Ramiz Raja applauds Babar Azam’s face-saving knock

The first day of the Castle Lager Test match couldn’t have been more unpredictable, after Pakistan were demolished at 181 runs against South Africa. However, this was followed by a counterattack from the Men in Green's bowling attack, leaving the Proteas reeling at 127-5.

The 181 runs out up by Pakistan on the board were in no means a daunting total, but things could have been much worse for Sarfraz Ahmed’s side if it was not for Babar Azam defiant knock of 71 runs.

“One should be grateful to Babar Azam, as he played a fantastic knock featuring all kinds of shots and showed temperament when playing alongside the tail enders,” said former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja, while talking at 'Ramiz Speaks'. Hasan Ali (21) supported Azam in a ninth wicket stand of 67, easily the best of the innings.

The former captain-turned-cricket commentator also praised Azhar Ali for showing resoluteness against the South African pace attack and sending a positive message to the dugout.

For South Africa fast bowler Duanne Olivier was the pick of the bowler with six for 37 as the hosts subjected Pakistan to an onslaught of aggressive, short-pitched bowling.

South Africa will resume batting at 127-5 on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion’s SuperSport Park on Thursday.