An intriguing final day awaits us as the Proteas ended Day 4 on 127-1 needing 243 to win the 2nd Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, writes Khalid Mohidin.
Pakistan came in with the approach to bury the Proteas’ chances of an easy chase. Despite being bowled out for 201 in their first innings, George Linde said in his press conference that the Proteas could chase anything under 300.
They scored 298 in their second innings, setting the Proteas a mammoth 370 to chase in one and a half days.
The only positive out of the first two sessions of Day 4 was George Linde picking up his maiden five-for taking 5-64.
The Proteas needed to make history to chase down the total required.
The highest fourth-innings total chased down in Pakistan? The hosts scored 315-9 Pak v Aus Karachi 1994. By a visiting team 220-8 by SL at Rawappindi in 2000.
The Proteas would be second on that list if they win this match in Rawalpindi.
Dean Elgar was the first batsman to lose his wicket, he once again pushed at delivery away from his body, one that he could have left, losing his wicket on 17 off 24 balls.
They needed 333 at tea.
After the break, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen came out to play. It was sensible batting from the pair – a strong defence and dispatching the bad deliveries.
Markram hit two sixes on the day, one elegant double-step lofted drive high over mid-on and the second was perfectly-timed lofted drive clearing mid-off.
He brought up his 50 off 71 balls (8 x 4, 2 x 6).
Rassie van der Dussen ended on 48 off 94 balls (8×4) in a 94-run stand with Markram.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
