237/2 after 82 PakistanToss: RSA won toss and elected to bat.
Venue: Lahore
Second Test
Pak 2nd inn 222/2 after 74 overs.
Khan 107*(197), Yousuf 21*(66). Harris 1/35. Ntini 1/47.
Pakistan requires a further 235 runs with 8 wickets in hand with a minimum of 46 overs remaining for victory. South Africa have only taken one wicket in the first session of today’s play and with Younis Khan still at the crease Pakistan will favour their chances.
It will take an excellent spell of bowling after lunch from South Africa if they wish to bowl the Pakistanis out to win the Test match series 2-0. Malik will be pleased with his team’s performance in their 4th innings as they have shown a lot of determination.
A highlight of the innings would be Younis Khan’s century coming off a 180 balls. Khan was dropped on 83 runs by Amla at short mid-wicket and South Africa are regretting the missed opportunity.
100! Khan 100*(180).
Pak 200/2 after 66.2 overs. Yousuf 8*(36). Harris 1/31, Ntini 1/46.
A marvellous innings from the number four batsman Younis Khan. It has been a memorable innings and one which could prove to save the Pakistan cricket team from defeat. Khan will want to stay in the middle and carry his side across the finish line and maybe even go for the win. This is the 300th Test century in 332 Tests by a Pakistan batsman.
OUT!
Akmal 71(166) b Harris.
Pak 176/2 after 54.5 overs. Khan 87*(147), Yousuf 0*(0). Harris 1/23.
Harris has been bowling over the wicket in order to contain the Pakistan batsmen. Akmal looks to fashion a shot and ends up playing on to a ball that pitched back of a length outside leg. He only succeeds in playing the ball onto his stumps and South Africa have a much needed breakthrough.
Dropped!
Leg stump length ball flicked away to short mid-wicket. A dolly of a catch but Amla failed to hold on. That was a big let off for Pakistan. South Africa might live to regret dropping Khan on 83.
50! Khan 52*(80).
Pak 117/1 after 33.4 overs.
Akmal 54*(106), Ntini 1/29, Kallis 0/9.
That is Younis Khan’s 20th Test match half century. Khan looks in good form and taking the fight to the South Africans with a strike rate of 65, the majority of his runs coming in the form of boundaries. He will be looking to build on his innings and is a key batsman that needs to perform if Pakistan wishes to chase down this record 4th innings total for victory.
50! Akmal 50*(100).
Pak 109/1 after 31.6 overs.
Khan 48*(76). Ntini 1/25, Kallis 0/5.
Akmal has played a solid innings so far and will look to add to his total. The Pakistan opener has scored back to back half centuries in this Test match and it is his 6th Test 50 overall. Akmal looks to be a good solid Test match opener for the Pakistan cricket team and will be looking to build a firm partnership with Younis Khan and bat Pakistan back into this Test match.
At Close:
Pak 108/1 after 31 overs.
Akmal 49 (94), Khan 48 (76). Ntini 1/24, Kallis 0/5.
Stumps have been called early due to bad light. At the end of the 4th day Pakistan need 349 runs for victory. Akmal and Khan are proving to be a thorn in South Africa’s side as they put on a partnership of 92 runs off 25.3 overs, leaving the match poised for an interesting finish. Pakistan will have to bat through all three sessions tomorrow if they wish to force the draw. However, this is a must win match for Pakistan if they don’t want to lose the series as South Africa are leading 1-0.
The highlight of the day must be Smith’s first century since May 2005. The affect of the captain’s innings was visible in the field as the heads of the Pakistan players in the field dropped throughout the opening two sessions when Smith and Kallis lifted their side to a position where a Pakistani victory now looks an impossibility.
Join us tomorrow for the final day of the last Test match in the series.
OUT!
Butt 6(16) c sub b Ntini.
Pak 15/1 after 5.3 overs. Akmal 8*(17), Khan 0*(0). Ntini 1/13.
Back of a length ball on leg stump, Butt tries to cut, the ball is to close to his body and he only succeeds in edging the ball to the sub Pollock at third slip. Nice piece of bowling by Makhaya Ntini. South Africa need 9 wickets for victory.
At Tea:
RSA 2nd inn 305/4 after 110.3 overs.
Kallis 107*(242), de Villiers 8*(8). Rehman 2/112. Gul 1/48.
Smith is out on the balcony waving at Kallis and de Villiers on the pitch. South Africa declares with a lead of 456 runs. If Pakistan manages to chase down this total in the 4th innings it will be a world record. With the declaration Tea is taken.
A massive partnership of 211 runs between Kallis and Smith took the game away from Pakistan who would have been hopeful of getting their noses into the game when the score was 66/2, however the captain and South Africa’s number one batsman showed their class as the hosts bowling attack had no answer.
Interestingly Kaneria was getting considerable turn out of the pitch and Paul Harris will be licking his lips at the prospect of a lengthy spell later this evening with the hope of picking up plenty of wickets on the deteriorating pitch.
OUT!
Prince 11(38) b Rehman.
RSA 290/4 after 107.4 overs. Kallis 100*(233), de Villiers 0*(0). Rehman 2/103.
Prince comes down the track but couldn’t get to the pitch of the delivery. The ball turns and finds the gap between bat and pad clipping the off stump. There is still no sign of a declaration by South Africa. AB de Villiers is the next man in.
No sign of a declaration and Inzaman looks like he is being made to suffer in his final appearance on the international scene. Certainly no fairytale ending here.
100! Kallis 100*(231).
RSA 284/3 after 105.4 overs. Prince 5*(28).
