Scores: South Africa 380 all out (G. Smith 100, A. Petersen 67, H. Amla 80, J. Kallis 73) and 139-2 v Pakistan 248 all out (M. Hafeez 60, A. Ali 56; M. Morkel 5-54)
Pakistan dismissed for 248 in first innings
Pakistan were bowled out for 248 in their first innings on the third day of the first cricket Test on Sunday, conceding a lead of 132 runs to South Africa, who made 380.
Scores:
South Africa 380 (G. Smith 100, A. Petersen 67, H. Amla 80, J. Kallis 73)
Pakistan 248 (M. Hafeez 60, A. Ali 56; M.Morkel 5-54)
Updated from print version (below)
Openers launch Pakistan’s fightback
Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez scored a patient half-century to build on good work by the bowlers on the second day of the first Test.
Hafeez scored 60 during an opening stand of 105 with Taufeeq Umar (42) to guide Pakistan to 144 for two after paceman Umar Gul chipped in with three wickets off 20 balls to wrap South Africa’s first-innings to 380 all out.Experienced batsman Younus Khan was unbeaten on 21 and Azhar Ali was 12 not out as Pakistan trail by 236 runs with eight wickets intact.
Hafeez, playing his first Test for three years, and Taufeeq, playing his first Test since 2006, gave Pakistan a sound start, countering the three-pronged South African pace attack with confidence. Hafeez smashed seven boundaries during his fourth Test half-century before giving a simple catch to mid-on off spinner Paul Harris. Six runs later, Taufeeq was trapped leg-before by paceman Morne Morkel. This was Pakistan’s first century stand for the opening wicket after 17 innings.
Earlier, Gul (three for 100) led Pakistan’s fightback with Abdul Rehman (three for 101) and Saeed Ajmal (two for 95) as Pakistan dismissed seven South African batsmen for 69 runs.
Gul claimed three wickets in 20 balls to help put the brakes on South Africa’s innings. Kallis hit six fours during his 156-ball knock before he edged Ajmal to wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal.
Gul had to perform
“After the first day, the team management had a chat with us and we realised we gave away 30 to 40 extra runs,” said Gul. “We had to ensure that the flow stops and we take wickets.”
The tourists collapsed from a healthy position on the second morning courtesy a lethal spell by the fast-bowler, shouldering the fast-bowling responsibilities following the injury to Riaz.
“Due to Riaz’s absence, there was extra pressure on me but luckily I coped well and took wickets as Younus contained runs from the other end.”
Gul remained cautious and urged his batsmen to put up a good show before hinting that spinners may have a role to play in the second innings.
“We have to see how may runs we get after a good show by the openers. I hope we can put up a good total so that I can use the new ball with more authority.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2010.
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