Slow and steady Pakistan draw series

Pakistan stood their ground on the last day of the second test match to finally end it in a draw with South Africa.

ABU DHABI: Misbahul Haq played a captain’s knock of 58 not out to salvage Pakistan a draw in the second Test against South Africa and finish the two-match series without a result.

Misbah, who scored an unbeaten 76 in the first Test in Dubai last week, countered the South African bowlers on a weary fifth-day pitch at Abu Dhabi Stadium, taking Pakistan to 153 for three after they were set a 354-run target in 82 overs.

He added 87 for an unbroken fourth-wicket stand with Azhar Ali, who made 28 not out, after South Africa threatened to run away with a victory taking three wickets in the space of eight balls soon after lunch. But Misbah, in his second Test as captain, in the company of Ali foiled the tourists, finishing with 10 boundaries during his 140-ball knock.

Ali, who hit three half-centuries in the previous three innings of the series, struck two boundaries and ably supported his captain. Earlier, South Africa had declared their second innings at 203 for five after batting for half an hour on the final morning.

Brief collapse created hope for tourists

Pakistan had raced to 66 without loss at lunch but off-spinner Johan Botha provided the much-needed breakthrough by trapping Taufiq Umar leg-before for 30, before Harris trapped Mohammad Hafeez (34) and Younus Khan (zero) in his next over.

South Africa could have got Ali out in one Morne Morkel over, but wicket-keeper Mark Boucher hesitated to go for an edge when the batsman was on eight.

AB de Villiers, who hit South Africa’s highest Test score of 278 not out, was declared man-of-the-match. South Africa won the preceding two-match Twenty20 series 2-0 and the five-match ODI series 3-2.

Misbah applauds team effort

The 36-year-old said it had taken a team effort to keep South Africa at bay.

“This drawn series will build our confidence for the next series,” said Misbah whose team next tours New Zealand for three Twenty20s, two Tests and six One-Day Internationals (ODIs) starting from December 26.

“We’ve lacked consistency in Tests, but in this series everyone chipped in with performances, which was good,” said Misbah. “Drawing two Tests against the world’s second best team is a moral victory for us and that will give us a boost in our confidence.”

Kallis left frustrated

Stand-in South African captain Jacques Kallis termed the result-less series as frustrating. “They were a frustrating two matches, but we can look back at some positive performances and go back home to take on India next month,” said Kallis of the three-Test, five ODIs and one Twenty20 series at home next month.

The all-rounder admitted it was disappointing not to win but praised Pakistan. “You have to give credit to Pakistan, under severe pressure they put big performances and showed that they have the determination needed to survive in big games and although we have lots of positives it was disappointing not to win.”

Kallis, deputising for Graeme Smith who was unable to take the field because of a finger injury, however, showed concerns on two flat wickets in the series, shifted from Pakistan over security fears.

“The one worrying thing that has to be looked at is that we strive to keep Test cricket alive, playing on two wickets like this and I don’t think that’s good for the game.”

Pakistan gain five points

Pakistan, ranked sixth in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test Championship table with 88 points, gained five ratings points and closed the gap with Australia, who have 110 after they drew the series against South Africa.

They, however, have still not won any Test series since beating the West Indies at home in 2006, losing their last six and drawing four. Meanwhile world number two South Africa slipped from 119 ratings points to 116, closer to Sri Lanka (115). However, Sri Lanka, who are playing West Indies, will stay third irrespective of the result of their Test series.

AB de Villiers

“I do enjoy batting in sub-continent conditions. Kallis has helped me a lot in the past, and I have worked hard. Lot of credit goes to Smith for letting me get to the record. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a result.”

Misbahul Haq

“One thing we’ve lacked in the past two to three years is consistency. But this time everyone chipped in. I think Ali played really well. Conditions will be difficult in New Zealand, but we will look to perform well there.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2010.