order resilience prevented a collapse.
The match saw overcast conditions with lights turned on during the second session, making batting more challenging.
At 106/4, Pakistan faces a rebuilding task, with Rizwan and Ghulam at the crease. South Africa will look to capitalize on the conditions and break the partnership quickly in the final session.
South Africa won the toss and elected to field in the match against Pakistan. The national team has announced its playing XI, featuring several key players.
Pakistan's XI: Shan Masood, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas. Key changes in the lineup include dropping opener Abdullah Shafique. Pakistan has also opted for a pace-heavy strategy, fielding four fast bowlers.
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch
No last-minute changes to either side. South Africa and Pakistan have both gone in with four front-line pacers each, with Markram and Agha providing them part-time off-spin alternatives, respectively. Ayub can roll his arm over too for Pakistan, although if the Centurion strip lives up to its reputation, they might not have to rummage so deep into their spin stocks.
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