This is quite a significant century for Kallis. This is firstly his 27th test hundred which takes him past Sir Gary Sobers and equal with Matthew Hayden and Allan Border. The next on the all-time list is Sir Don Bradman who managed 29 centuries in just 52 tests, whilst Kallis is playing his 109th. Sachin Tendulkar tops this list with 37. The milestone is he is the second person ever to score three centuries in a two-match series, a feat only matched by Aravinda da Silva who has done this twice.
This is a tough position for Prince to be in as it looks like the South Africans are waiting for Kallis before the declaration comes. This means he will probably only have the opportunity to make 10 or 20 at most. However if he falls before Kallis reaches the milestone the selectors would surely not be impressed.
OUT!
Smith 133(296) c sub b Kaneria.
RSA 273/3 after 96.4 overs. Kallis 94*(205), Prince 0*(0).
Kaneria tosses one up to Smith who looks to play at over mid-wicket, but he gets the top edge and the ball loops to the man at backward point who takes the simplest of catches. Smith batted for a long time and was looking to increase the pace and departs the scene with his side having a lead of 424. The captain will be very chuffed with the position the tourists find themselves in.
At Lunch:
RSA 2nd inn 211/2 after 83 overs.
Smith 100*(257), Kallis 69*(162). Gul 1/48. Rehman 1/63.
South Africa has a 362 run lead at lunch on the 4th day. No wickets have been lost in the first session and South Africa is looking favourites to win the Test series as they are already 1-0 up. The pressure is on the Pakistan cricket team.
100! Smith 100*(254).
RSA 211/2 after 82.3 overs. Kallis 69*(162). Gul 1/48, Rehman 1/63.
Smith's first ton in 33 tests and his 12th in the longer form of the game. This innings has directed his side into a commanding position as the captain has led by example and not given Pakistan a hope of getting back into the match. He has been patient and cautious, scoring at less than a run a ball, but time was no issue here.
50! Kallis 50*(110).
RSA 172/2 after 63.3 overs.
Smith 80*(192), Rehman 1/45, Gul 1/48.
Another fine innings from an inform Kallis. He has hit four boundaries in this innings with a strike rate of 45,45.
Day 4
The first session of Day 4 is underway with Gul opening the bowling attack for Pakistan. South Africa will be looking to set an unachievable total for the Pakistan cricket team to obtain and bowl them out to win the second Test of the series.
At Close:
RSA 2nd inn 154/2 after 55 overs.
Smith 75*(164), Kallis 37*(87). Rehman 1/38. Gul 1/40.
The South Africans will be pleased with the day's play, having picked up six wickets and extending their lead to 305 runs with eight wickets remaining. Join us on day four to see how far Smith and Kallis progress together, and if Pakistan can make inroads into the line-up.
52 overs
South Africa have a lead of 301 runs. Kallis and Smith are going along slowly but steadily, playing out the fading light and collecting singles. Their partnership is on 84.
50! Smith 50*(117).
RSA 118/2 after 40.2 overs. Kallis 26*(46). Gul 1/23, Rehman 1/24.
Smith gets his half century with a single, after hanging about on 48 and 49 for nearly 7 overs. The partnership between himself and Kallis is also over 50, and they are looking solid against the spin.
At Tea:
RSA 2nd inn 66/2 after 24.5 overs.
Smith 28*(70), Kallis 0*(0). Rehman 1/7. Gul 1/23.
Amla leaves a gaping hole between bat and pad, which Rehman exploits. Middle stump rocks back and they all walk off the park for tea.
22 Overs
Right. It has become evident that the South Africans are in fact not going to attack the bowling. Danish Kaneria is managing to keep a very tight grip on things, helped from the other end by Abdur Rehman. The pitch is drying out and cracks are becoming more evident, assisting the spinners and keeping Smith and Amla on their toes.
OUT!
Gibbs 16(36) c Akmal b Gul.
RSA 34/1 after 10.5 overs. Smith 17*(30), Amla 0*(0). Gul 1/18.
Gibbs drives at a wide one, without any foot movement, getting a bottom edge that only just carries to Kamran Akmal, who dives low to his right. SA lead by 185 runs.
South Africa begin their second innings on day three, with Gibbs and Smith at the crease. It will be interesting to see how they approach this: bat out the day and set 400-odd on day four, or go after the bowling and aim for a big total.
INNINGS TOTAL:
Pak 206/10 after 63 overs. Akmal 52 (64), M ul-Haq 41 (93). Ntini 3/42, Harris 3/57.
That is the end of the Pakistan innings. South Africa will come out to bat with a lead of 151, and will feel confident of extending the series lead to 2-0.
OUT!
Asif 4(8) c Amla b Harris.
Pak 206/10 after 63 overs. Rehman 25*(53), Ntini 3/42.
Amla takes another good catch at short leg and Harris bags his third wicket.
At Lunch:
Pak 1st inn 204/9 after 62 overs.
Rehman 24*(51), Asif 3*(4). Ntini 3/42. Harris 2/55.
South Africa will be well chuffed with the session, as five wickets have fallen and they still lead by 153 runs.
OUT!
Kaneria 0(4) c Boucher b Ntini.
Pak 189/9 after 60 overs. Rehman 12*(43), Asif 0*(0). Ntini 3/38.
It's all go in Lahore! Ntini sends down a 3-wicket maiden and Pakistan are in dire straits. Boucher also captures his 400th Test scalp.
OUT!
Gul 0(1) lbw b Ntini.
Pak 189/8 after 59.3 overs. Rehman 12*(12), Kaneria 0*(0). Ntini 2/38.
First ball, out plumb in front! Ntini goes from having the worst bowling figures in the innings to the best, but misses out on his hat-trick with the next delivery to Kaneria.
OUT!
M ul-Haq 41(93) c Boucher b Ntini.
Pak 189/7 after 59.2 overs. Rehman 12*(12), Gul 0*(0). Harris 2/45.
