2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

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Ljp86

Ljp86

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2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

The first test promised so much but turned out to be more of a fizzer than a fierce contest. Pakistan gain back some valuble players for the second match with Mohammad Yousuf returning from injury and Shoaib Akhtar coming back from his drugs scandal. Yousuf was on fire last year, playing beautifully and Pakistan will need him to play well if they want to be competitive in this game. Akhtar adds pace and depth to their bowling line-up and will play a crucial role in Pakistan trying to level the series as will Umar Gul who is also returning to the team.

Despite Herschelle Gibbs being banned for two matches, he will be eligible to play in this game as the his appeal won't be heard until after the completion of the test making Gibbs able to play for South Africa. The hearing is to be chaired by none other than Richie Benuad, the former Australian captain.

All to play for in this game, South Africa were impressive in the first test and will be looking to close the series out here in Port Elizabeth but Pakistan, with added strength will be looking to square the series.

South Africa XI (likely): AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith*, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, Ashwell Prince, Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Boucher+, Shaun Pollock, Paul Harris, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini.

Pakistan XI (likely): Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq*, Kamran Akmal+, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Asif.

Umpires: TBA, TBA
3rd Umpire: TBA

Weather:

Friday: Mostly Cloudy, 25
Saturday: Partly Cloudy, 24
Sunday: Sunny, 26
Monday: Mostly Sunny, 25
Tuesday: Morning Cloud, 26

Game starts at 5:30pm AWDT (10:30am local time, 8:30am GMT).
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

What a game we have here!

South Africa were routed for 124 by a fierce Pakistani bowling attack. Boucher top scored with 35 and Graeme Smith made 28 with the only other contribution from Jaques Kallis who scratched around for his 24.

Shoaib Ahktar has a blistering return to form, taking 4/36 and was well aided by Danish Kaneria who took 3/36. Mohammad Asif took 2/34 and Mohammad Sami claimed the other wicket.

But, Makhaya Ntini came out fired up and has ripped through the Pakistani top order and has 3/7 off 5 overs leaving Pakistan reeling at 3/23. The dangerous Mohammad Yousuf is at the crease and is so far yet to get off the mark.

This pitch is providing a ripping contest so far.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

They had a bit of a recovery with the likes of Khan and Akmal, the South African bowlers cranked it up and at stumps Pakistan are 135/6. This match could be over tomorrow if things keep going at this rate!!!
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

16 wickets on the first day, that's just crazy!

Pakistan lead by 11 with 4 wickets remaining. But even though they still have Inzi, I'd be shocked if they last until lunch tomorrow. There's simply no one left for him to partner with.

I think Pakistan will make it to a lead of about 60 before they're out too.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Fantastic job of Inzi batting with the tailenders to score 92. He did the same thing in an ODI against West Indies last month too. Ntini took 6 wickets.

South Africa's second innings at 115-3 at stumps. They still trail by 26.

Pakistan definitely with the advantage, but with Ntini still to bowl again, and some quality batsmen hanging around for South Africa, this match isn't over yet.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

South Africa made it all the way to 331, good for a lead of 190. Not a lot, but that just might be enough to hold up in this test.

They got 6 overs in to finish the day, and Pakistan scored 8 runs off of them. So Pakistan needs 183 runs with 10 wickets still in hand to win this test. Barring weather, there's no need for a fifth day in this one, it'll be over tomorrow, no matter how slow some people may bat.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Pakistan at 92/5. needing another 99 runs to win!

i think South Africa might win this!

Go the South Africans!
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Pakistan have steadied to be 5/176.

Younis Khan has grounded out a half century and is still there on 58 with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal supporting him on 51, just bringing up his half century as I type this.

Pakistan looked shaky early on losing 5/63 before the current batters have consolidated their position.

They now only need a further 15 runs for victory.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Pakistan won by 5 wickets in the end after a very shaky start and ended up 5/191. Younis Khan finished up not out on 67 with Kamran Akmal still with him on 57.

A good partnership between those two in the end when it was definitely needed and will hold the Pakistani middle order in good stead for the third match of the series knowing that they have some reliability down the order.

Pollock and Ntini again bowled well and picked up 2 wickets apiece with Andre Nel getting a run-out.

In the end, a good victory for Pakistan, they made it look hard but they eventually got there. South Africa will rue their poor start to the game and will ponder what might have been. Had they scored more runs in their first innings, they could be 2-0 up with a chance to sweep the series.

Pakistan have tied the 3-match series 1-1, with one to play.

Man of the Match was Inzamam-ul-Haq.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Well done pakistan. Had my heart in my mouth there at the start of the day but we really came together. Well done to Younis Khan & Kamran Akmal.
 
Re: 2nd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan at Port Elizabeth

Good win by Pakistan but obviously tainted. South Africa is really struggling in test cricket a the minute ; rankings always suggested Pakistan would have their measure.
 
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