Pakistan bowlers were impressive on the last day of the warm up match taking five wickets, only to be denied the win by bad light. PHOTO: FILE AFP
Owing to bad light and Justin Ontong’s half-century, Pakistan were denied victory in the practice match against South African Invitation XI as the four-day fixture ended in draw in East London yesterday.
The tourists resumed the last day’s play on 240 for five, declaring their innings after adding ten runs for the loss of four more wickets to set a target of 323 for the hosts.
Wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed was the first to go after he was dismissed for 11 without adding a single run, as play resumed on the final day. Misbahul Haq was also sent packing after adding just four runs to his overnight score of 51, while Kyle Abbot took four wickets for the home side.
Pakistan bowlers came close to a win after taking five wickets for 146 with Mohammad Irfan claiming two wickets. Umar Gul, Junaid Khan and Saeed Ajmal took one wicket each.
However, Ontong, who was leading the hosts, blocked a further fall of wickets, scoring 51 from 81 deliveries before bad light ended the game before time.
Positive start to tour, says team manager
Pakistan manager Naveed Akram Cheema stated that the results from the match were ‘satisfactory’, terming the start of the two-month long tour of South Africa ‘positive’. He believed the team would be able to lift their performance level in the three-match Test series.
“It’s a positive outcome,” Cheema told The Express Tribune from East London. “The bowlers gave a spirited performance on the final day and could have achieved success if the match had not ended early due to bad light.
“The match has given the team the opportunity to practice, and this will hopefully boost their confidence before the first Test.”
Regarding the middle-order batting which failed during the match, Cheema said he was hoping that players would improve their momentum before the start of the series.
The match saw experienced players such as Younus Khan, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq fail to make their mark in both the innings.
Taufeeq doubtful ahead
of first Test
Cheema informed that opening batsman Taufeeq Umar, who missed the opening match, was to undergo scans today.
“Taufeeq is suffering from a calf injury,” said Cheema. “We will decide on his inclusion in the first Test after scans.”
Meanwhile, fast-bowlers Tanvir Ahmed and Rahat Ali will leave today to join the Pakistan squad in South Africa.
According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, both the pacers will leave from Lahore to join the team before the first Test in Johannesburg which starts on February 1.
The PCB’s selection committee added the two fast-bowlers for the Test series following a request from the team management.
Naveed Cheema
“The bowlers gave a spirited performance on the final day. It’s a positive outcome. The match has given the team the opportunity to practice, and this will hopefully boost the their confidence.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2013.
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