Ntini finally takes a wicket as Misbah falls short of his fifty, caught behind by Boucher. Graeme Smith will be relieved to see the back of this man.
50 overs:
South Africa's bowlers are doing a good job of containing the batsmen, and the scoring rate this morning has been miserly at best. On the other hand, frustration could be building if Kallis is anyone to go by, as he is giving Rehman some dirty looks for refusing to go out.
OUT!
Malik 1(11) c Amla b Steyn.
Pak 150/6 after 41.3 overs. M ul-Haq 15*(30), Gul 0*(0). Harris 2/33.
The Pakistan skipper is caught in the middle of his crease by a back-of-a-length ball by Steyn, and drops it onto his pads. Amla takes a sharp catch at forward short leg. And now the Pakistan tail is exposed, so expect the full compliment of bouncers to go flying in.
OUT!
I ul-Haq 14(34) c Boucher b Kallis.
Pak 149/5 after 38.5 overs. ul-Haq 15*(24), S Malik 0 (0), Harris 2/33.
The experiment of using Jacques Kallis to open from the other end with the ball has paid off, as Inzamam prods at the ball and sends an easy catch Mark Boucher's way.
Day 3:
The game gets under way on day three, and the first over by Dale Steyn goes for nine runs.
At Close:
Pak 1st inn 140/4 after 37 overs.
ul-Haq 10*(28), ul-Haq 10*(20). Harris 2/33. Nel 1/23.
After a blazing start from Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal, South Africa managed to come back nicely, taking four wickets before the close of play. Inzaman-ul-Haq is just a few runs shy of becoming the highest run scoring in Pakistan test matches, ever. This is of course, his last match for the team. This game is still up in the air, and so much depends on the performances of the teams tomorrow. Join us then.
OUT!
Yousuf 25(39) lbw b Steyn.
Pak 123/4 after 31.1 overs. ul-Haq 3*(13), ul-Haq 0*(0). Harris 2/31.
Unlucky decision for Pakistan! Steyn sends in a short one which stays relatively low. Yousuf misses with a pull shot and the ball makes contact with the pads above the knee roll. Umpire Benson decides that it was a good appeal, and sends the batsman packing.
OUT!
Akmal 52(64) c Smith b Harris.
Pak 99/3 after 24.2 overs. Yousuf 4*(11), ul-Haq 0*(0). Harris 2/21.
Harris bowls a slower ball, pitches on off stump. Akmal comes forward, driving the ball away, but badly timed. It flies low to cover, where Smith dives forward to take the catch just above the grass. Great catch from the fielder, great innings from the batsman.
OUT!
Khan 3(3) b Nel.
Pak 93/2 after 21.1 overs. Akmal 50*(56), Yousuf 0*(0). Nel 1/19.
Nel delivers a full one, outside off that turns back towards Khan, who drives, leaving a gap, exposing the wickets and the off stump takes the impact.
OUT!
Butt 40(68) c Smith b Harris.
Pak 90/1 after 20.4 overs. Akmal 50*(56), Khan 0*(0). Harris 1/15.
Harris sends one in on a straight line, which Butt attempts to sweep off the bounce. The batsman picks up the top edge and the ball balloons to Smith at short fine leg.
50! Akmal 50*(56).
Pak 90/1 after 20.3 overs. Butt 40*(67). Harris 1/15, Stein 0/19. 1st Innings RSA 357/10.
At Tea:
Pak 1st inn 51/0 after 9 overs.
Butt 30*(25), Akmal 21*(29). Harris 0/0. Nel 0/10.
Pakistan is off to a flying start, boasting a total reminiscent of an ODI total, at this stage. 51 runs off nine overs. South Africa hasn’t been as conservative in their field placing as they perhaps should have been, as far as their field placing is concerned. The bowler has also perhaps been a bit ambitious and has been punished for it. South Africa has been known to come back from a break with a clear head. I expect they will slow down the proceedings just a touch and get they grasp back on this match.
INNINGS TOTAL:
RSA 357/10 after 125.1 overs.
Prince 63 (132), Kallis 59 (115). Kaneria 4/114, Gul 3/103.
Well, that’s it for the innings. South Africa has done extremely well to reach 357, when it looked unlikely that they would reach 280 at the beginning of the day’s play. This is due to the fantastic efforts of both Boucher and Harris, who put on a partnership of 88 runs. Pakistan must be relieved to have gotten the batsmen all out, and now have to concentrate on building a total of their own.
OUT!
Boucher 54(132) c Rehman b Kaneria.
RSA 357/10 after 125.1 overs. Ntini 0*(3), Kaneria 4/114.
Boucher decides to go for it and comes down the pitch at a ball from Kaneria that is just on off. He makes contact and the ball flies towards Rehman, who takes a solid catch above his head. That’s it for the innings.
50! Boucher 53*(128).
RSA 356/9 after 124.2 overs. Ntini 0*(2). Gul 3/102, Kaneria 3/114.
OUT!
Steyn 0(4) b Kaneria.
RSA 350/9 after 123.4 overs. Boucher 46*(123), Ntini 0*(0). Gul 3/96.
Kaneria bowls a beauty! He flights the ball outside leg, Steyn can’t get his bat to it, in his forward positioning, the ball pitches back into the stumps at a surprising angle.
OUT!
Harris 46(132) c Malik b Gul.
RSA 347/8 after 120.4 overs. Boucher 42*(112), Steyn 0*(0). Gul 3/95.
Gul gets his man with a full delivery, outside off. Harris goes for the drive, but does not get a hold of it properly and slices it to Malik at extra cover. Unlucky for Harris who batted so well, but failed to reach his first test 50.
At Lunch:
RSA 1st inn 322/7 after 109 overs.
Boucher 35*(84), Harris 32*(97). Gul 2/94. Kaneria 2/101.
