Misbah kept his nerve to cease Pakistan’s successive fall of wickets as the top order quickly crumbled. PHOTO: FILE AFP
The tourists were at 127 for four wickets at the close of play, trailing at 29 runs against Cobras who were dismissed for 156 runs.
Lanky pacers Mohammad Irfan and Abdul Rehman, who were not picked for the first Test, showed off their abilities as they shared seven wickets amongst themselves.
Irfan proved his potential by bagging four wickets for just 20 runs from 12 overs to strengthen his chance for a place in the second Test.
Returning from a doping ban, left-arm spinner Rehman showed no signs of rustiness, picking up three wickets for 31 runs in 15.5 overs.
Left-arm fast bowler Rahat Ali who remained wicket-less on his debut Test in Johannesburg also showed improvement, getting two wickets off 27 runs.
There were no half-centuries scored by the home team with opening batsman Matthew Kleinveldt (36) topping the Cobras’ batting list of scorers. Keegan Peterson (32) and Sybrand Engelbrecht (22) were the other main contributors from the local side.
Azher, Younus fail again but Misbah stays
Although the visitors showed some progress on the day after the debacle in Johannesburg, the batting pair of former captain Younus Khan and Azhar Ali failed, yet again on the tour.
Younus went out for two while Azhar returned after making a mere 11.
Left-handed batsman Imran Farhat who was sent as a replacement for injured Taufeeq Umar could also score just 11 as Pakistan were reeling at 29 runs for three at one stage.
However, captain Misbahul Haq and middle-order batsman Faisal Iqbal rescued the tourists, adding 58 runs for the fourth wicket. Iqbal was dismissed after making his mark with 33 from 44 deliveries.
Misbah will resume the final day’s play with Asad Shafiq who is playing on 21 runs.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 11th, 2013.
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Rahat Ali was quite a let down in first test match. Irfan looks set to make his debut but i doubt if he will pitch the ball in the right areas. Morkal wasn't the successful bowler in first test so i would love to Tanvir or even Ehsan Adil as the 3rd pacer. Batting line should remain the same for next 2 matches as they are best available guys to team.