Pakistan vs South Africa : 2nd Test, Day 1 stumps

Pakistan were thoroughly dominated in the first day of the second test of the 2 test series. Kudos to South Africa, who came back excellently after a stunning loss, for cleaning up the Pakistan batting order with some good bowling and later, sensible batting to end the day with a lead of 29 runs.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first, in a pitch which looked pretty normal. But Pakistan’s had a very early setback, in the form of the wicket of Manzoor. Later, Masood and Azhar Ali tried to stich together a partnership, but Morkel struck Ali’s leg before wicket, and Pakistan were in a cautious position of 38/2.

But Pakistan’s did not expect that a spinner from their own lands will rip apart their batting order. Tahir, who was famously smashed for 180 runs without a wicket in Australia in one spell, showed why his spot in South African team is justified. He, along with Steyn, ripped apart the Pakistani middle order, and finally they were dismissed with just 99 on board. It would have been much worse if not for a 25 run knock from Babar.

Graeme Smith, who was criticized heavily for lack of form, stood from the front during South Africa’s batting. With Ajmal and Babar breathing fire in a spin friendly pitch, he negotiated spinners efficiently. While Peterson and Elgar got off to starts, they couldn’t convert it into a big one. Kallis disappointed again, scoring just 7 off 30 balls he faced. Night watchman Steyn ensured that South Africa do not have any more casualities, as they ended the day with 128 on board, leading by 29 runs.

Stay tuned for an interesting day, as Pakistani spinners will be raring to go and make a comeback, whereas South Africans would like to build-up a good lead, and hence seal the match in their favour.