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29 March 2024

2nd Test Pakistan vs South Africa in Dubai: Tahir and Steyn wreak havoc on Day 1

Published
By Agencies

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir came to haunt the country of his birth, Pakistan, by claiming a maiden five-wicket haul to put South Africa in early control of the must-win second Test on Wednesday.

The 34-year old finished with a career best 5-32 while fit-again paceman Dale Steyn took 3-38 to bundle Pakistan out for 99 all out in 36.4 overs at the Dubai stadium before South Africa finished the day
on 128-3.

They lead by 29 runs and enjoyed a good day in their bid to level the two-Test series after losing the first game by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi last week.

Graeme Smith was unbeaten on 67 and nightwatchman Steyn was three not out.

Smith, who looked rusty in Abu Dhabi, hit spinner Saeed Ajmal for two consecutive boundaries to bring up his half-century as well as taking his team past Pakistan's total.

In the morning session Pakistan's top-order batsmen were so dismal that number nine Zulfiqar Babar top-scored with 25 not out and opener Shan Masood made 21. Of the six boundaries in the innings, Babar hit three and Masood one.

This is the 16th time that Pakistan were bowled out for below 100 in a Test innings.

It brought back memories of Pakistan's same total against then world number one England at the same venue in 2012, although they went on to win the Test in the end.

But a ruthless South Africa, now the world number one Test side, looked in no mood to concede the early advantage as they now look set for a big first innings lead.

Smith and Dean Elgar, replacing Hashim Amla - who failed to come back after returning home for the birth of his child - added 54 before Ajmal had Elgar for 23.

Pakistan also removed opener Alviro Petersen for 26 and Jacques Kallis (seven) on a day when Tahir gave Pakistan a dose of their own spin medicine.

Tahir, playing his first Test since November 2011, dismissed opener Shan Masood (21), Misbah-ul Haq (two) and Akmal (nought) off just 11 deliveries to leave Pakistan in tatters at 60-6 by lunch.

Tahir commented: "It's not that I wanted to show something, I just wanted to do well for the world's best Test team."

Born and brought up in Pakistan, Tahir qualified to play for South Africa in 2011 after marrying a local girl but has since taken time to establish himself in a country not known for spinners.

Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore showed anger over his team's slump.

"Its frustrating," said Whatmore. "Certainly not according to the plans, we knew they will come back hard but we orchestrated our own downfall with poor shot selection."

Steyn, cleared from a hamstring injury suffered on Sunday, gave no signs of discomfort as he dismissed opener Khurram Manzoor off the second delivery of the match and then had Younis Khan (10), on a pitch
which looked good for batting.

Manzoor, who hit a career best 146 in the first Test, failed to score.

Azhar Ali then put on 38 for the second wicket with Masood before he was trapped leg-before by paceman Morne Morkel for 19.

Masood remained steady until he played an over-ambitious drive off Tahir and was bowled off an inside edge.

Steyn returned for his second spell to have Younis, caught behind off a rash shot with the score at 60 before Tahir got two more on the same score.

Misbah, Pakistan's most successful batsman this year, misread a googly from Tahir while Akmal went back to play a sharp delivery and was bowled.

After lunch Tahir - who replaced Robin Peterson from the first Test line up - bowled Shafiq for ten and then dislodged Mohammad Irfan to imrpove on his previous best of 3-55, came against Australia at Johannesburg in 2011.

Pakistan's total was boosted by a 33-run last wicket stand between Babar and Junaid Khan. Khan was finally bowled for four by Steyn.

FINAL SESSION

Imran Tahir and Dale Steyn ran amok with the ball as South Africa took command of the second Test against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Tahir, who came in for Robin Peterson, bagged his first five-wicket haul in 12 Tests while Steyn, who had to prove his fitness before being declared fit to play on the morning, was all fired up snatching three wickets as South Africa bowled Pakistan out for a meagre 99.

In reply South Africa scored 128 for 3 on day one to take a lead of 29 runs with skipper Graeme Smith batting on a superb 67 and night-watchman Dale Steyn on 3 as the Proteas look in total control of the Test which they need to win to keep their away record intact.

The last time the Proteas lost an away series was seven years ago.

Smith seems to have learnt from his mistakes of the first Test and included Tahir. It was a masterstroke as the right-arm leggie justified his presence in the team by running through the Pakistan middle order to finish with impressive bowling figures of 5 for 32 from 13 overs.

But it was Dale Steyn who put South Africa in the driver's seat early on when he got the wicket of Khurram Manzoor in the second ball of the innings. Manzoor, who hit 146 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, chased an outswinger and holed out to Faf du Plessis.

Morkel then added to Azhar Ali's woes by getting him out for 18, plumb in front of wicket.

And, once Shan Masood was bowled by Tahir the floodgates opened. Within 12 runs Pakistan lost wickets in a heap with Tahir on fire.

The right-arm legspinner trapped skipper Misbah and then bowled Asad Shafiq and Adnan Akmal.

In between Steyn removed the experienced Younis Khan and wrapped up the innings by clean bowling Junaid Khan as four Pakistan batsmen failed to open their account.

