“I thought we did a really good job as a bowling unit,” said Proteas spinner, Keshav Maharaj, on Day 2 of the first Test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Karachi.
Having recovered from 33/4, Pakistan finished Day 2 on 308/8, leading South Africa by 88 runs. Helped mainly by Fawad Alam’s 109 off 245 balls, and supported by half-centuries from Azhar Ali (51 off 151 balls) and Faheem Ashraf (64 off 84), Pakistan are now in a commanding position in this Test match.
“I think the wicket still looks pretty good. It’s important we come and get the last two wickets quickly,” said Maharaj. “We don’t know how much the wicket will deteriorate,” he continued. With application at the crease, Maharaj believes it is possible for the Proteas batsmen to score heavily on this pitch.
While the pitch did not turn as much as it did on Day 1, Maharaj said, “We didn’t expect the ball to turn much.” He attributed the turn that Pakistani leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, was able to generate to the fact that “Yasir is a wrist-spinner, he does get more revolutions on the ball.” The Proteas spinners also got the second new ball because they thought it might offer them additional turn and bounce.
Elaborating on the Proteas’ strategy to get centurion, Fawad Alam’s wicket, Maharaj said, “We weren’t trying to get his pads. He does flick the ball up in the air. There were a few catches and half-chances put down.” Ultimately, towards the end of the day, Temba Bavuma caught a ball flicked by Alam, with Lungi Ngidi getting the prized wicket against his name.
Maharaj concluded that Pakistan is a little bit ahead, given their lead of 88 runs, but South Africa are not too far behind. After getting the last two Pakistani wickets, Maharaj hopes the batsmen can bat long and put South Africa in a position to win the Test.
Pakistani batsman, Fawad Alam, who finished the day with a well-deserved century, said the team was in a difficult situation at 33/4, and needed to build a partnership. The primary objective was to bat as long as possible.
Having been on the sidelines for over a decade, Alam felt like he was making his international debut in Pakistan, and was pleased to have contributed with a century when the team was in trouble.
Alam believes Pakistan are in a strong position, but if the last two batsmen can add another 30-40 runs, they will have a good shot at winning the Test match.
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