In a remarkable debut at Centurion, South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch made headlines by achieving a unique milestone during the Test match against Pakistan. Bosch not only claimed four wickets but also scored an impressive 81 runs while batting at No. 9. This outstanding performance broke a 122-year-old record for the highest score by a South African batter on debut when batting at No. 8 or lower.
Bosch’s 81 not out marks the first time in Test cricket history that a player has scored over 80 runs on debut while batting at No. 9. Additionally, he became the first cricketer to record both a half-century and a four-wicket haul on debut in Test history.
Highest Scores from No. 9 on Test Debut
- 81 – Corbin Bosch (SA) vs PAK, Centurion, 2024*
- 72 – Milan Rathnayake (SL) vs ENG, Old Trafford, 2024
- 71 – Balwinder Sandhu (IND) vs PAK, Hyderabad (Sind), 1983
- 65 – Darren Gough (ENG) vs NZ, Old Trafford, 1994
- 59 – Monde Zondeki (SA) vs ENG, Headingley, 2003
On the second day of the Test, Bosch’s aggressive innings helped South Africa to a 90-run lead in their first innings, posting a total of 301 in response to Pakistan’s 211. The South African side found themselves in a precarious position at just two runs ahead when opener Aiden Markram was dismissed for 89.
Bosch, who boasts a first-class batting average exceeding 40, forged crucial partnerships of 41 runs with Kagiso Rabada, who added 13, and 47 runs with Dane Paterson, who scored 12. His explosive knock included 15 boundaries off just 93 balls, complementing his bowling figures of four for 63 in the innings.
