Anrich Nortje executed his game plan effectively, taking two wickets in the 1st session on Day 2 as Pakistan went into lunch on 229-7 in the 2nd Test against Pakistan, writes Khalid Mohidin.
It was imperative that the Proteas removed the two inform batters – Babar Azam and Fawad Alam – early on in the first session on Day 2.
We spoke about their approach it in length on our review show on Day 1, where we discussed the lengths and approach of the fast bowlers in particular.
It seemed as the Proteas had a similar train of thought – look for the top of off, swinging in from 4th stump and some dangerous short deliveries.
It was the length ball outside off that caught Babar Azam (77) on the second ball of the day, which he attempted to cut but instead edged it to Faf du Plessis at second slip.
Temba Bavuma then put in an excellent shift at point with an incredible run out to send Fawad Alam (45) back to the dugout. Alam attempted to steal a run by guiding the ball to the off-side, but Bavuma was characteristically quick with his pick up and release, catching a diving Fawad short of the crease.
Rizwan and Faheem came to the party for the visitors, releasing the pressure by having a solid defence, and putting the bad balls to the fence. As a bonus, the hard work produced some luck for them in between.
Nortje struck again with an hour left in the 1st session. He used the short delivery at a pace that rushed Rizwan, who miscued his pull-shot straight to Rabada at fine leg.
Faheem showed his batting quality once again, with an 102-ball 54.
Maharaj worked hard for his wicket and found the edge of Hasan Ali which reduced Pakistan to 229-7.
Photo: PCB