South Africa has done really well. Not many would have backed them to last to lunch. After the early loss of Nel, Boucher and Harris are doing a sterling job out in the middle, having taken South Africa well over the 300 mark. Pakistan will become more and more frustrated; the longer South Africa continues to hold out. If the batsmen managed to stay at the crease until tea, the pressure will be placed firmly on the Pakistanis. They desperately want to finish this innings off, and to start batting.
OUT!
Nel 0(5) c ul-Haq b Gul .
RSA 259/7 after 83.5 overs. Boucher 9*(24), Harris 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73.
An early strike from Gul! The bowler sends in a short delivery, pitched on leg stump. The ball bounces onto Nel, just underneath his shoulder. Nel attempts to defend it on the back foot, but picks up contact with the gloves. The ball chips to ul-Haq at short leg.
At Close:
RSA 1st inn 259/6 after 83 overs.
Boucher 9*(24), Nel 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73. Rehman 1/28.
Good all round cricket today as the first day of what promises to be an exciting test comes to an end. Pakistan have done well to pick up six South African wickets, and will enter day two trying to dismiss the remainder of the Protea tail-enders.
South Africa will spend the night thinking about how they can keep this game in their grasp and at least reach the 300 mark before being bowled out.
All in all, an excellent bowling display from the Pakistan bowlers and a decent performance from the South African batsmen, who have all reached respectable scores with the exception of Gibbs and Amla.
Tomorrow promises more excitement and plenty of action!
OUT!
de Villiers 45(83) run out.
RSA 259/6 after 82.4 overs. Boucher 9*(22), Nel 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73.
Asif sends one into Boucher who drives straight back and Asif gets his fingertips to the ball as it passes through and knocks the bails off the stumps on the bowlers end. Replays show AB de Villiers was well out his crease and the third umpire confirms by showing the red light. South Africa now into the tail.
OUT!
Prince 63(132) b Rehman.
RSA 217/4 after 68.1 overs. de Villiers 26*(41). Kaneria 2/73, Asif 1/49.
Prince looks to come down the track but misses completely as Rehman turns the ball from outside off and goes directly through the gate. Do not pass go, do not collect 200. Prince returns to the stands and South Africa are now in a slight state of disillusion as the next batsman also happens to be the end of the South African middle order – Mark Boucher.
50! Prince 51*(107).
RSA 217/4 after 68.1 overs. de Villiers 26*(41). Kaneria 2/73, Asif 1/49.
Final session Day 1:
The players return for the final session. AB de Villiers is the new batsman for South Africa.
At Tea:
RSA 1st inn 160/4 after 53.1 overs.
Prince 23*(56), Kaneria 2/51. Asif 1/30.
On the fall of Jacques Kallis the umpires call an end to the second session and disperse to the pavilion for the tea break.
South Africa would probably not have imagined themselves four down by tea on day one, but the Pakistan bowling attack has really been in great form today. Having used only four bowlers all day, Pakistan are doing a good job with the ball; restricting South Africa to just 17 boundaries throughout the day.
Graeme Smith will no doubt be giving his middle order a pep-talk during the tea break and one expects South Africa to come out slightly stronger after the break.
OUT!
Kallis 59(115) lbw b Kaneria.
RSA 160/4 after 53.1 overs. Prince 23*(56), Kaneria 2/51.
Kallis goes on the front foot and plays the forward defence to the googly from Kaneria. The ball hits him in line and the umpire Taufel has no hesitation and sends Kallis to join his team mates in the pavilion.
50!Kallis 51*(107).
RSA 144/3 after 50 overs. Prince 15*(45). Asif 1/30, Kaneria 1/47.
OUT!
Smith 46(90) b Kaneria.
RSA 100/3 after 33.6 overs. Kallis 27*(56), Prince 0*(0). Asif 1/23.
Danish Kaneria takes the first wicket after the lunch interval as he pitches one just outside off to Smith who goes on the front foot for the forward defence but some sharp turn from Kaneria comes right back into Smith, straight through the gate and knocks off stump. Kaneria picks up the key wicket of the South African captain, who falls just four short of a half-century.
At Lunch:
RSA 1st inn 70/2 after 26 overs.
Smith 31*(67), Kallis 13*(30). Asif 1/23. Gul 1/29
Lunch is taken on the first day of the second test in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan have done well restricting the South Africans to scoring slowly, while still being able to have picked up two wickets in the early session. The home side will want to come out in the second session and pick up a few more wickets as they strive to make this game a memorable one – as it’s potentially Inzaman Ul-Haq’s final match for Pakistan.
Smith has done well to stick around in the middle even though he earlier had to bid farewell to fellow batting partners – Gibbs and Amla. Currently at the crease with his captain is Jacques Kallis who will no doubt be looking to repeat his wonderful performance in last weeks first test.
OUT!
Amla 10(31) b Asif.
RSA 47/2 after 16.1 overs. Smith 23*(37), Kallis 0*(0). Gul 1/16.
Another breakthrough for Pakistan. This time Asif gets the wicket of Hashim Amla as he sends one in outside off and as the ball cuts in towards the batsman, Amla is taken by surprise and the off stump is clipped and the bails removed.
OUT!
Gibbs 13(30) c ul-Haq b Gul.
RSA 24/1 after 7.2 overs. Smith 10*(15), Amla 0*(0). Gul 1/15.
Gibbs shows some poor foot movement as he plays forward at one pitched outside off which results in him slicing one straight to gully where ul-Haq takes a comfortable catch off the bowling of opener Umar Gul. Hashim Amla makes his way to the crease and joins the South African captain Graeme Smith.
Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs open the batting for South Africa with Mohammad Asif taking the new ball.
Toss!
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat.
