Daijiworld Media Network
Abu Dhabi, Oct 15: Hello, and a warm welcome to Day 2 of the 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa.
Before the start of the match, Kepler Wessels felt that the pitch was an absolute batting beauty and it would be a tough day for the team bowling first. What transpired was completely different though, South Africa were rocked by a sensational spell from Mohammad Irfan as they lost three wickets before lunch. Zulfiqar Babar endured a tough initiation into Test cricket, but came into his own during the final session to grab three wickets. In between all this, Hashim Amla stood like a rock and became the fastest South African batsman to score 20 Test centuries. At 245/8, Pakistan can claim the day's honours, after having bowled first on losing the toss. Will they press home the advantage or will the visitors make a comeback?
Pakistan be looking to finish off the innings as soon as possible day 2 and then let their batsmen do the job. South Africa still have Amla at the crease, who has been rock steady and just needs some support from the other end. He was lucky at the start of the innings, as they missed couple of run-out chances; once you give a chance for a batsman like Amla you will have to pay and he made them pay.
Pakistan will be very happy with the efforts from their bowlers. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat, but they lost three quick wickets in the first session. Amla and de Villiers steadied the ship before de Villiers got out. Then Amla and Duminy put on 95 runs for the fifth wicket before Duminy threw his wicket away. The Pakistan bowlers started off well thanks to their pacers. They came back well in the last session to pick up four wickets. Babar on debut was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up three.
Pitch Report - Day 2: 'The surface has dried out a little bit, there is still some grass cover but will not assist the pacers. There are some cracks developing, the surface is becoming abrasive and the bowlers will procure some reverse swing. It is still a pretty good batting surface, reckons Kepler Wessels'.
Vernon Philander: 'It was an up and down day yesterday. We never got going at any point of time. The wickets are a touch on the slower side, we need to bowl in a straight line and maintain discipline. Hopefully, we will add a few more runs with the tail today. I am not one to play for records, it is nice to contribute to the team's success. We will look to get close to the 300 run mark and then try and dismiss them for a low score.'