Pakistan v South Africa, Durban - 1997-98 by Muhammad Asim

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Scorecard:

South Africa v Pakistan

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Pakistan had never won a single Test against South Africa's till then. The first match ended in a draw at Johannesburg. The tourists were eager to revenge the home series loss against the Proteas few months ago. Pakistan was put in to bat on a treacherous pitch against the pace attack which had more depth than at any other time in their history. Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock supported by Fanie de Villiers and Lance Klusener all reduced Pakistan to 89 for 5. Azhar Mahmood arriving at number seven tucked into Alan Donald, he scored 96 runs in boundaries while proving himself an expert shepherd of a tail. He made 96 of Pakistan's last 106 runs in the second innings. The century was already his third in six Test innings against South Africa. Saeed Anwar made a classic 118 in the second innings. He received very little support from his other partners but still took his side to set a winning 255 run target for the hosts. Leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed took first six of the eight South African wickets to fall in the last innings. Bowled exceptionally well on a pitch that supported the pace bowlers throughout the match. Pakistan went on to win a low-scoring match by 29 runs.

 

(Article: Copyright © 2003 Muhammad Asim email:wordswordsandwords@hotmail.com)