Teams
South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Paul Harris
Pakistan: Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal (wk), Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik (capt), Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif
Khan 107*(197), Yousuf 21*(66). Harris 1/35. Ntini 1/47.
Pakistan requires a further 235 runs with 8 wickets in hand with a minimum of 46 overs remaining for victory. South Africa have only taken one wicket in the first session of today’s play and with Younis Khan still at the crease Pakistan will favour their chances.
It will take an excellent spell of bowling after lunch from South Africa if they wish to bowl the Pakistanis out to win the Test match series 2-0. Malik will be pleased with his team’s performance in their 4th innings as they have shown a lot of determination.
A highlight of the innings would be Younis Khan’s century coming off a 180 balls. Khan was dropped on 83 runs by Amla at short mid-wicket and South Africa are regretting the missed opportunity.
100! Khan 100*(180).
Pak 200/2 after 66.2 overs. Yousuf 8*(36). Harris 1/31, Ntini 1/46.
A marvellous innings from the number four batsman Younis Khan. It has been a memorable innings and one which could prove to save the Pakistan cricket team from defeat. Khan will want to stay in the middle and carry his side across the finish line and maybe even go for the win. This is the 300th Test century in 332 Tests by a Pakistan batsman.
OUT!
Akmal 71(166) b Harris.
Pak 176/2 after 54.5 overs. Khan 87*(147), Yousuf 0*(0). Harris 1/23.
Harris has been bowling over the wicket in order to contain the Pakistan batsmen. Akmal looks to fashion a shot and ends up playing on to a ball that pitched back of a length outside leg. He only succeeds in playing the ball onto his stumps and South Africa have a much needed breakthrough.
Dropped!
Leg stump length ball flicked away to short mid-wicket. A dolly of a catch but Amla failed to hold on. That was a big let off for Pakistan. South Africa might live to regret dropping Khan on 83.
50! Khan 52*(80).
Pak 117/1 after 33.4 overs.
Akmal 54*(106), Ntini 1/29, Kallis 0/9.
That is Younis Khan’s 20th Test match half century. Khan looks in good form and taking the fight to the South Africans with a strike rate of 65, the majority of his runs coming in the form of boundaries. He will be looking to build on his innings and is a key batsman that needs to perform if Pakistan wishes to chase down this record 4th innings total for victory.
50! Akmal 50*(100).
Pak 109/1 after 31.6 overs.
Khan 48*(76). Ntini 1/25, Kallis 0/5.
Akmal has played a solid innings so far and will look to add to his total. The Pakistan opener has scored back to back half centuries in this Test match and it is his 6th Test 50 overall. Akmal looks to be a good solid Test match opener for the Pakistan cricket team and will be looking to build a firm partnership with Younis Khan and bat Pakistan back into this Test match.
At Close:
Pak 108/1 after 31 overs.
Akmal 49 (94), Khan 48 (76). Ntini 1/24, Kallis 0/5.
Stumps have been called early due to bad light. At the end of the 4th day Pakistan need 349 runs for victory. Akmal and Khan are proving to be a thorn in South Africa’s side as they put on a partnership of 92 runs off 25.3 overs, leaving the match poised for an interesting finish. Pakistan will have to bat through all three sessions tomorrow if they wish to force the draw. However, this is a must win match for Pakistan if they don’t want to lose the series as South Africa are leading 1-0.
The highlight of the day must be Smith’s first century since May 2005. The affect of the captain’s innings was visible in the field as the heads of the Pakistan players in the field dropped throughout the opening two sessions when Smith and Kallis lifted their side to a position where a Pakistani victory now looks an impossibility.
Join us tomorrow for the final day of the last Test match in the series.
OUT!
Butt 6(16) c sub b Ntini.
Pak 15/1 after 5.3 overs. Akmal 8*(17), Khan 0*(0). Ntini 1/13.
Back of a length ball on leg stump, Butt tries to cut, the ball is to close to his body and he only succeeds in edging the ball to the sub Pollock at third slip. Nice piece of bowling by Makhaya Ntini. South Africa need 9 wickets for victory.
At Tea:
RSA 2nd inn 305/4 after 110.3 overs.
Kallis 107*(242), de Villiers 8*(8). Rehman 2/112. Gul 1/48.
Smith is out on the balcony waving at Kallis and de Villiers on the pitch. South Africa declares with a lead of 456 runs. If Pakistan manages to chase down this total in the 4th innings it will be a world record. With the declaration Tea is taken.
A massive partnership of 211 runs between Kallis and Smith took the game away from Pakistan who would have been hopeful of getting their noses into the game when the score was 66/2, however the captain and South Africa’s number one batsman showed their class as the hosts bowling attack had no answer.
Interestingly Kaneria was getting considerable turn out of the pitch and Paul Harris will be licking his lips at the prospect of a lengthy spell later this evening with the hope of picking up plenty of wickets on the deteriorating pitch.
OUT!
Prince 11(38) b Rehman.
RSA 290/4 after 107.4 overs. Kallis 100*(233), de Villiers 0*(0). Rehman 2/103.
Prince comes down the track but couldn’t get to the pitch of the delivery. The ball turns and finds the gap between bat and pad clipping the off stump. There is still no sign of a declaration by South Africa. AB de Villiers is the next man in.
No sign of a declaration and Inzaman looks like he is being made to suffer in his final appearance on the international scene. Certainly no fairytale ending here.
100! Kallis 100*(231).
RSA 284/3 after 105.4 overs. Prince 5*(28).
This is quite a significant century for Kallis. This is firstly his 27th test hundred which takes him past Sir Gary Sobers and equal with Matthew Hayden and Allan Border. The next on the all-time list is Sir Don Bradman who managed 29 centuries in just 52 tests, whilst Kallis is playing his 109th. Sachin Tendulkar tops this list with 37. The milestone is he is the second person ever to score three centuries in a two-match series, a feat only matched by Aravinda da Silva who has done this twice.
