Pakistan v South Africa 1st Test Day 4 Highlights

Pakistan have a daunting task ahead of them on the fifth day of the first Test against South Africa at Dubai. They finished day four at 109/2 and they still need 342 runs on the final day. Azhar Ali and Younis Khan were at the crease at stumps with 37 and 11 to their names respectively. >

South Africa started the day in great fashion and both Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla went about their business of scoring runs with minimum fuss. They handled all the bowlers with relative ease and both of them eased to their hundreds. Kallis was the more aggressive of the two, not afraid to go over the top if required. He hit eight fours and four sixes. Amla was more conservative and he had 11 fours to his name. >

The duo put on an unbeaten 242 for the third wicket, a record partnership for any wicket for South Africa against Pakistan. Kallis, though he went over the top, was cautiously aggressive. He attacked only to unsettle the bowlers and then after a big hit or flurry of boundaries, was happy to work the ball for singles. It was his 36th Test hundred and one of his very comfortable ones. Amla, who has been excellent this year in both Tests and limited overs, reached his 11th hundred.

Pakistan had 131 overs to face and it was a long way to go in the Test. The openers started cautiously and were happy to just defend and see the day out. But after playing well for almost fourteen overs, Mohammed Hafeez edged one to Johan Botha at first slip. It was Dale Steyn who got the breakthrough.

Botha got the second one off his bowling, making Taufeeq Umar to edge one Kallis at first slip and the big man caught it sharply. It was a needless shot by Umar, who had looked very good till then. Ali then along with Younis Khan made sure that no other wickets fell today.

Azhar Ali would be the key on the last day and he needs to make a big one to save Pakistan in this game. South Africa will be worried about Steyn’s fitness as he got treatment in his bowling arm today. Even without him, South Africa are the clear favorites.