Sports

Practice match: Pakistan pummel Emerging Cape Cobras in warm-up

Irfan remains impressive as Younus hits half-century.

Our Correspondent February 11, 2013 1 min read

Younus, who struggled to score in the first Test against SA, made remarkable progress in the match. PHOTO: FILE AFP

KARACHI: Inspired by another disciplined bowling performance, Pakistan registered a resounding 10-wicket victory over Emerging Cape Cobras in their two-day tour match yesterday at New Lands, Cape Town.

The visitors, who restrained the local side for 156 in the first-innings, bowled them out for just 78 in the second-innings to set up a commanding victory to regain some confidence ahead of the second Test against South Africa, which starts in Cape Town from February 14.

Resuming the day with their overnight first-innings score of 127 for four, Pakistan declared their innings on 176 for six after securing a 20-run lead.

While captain Misbahul Haq retired on 44, Asad Shafiq – who had struck a half-century in the Johannesburg Test – finished as the top-scorer in the first-innings with 45 runs that included eight boundaries. Tanvir Ahmed made 22 down the order, while wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed made just three runs.

Later, the Emerging Cape Cobras lasted for only 29 overs in their second-innings, managing only 78 runs after a fierce onslaught from Pakistan’s bowlers. Mohammad Irfan once again proved his mettle, bagging another three wickets to complete the match as top bowler with seven scalps. The lanky pacer gave just 20 runs to accumulate figures of seven for 40 runs in the fixture.

Fast-bowler Tanvir Ahmed (two for 18) also came up with an improved show, removing the openers to put the local side under pressure. Young fast-bowler Ehsan Adil, who remained wicket-less in the first-innings, also grabbed two along with left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman.

Saeed Ajmal bowled just three overs and claimed a wicket for only five runs.

Younus hits unbeaten 74

Meanwhile, experienced batsman Younus Khan improved on his first-innings performance by hitting an unbeaten 74 from 136 deliveries, smashing ten fours that showed signs of returning to form.

Left-handed opener Imran Farhat also displayed progress, making 34 before retiring.

While Younus played a defiant knock, Azhar Ali’s poor form hardly showed signs of improvement as the middle-order once again fell cheaply for just 12 runs.

The tourists, who are looking to get maximum batting practice, scored 123 for one wicket in 43 overs.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2013.