This is a tough position for Prince to be in as it looks like the South Africans are waiting for Kallis before the declaration comes. This means he will probably only have the opportunity to make 10 or 20 at most. However if he falls before Kallis reaches the milestone the selectors would surely not be impressed.
OUT!
Smith 133(296) c sub b Kaneria.
RSA 273/3 after 96.4 overs. Kallis 94*(205), Prince 0*(0).
Kaneria tosses one up to Smith who looks to play at over mid-wicket, but he gets the top edge and the ball loops to the man at backward point who takes the simplest of catches. Smith batted for a long time and was looking to increase the pace and departs the scene with his side having a lead of 424. The captain will be very chuffed with the position the tourists find themselves in.
At Lunch:
RSA 2nd inn 211/2 after 83 overs.
Smith 100*(257), Kallis 69*(162). Gul 1/48. Rehman 1/63.
South Africa has a 362 run lead at lunch on the 4th day. No wickets have been lost in the first session and South Africa is looking favourites to win the Test series as they are already 1-0 up. The pressure is on the Pakistan cricket team.
100! Smith 100*(254).
RSA 211/2 after 82.3 overs. Kallis 69*(162). Gul 1/48, Rehman 1/63.
Smith's first ton in 33 tests and his 12th in the longer form of the game. This innings has directed his side into a commanding position as the captain has led by example and not given Pakistan a hope of getting back into the match. He has been patient and cautious, scoring at less than a run a ball, but time was no issue here.
50! Kallis 50*(110).
RSA 172/2 after 63.3 overs.
Smith 80*(192), Rehman 1/45, Gul 1/48.
Another fine innings from an inform Kallis. He has hit four boundaries in this innings with a strike rate of 45,45.
Day 4
The first session of Day 4 is underway with Gul opening the bowling attack for Pakistan. South Africa will be looking to set an unachievable total for the Pakistan cricket team to obtain and bowl them out to win the second Test of the series.
At Close:
RSA 2nd inn 154/2 after 55 overs.
Smith 75*(164), Kallis 37*(87). Rehman 1/38. Gul 1/40.
The South Africans will be pleased with the day's play, having picked up six wickets and extending their lead to 305 runs with eight wickets remaining. Join us on day four to see how far Smith and Kallis progress together, and if Pakistan can make inroads into the line-up.
52 overs
South Africa have a lead of 301 runs. Kallis and Smith are going along slowly but steadily, playing out the fading light and collecting singles. Their partnership is on 84.
50! Smith 50*(117).
RSA 118/2 after 40.2 overs. Kallis 26*(46). Gul 1/23, Rehman 1/24.
Smith gets his half century with a single, after hanging about on 48 and 49 for nearly 7 overs. The partnership between himself and Kallis is also over 50, and they are looking solid against the spin.
At Tea:
RSA 2nd inn 66/2 after 24.5 overs.
Smith 28*(70), Kallis 0*(0). Rehman 1/7. Gul 1/23.
Amla leaves a gaping hole between bat and pad, which Rehman exploits. Middle stump rocks back and they all walk off the park for tea.
22 Overs
Right. It has become evident that the South Africans are in fact not going to attack the bowling. Danish Kaneria is managing to keep a very tight grip on things, helped from the other end by Abdur Rehman. The pitch is drying out and cracks are becoming more evident, assisting the spinners and keeping Smith and Amla on their toes.
OUT!
Gibbs 16(36) c Akmal b Gul.
RSA 34/1 after 10.5 overs. Smith 17*(30), Amla 0*(0). Gul 1/18.
Gibbs drives at a wide one, without any foot movement, getting a bottom edge that only just carries to Kamran Akmal, who dives low to his right. SA lead by 185 runs.
South Africa begin their second innings on day three, with Gibbs and Smith at the crease. It will be interesting to see how they approach this: bat out the day and set 400-odd on day four, or go after the bowling and aim for a big total.
INNINGS TOTAL:
Pak 206/10 after 63 overs. Akmal 52 (64), M ul-Haq 41 (93). Ntini 3/42, Harris 3/57.
That is the end of the Pakistan innings. South Africa will come out to bat with a lead of 151, and will feel confident of extending the series lead to 2-0.
OUT!
Asif 4(8) c Amla b Harris.
Pak 206/10 after 63 overs. Rehman 25*(53), Ntini 3/42.
Amla takes another good catch at short leg and Harris bags his third wicket.
At Lunch:
Pak 1st inn 204/9 after 62 overs.
Rehman 24*(51), Asif 3*(4). Ntini 3/42. Harris 2/55.
South Africa will be well chuffed with the session, as five wickets have fallen and they still lead by 153 runs.
OUT!
Kaneria 0(4) c Boucher b Ntini.
Pak 189/9 after 60 overs. Rehman 12*(43), Asif 0*(0). Ntini 3/38.
It's all go in Lahore! Ntini sends down a 3-wicket maiden and Pakistan are in dire straits. Boucher also captures his 400th Test scalp.
OUT!
Gul 0(1) lbw b Ntini.
Pak 189/8 after 59.3 overs. Rehman 12*(12), Kaneria 0*(0). Ntini 2/38.
First ball, out plumb in front! Ntini goes from having the worst bowling figures in the innings to the best, but misses out on his hat-trick with the next delivery to Kaneria.
OUT!
M ul-Haq 41(93) c Boucher b Ntini.
Pak 189/7 after 59.2 overs. Rehman 12*(12), Gul 0*(0). Harris 2/45.
Ntini finally takes a wicket as Misbah falls short of his fifty, caught behind by Boucher. Graeme Smith will be relieved to see the back of this man.
