Anrich Nortje’s hard-fought 5-56 kept Pakistan at bay as they posted 272 in their first innings, but struck back to reduce the Proteas to 26-2 at tea in the 2nd Test on Day 2 in Rawalpindi, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Despite a good 1st session by the Proteas, Pakistan still managed to frustrate their visitors.
They went int the lunch break on 229/7 thanks to a determined Faheem Ashraf half-century.
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He continued his excellent innings, adding to the total steadily. In the 103rd over, the Wiaan Mulder’s consistency paid off, when Yasir Shah popped it up low to him, the young all-rounder taking a low catch, as Pakistan were reduced to 251-8.
Faheem continued his onslaught, adding to the total gradually.
The Proteas, instead, targeted his tail partner at the other end.
Nortje continued his hard work, steamed in, and bowled a 143 km/h bouncer which Nauman Ali fended to Markram at short-leg and wrapped up the Pakistan innings by dismissing Shaheen Afridi to complete a five-for. His third five-for and first away from home.
Pakistan finished with 272.
The hosts managed to dismiss Dean Elgar shortly before the tea break. He pushed away from his body at a ball outside off and nicked Hasan Ali to the keeper.
Aiden Markram was joined by Rassie van der Dussen, but he was cleaned up with a an excellent inswinger to be dismissed on a duck on the stroke of tea.
The Proteas ended on 26-2.
Photo: EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
