Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A brilliant and long-awaited century from Aiden Markram has dragged South Africa to the brink of a historic victory, setting the stage for a thrilling final-day showdown in the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Chasing a daunting target of 370 on a deteriorating pitch, the Proteas finished Day 4 tantalizingly poised at 241/3, needing just 129 more runs to clinch the series.
The day belonged to Aiden Markram, who produced a masterclass of grit and skill to score his first Test century in over three years. Walking in with his team in early trouble, Markram anchored the innings, first with a steadying 94-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen and then, crucially, with a magnificent 106-run stand alongside an unflappable Temba Bavuma.
Markram was the aggressor, punishing loose deliveries and navigating the potent Pakistani spin attack with authority. He brought up his fifth Test hundred with a powerful boundary, raising his bat in a mix of relief and triumph. However, his superb innings of 108 came to an end when the relentless Hasan Ali found the edge, leaving the match delicately balanced.
Hasan Ali was the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming two vital wickets, including the early scalp of Dean Elgar and the crucial breakthrough of van der Dussen for 48. Despite his efforts, the hosts were frustrated for long periods by the determination of the South African batsmen.
As the sun set on Day 4, the match sits on a knife-edge. South Africa has the runs on the board and seven wickets in hand, with the composed Temba Bavuma unbeaten on a vital 61, carrying the team's hopes on his shoulders. However, Pakistan will be confident that their spinners, Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali, can exploit the cracking fifth-day pitch to run through the remaining batting order. All outcomes remain possible in what promises to be a nerve-wracking conclusion to the series.
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