50 overs:
South Africa's bowlers are doing a good job of containing the batsmen, and the scoring rate this morning has been miserly at best. On the other hand, frustration could be building if Kallis is anyone to go by, as he is giving Rehman some dirty looks for refusing to go out.
OUT!
Malik 1(11) c Amla b Steyn.
Pak 150/6 after 41.3 overs. M ul-Haq 15*(30), Gul 0*(0). Harris 2/33.
The Pakistan skipper is caught in the middle of his crease by a back-of-a-length ball by Steyn, and drops it onto his pads. Amla takes a sharp catch at forward short leg. And now the Pakistan tail is exposed, so expect the full compliment of bouncers to go flying in.
OUT!
I ul-Haq 14(34) c Boucher b Kallis.
Pak 149/5 after 38.5 overs. ul-Haq 15*(24), S Malik 0 (0), Harris 2/33.
The experiment of using Jacques Kallis to open from the other end with the ball has paid off, as Inzamam prods at the ball and sends an easy catch Mark Boucher's way.
Day 3:
The game gets under way on day three, and the first over by Dale Steyn goes for nine runs.
At Close:
Pak 1st inn 140/4 after 37 overs.
ul-Haq 10*(28), ul-Haq 10*(20). Harris 2/33. Nel 1/23.
After a blazing start from Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal, South Africa managed to come back nicely, taking four wickets before the close of play. Inzaman-ul-Haq is just a few runs shy of becoming the highest run scoring in Pakistan test matches, ever. This is of course, his last match for the team. This game is still up in the air, and so much depends on the performances of the teams tomorrow. Join us then.
OUT!
Yousuf 25(39) lbw b Steyn.
Pak 123/4 after 31.1 overs. ul-Haq 3*(13), ul-Haq 0*(0). Harris 2/31.
Unlucky decision for Pakistan! Steyn sends in a short one which stays relatively low. Yousuf misses with a pull shot and the ball makes contact with the pads above the knee roll. Umpire Benson decides that it was a good appeal, and sends the batsman packing.
OUT!
Akmal 52(64) c Smith b Harris.
Pak 99/3 after 24.2 overs. Yousuf 4*(11), ul-Haq 0*(0). Harris 2/21.
Harris bowls a slower ball, pitches on off stump. Akmal comes forward, driving the ball away, but badly timed. It flies low to cover, where Smith dives forward to take the catch just above the grass. Great catch from the fielder, great innings from the batsman.
OUT!
Khan 3(3) b Nel.
Pak 93/2 after 21.1 overs. Akmal 50*(56), Yousuf 0*(0). Nel 1/19.
Nel delivers a full one, outside off that turns back towards Khan, who drives, leaving a gap, exposing the wickets and the off stump takes the impact.
OUT!
Butt 40(68) c Smith b Harris.
Pak 90/1 after 20.4 overs. Akmal 50*(56), Khan 0*(0). Harris 1/15.
Harris sends one in on a straight line, which Butt attempts to sweep off the bounce. The batsman picks up the top edge and the ball balloons to Smith at short fine leg.
50! Akmal 50*(56).
Pak 90/1 after 20.3 overs. Butt 40*(67). Harris 1/15, Stein 0/19. 1st Innings RSA 357/10.
At Tea:
Pak 1st inn 51/0 after 9 overs.
Butt 30*(25), Akmal 21*(29). Harris 0/0. Nel 0/10.
Pakistan is off to a flying start, boasting a total reminiscent of an ODI total, at this stage. 51 runs off nine overs. South Africa hasn’t been as conservative in their field placing as they perhaps should have been, as far as their field placing is concerned. The bowler has also perhaps been a bit ambitious and has been punished for it. South Africa has been known to come back from a break with a clear head. I expect they will slow down the proceedings just a touch and get they grasp back on this match.
INNINGS TOTAL:
RSA 357/10 after 125.1 overs.
Prince 63 (132), Kallis 59 (115). Kaneria 4/114, Gul 3/103.
Well, that’s it for the innings. South Africa has done extremely well to reach 357, when it looked unlikely that they would reach 280 at the beginning of the day’s play. This is due to the fantastic efforts of both Boucher and Harris, who put on a partnership of 88 runs. Pakistan must be relieved to have gotten the batsmen all out, and now have to concentrate on building a total of their own.
OUT!
Boucher 54(132) c Rehman b Kaneria.
RSA 357/10 after 125.1 overs. Ntini 0*(3), Kaneria 4/114.
Boucher decides to go for it and comes down the pitch at a ball from Kaneria that is just on off. He makes contact and the ball flies towards Rehman, who takes a solid catch above his head. That’s it for the innings.
50! Boucher 53*(128).
RSA 356/9 after 124.2 overs. Ntini 0*(2). Gul 3/102, Kaneria 3/114.
OUT!
Steyn 0(4) b Kaneria.
RSA 350/9 after 123.4 overs. Boucher 46*(123), Ntini 0*(0). Gul 3/96.
Kaneria bowls a beauty! He flights the ball outside leg, Steyn can’t get his bat to it, in his forward positioning, the ball pitches back into the stumps at a surprising angle.
OUT!
Harris 46(132) c Malik b Gul.
RSA 347/8 after 120.4 overs. Boucher 42*(112), Steyn 0*(0). Gul 3/95.
Gul gets his man with a full delivery, outside off. Harris goes for the drive, but does not get a hold of it properly and slices it to Malik at extra cover. Unlucky for Harris who batted so well, but failed to reach his first test 50.
At Lunch:
RSA 1st inn 322/7 after 109 overs.
Boucher 35*(84), Harris 32*(97). Gul 2/94. Kaneria 2/101.
