Fawad Alam’s first century on his home ground helped Pakistan take a solid 88 lead against South Africa on Day 2 of the 1st Test in Karachi, writes Khalid Mohidin.
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It was a day for Pakistan and particularly a dream day for homeboy Fawad Alam. The 35-year-old, in only his 8th Test, scored the 3rd century of his career and first in Karachi.
The middle-order batsman played a fighting knock which was crucial to his side’s innings, seeing out a determined Proteas bowling attack to take the hosts into the lead.
Unlike the South African batsmen, Alam was patient and precise, defending with purpose and finding the boundary only when there was a loose ball available to guide to the ropes.
He came in when Pakistan were 27-4 and stuck around to be the ultimate thorn in the side of the South African bowlers.
Despite four wickets taken by the Proteas throughout the day, Alam found support from Faheem Ashraf, with a crucial 102-run partnership off 151 balls.
Ngidi got his wicket, as the centurion flicked a length ball to midwicket.
Faheem, however, was still in the middle after completing his 3rd half-century and hurting the Proteas with some excellent balanced stroke play – beautiful flicks, drives, cuts and solid blocks.
Anrich Nortje then removed the dangerous Faheem with a Yorker which he bottom edged into his stumps for a well-played 64 off 84 balls (9 fours).
Pakistan ended the day on 308-8 with a lead of 88.
Photo: PCB
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