South Africa has done really well. Not many would have backed them to last to lunch. After the early loss of Nel, Boucher and Harris are doing a sterling job out in the middle, having taken South Africa well over the 300 mark. Pakistan will become more and more frustrated; the longer South Africa continues to hold out. If the batsmen managed to stay at the crease until tea, the pressure will be placed firmly on the Pakistanis. They desperately want to finish this innings off, and to start batting.
OUT!
Nel 0(5) c ul-Haq b Gul .
RSA 259/7 after 83.5 overs. Boucher 9*(24), Harris 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73.
An early strike from Gul! The bowler sends in a short delivery, pitched on leg stump. The ball bounces onto Nel, just underneath his shoulder. Nel attempts to defend it on the back foot, but picks up contact with the gloves. The ball chips to ul-Haq at short leg.
At Close:
RSA 1st inn 259/6 after 83 overs.
Boucher 9*(24), Nel 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73. Rehman 1/28.
Good all round cricket today as the first day of what promises to be an exciting test comes to an end. Pakistan have done well to pick up six South African wickets, and will enter day two trying to dismiss the remainder of the Protea tail-enders.
South Africa will spend the night thinking about how they can keep this game in their grasp and at least reach the 300 mark before being bowled out.
All in all, an excellent bowling display from the Pakistan bowlers and a decent performance from the South African batsmen, who have all reached respectable scores with the exception of Gibbs and Amla.
Tomorrow promises more excitement and plenty of action!
OUT!
de Villiers 45(83) run out.
RSA 259/6 after 82.4 overs. Boucher 9*(22), Nel 0*(0). Kaneria 2/73.
Asif sends one into Boucher who drives straight back and Asif gets his fingertips to the ball as it passes through and knocks the bails off the stumps on the bowlers end. Replays show AB de Villiers was well out his crease and the third umpire confirms by showing the red light. South Africa now into the tail.
OUT!
Prince 63(132) b Rehman.
RSA 217/4 after 68.1 overs. de Villiers 26*(41). Kaneria 2/73, Asif 1/49.
Prince looks to come down the track but misses completely as Rehman turns the ball from outside off and goes directly through the gate. Do not pass go, do not collect 200. Prince returns to the stands and South Africa are now in a slight state of disillusion as the next batsman also happens to be the end of the South African middle order – Mark Boucher.
50! Prince 51*(107).
RSA 217/4 after 68.1 overs. de Villiers 26*(41). Kaneria 2/73, Asif 1/49.
Final session Day 1:
The players return for the final session. AB de Villiers is the new batsman for South Africa.
At Tea:
RSA 1st inn 160/4 after 53.1 overs.
Prince 23*(56), Kaneria 2/51. Asif 1/30.
On the fall of Jacques Kallis the umpires call an end to the second session and disperse to the pavilion for the tea break.
South Africa would probably not have imagined themselves four down by tea on day one, but the Pakistan bowling attack has really been in great form today. Having used only four bowlers all day, Pakistan are doing a good job with the ball; restricting South Africa to just 17 boundaries throughout the day.
Graeme Smith will no doubt be giving his middle order a pep-talk during the tea break and one expects South Africa to come out slightly stronger after the break.
OUT!
Kallis 59(115) lbw b Kaneria.
RSA 160/4 after 53.1 overs. Prince 23*(56), Kaneria 2/51.
Kallis goes on the front foot and plays the forward defence to the googly from Kaneria. The ball hits him in line and the umpire Taufel has no hesitation and sends Kallis to join his team mates in the pavilion.
50!Kallis 51*(107).
RSA 144/3 after 50 overs. Prince 15*(45). Asif 1/30, Kaneria 1/47.
OUT!
Smith 46(90) b Kaneria.
RSA 100/3 after 33.6 overs. Kallis 27*(56), Prince 0*(0). Asif 1/23.
Danish Kaneria takes the first wicket after the lunch interval as he pitches one just outside off to Smith who goes on the front foot for the forward defence but some sharp turn from Kaneria comes right back into Smith, straight through the gate and knocks off stump. Kaneria picks up the key wicket of the South African captain, who falls just four short of a half-century.
At Lunch:
RSA 1st inn 70/2 after 26 overs.
Smith 31*(67), Kallis 13*(30). Asif 1/23. Gul 1/29
Lunch is taken on the first day of the second test in Lahore, Pakistan. Pakistan have done well restricting the South Africans to scoring slowly, while still being able to have picked up two wickets in the early session. The home side will want to come out in the second session and pick up a few more wickets as they strive to make this game a memorable one – as it’s potentially Inzaman Ul-Haq’s final match for Pakistan.
Smith has done well to stick around in the middle even though he earlier had to bid farewell to fellow batting partners – Gibbs and Amla. Currently at the crease with his captain is Jacques Kallis who will no doubt be looking to repeat his wonderful performance in last weeks first test.
OUT!
Amla 10(31) b Asif.
RSA 47/2 after 16.1 overs. Smith 23*(37), Kallis 0*(0). Gul 1/16.
Another breakthrough for Pakistan. This time Asif gets the wicket of Hashim Amla as he sends one in outside off and as the ball cuts in towards the batsman, Amla is taken by surprise and the off stump is clipped and the bails removed.
OUT!
Gibbs 13(30) c ul-Haq b Gul.
RSA 24/1 after 7.2 overs. Smith 10*(15), Amla 0*(0). Gul 1/15.
Gibbs shows some poor foot movement as he plays forward at one pitched outside off which results in him slicing one straight to gully where ul-Haq takes a comfortable catch off the bowling of opener Umar Gul. Hashim Amla makes his way to the crease and joins the South African captain Graeme Smith.
Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs open the batting for South Africa with Mohammad Asif taking the new ball.
Toss!
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat.
Teams
South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Paul Harris
Pakistan: Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal (wk), Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik (capt), Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif
0 comments:
Post a Comment