Pakistan are aware they have their task cut out. They will need an extraordinary performance, somewhat like the one they put up against England at the same venue in 2012 wherein they came back from a similar situation (bowled for 99) to win that Test by 71 runs.

Steyn has no clue against Ajmal but manages to come through unscathed with three overs still to be played.

Narrow escape for Smith as the ball falls just short of first slip.

Dale Steyn comes in as night-watchman.

Kallis' poor showing with the bat continues in this series when he was plumb to a ball from Ajmal which caught him by surprise.

Jacques Kallis lbw Ajmal 7 (30b, 0x4, 0x6)

Zulfiqar Babar is back on the field after a few stitches to his webbing which he cut in trying to field a ball from Smith.

South Africa lead by 18 runs with eight wickets in remaining in the first innings.

Smith looking comfortable now and also seems set for a big innings. Not good news for Pakistan though.

Smith gets to his fourth 50 in Tests versus Pakistan. A subdued but crucial knock from the South African skipper.

Elgar's patient knock comes to an end when he clips Ajmal to forward short-leg where Azhar takes a sharp catch. 

Dean Elgar c Azhar Ali b Saeed Ajmal 23 (70b, 2x4, 0x6)

Smith and Elgar involved in a 50-run stand.

Smith just  gets his bat in after going for two runs. The skipper looked a little casual when running the second run and could have paid the price but luckily when Adnan Akmal removed the bails Smith's bat just crossed the line.  

South Africa inch closer towards Pakistan's first innings total of 99.

Pakistan bowlers seem to be tiring out and their heads too are dropping as Smith and Elgar show no hurry to get runs. 

Pakistan in more trouble as Irfan gets a warning for running on the crease.

Ajmal completes Babar's over.

Zulfiqar Babar seems to have cut his webbing in trying to stop a Smith straight drive as blood oozes out. Luckily for him and Pakistan it is not his bowling hand but he has to leave the field for treatment which is not good news for Pakistan as he was the only bowler who looked like getting wickets. 

South Africa show no hurry as Smith and Elgar leave balls going outside off stump.

Junaid seems to be losing his cool. After Smith played him down the ground, Junaid collected the ball on his follow through and had a shy at the stumps which was covered by Smith standing in his crease. That was simply uncalled for from Junaid's side and a few words were exchanged.

Runs come in a flurry as Elgar goes after Junaid hitting him for another boundary.

Elgar gets into the act, finding the gap between mid-wicket and midon for a four as SA cruise nicely towards Pakistan's first innings total of 99.

Smith cuts loose hitting Ajmal for a two, a boundary and again a couple to bring up South Africa's 50.

Junaid khan hits Dean Elgar on the pads, not out. Pakistan must be rueiing they don't have any reviews left.

Smith survives a close call just before tea after he was struck on the pad by Ajmal but was given not out by umpire Gould. Unfortunately for Pakistan they didn't have any reviews remaining.

Zulfiqar strikes with his fifth ball of his first over trapping Petersen right in front with one that zipped in. Umpire gave him out but South Africa went in for a review which didn't go in their favour.

Alviro Petersen lbw Babar 26 (36b, 4x4, 0x6)

Ajmal replaces Junaid and Babar replaces Irfan.

Pakistan introduce spin at both ends.

South Africa move steadily towards Pakistan's first innings total of 99 with Smith on 8 and Petersen on 25.

Petersen steps on the gas, hitting Irfan for three back-to-back fours in an over, as South Africa close the gap on Pakistan.

Petersen races to 25 from 24 balls with four fours.

Petersen, who looks more comfortable against Junaid, straight drives him through mid-off for four. Some relief for the opening batsman after he was troubled by Irfan.

Pakistan lose their second review in no time after Petersen is given not out when Pakistan thought he had nicked one to wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal off Irfan's delivery. There was a sound which gave the bowler and keeper confidence and forced Misbah to refer to the third umpire which was turned down later.

Graeme Smith flicks Irfan down leg side for a four.

Pakistan were bowled out for the same score against England last year at the same venue but came back in a big way to win it. Will they be able to create an encore, only time will tell.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

Imran Tahir bagged his first five-wicket haul in Tests and Dale Steyn claimed three as South Africa bowled Pakistan out for a meagre 99 on the first day of the second Test played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Tahir, who was drafted into the squad at the last minute at the cost of Robin Peterson, justified his presence in the team by running through the Pakistan middle order to finish with impressive bowling figures of 5 for 32 from 13 overs.

But it was Dale Steyn who put South Africa in the driver's seat early on when he got the wicket of Khurram Manzoor in the second ball of the innings. Manzoor, who hit 146 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, chased an outswinger and holed out to Faf du Plessis.

Morkel then added to Azhar Ali's woes by getting him out for 18, plumb in front of wicket.

Once Shan Masood was bowled by Tahir the floodgates opened and within 12 runs Pakistan lost five wickets with Tahir on fire.

The right-arm legspinner then trapped skipper Misbah, and bowled Asad Shafiq and Adnan Akmal.

In between Steyn removed the experienced Younis Khan and wrapped up the innings by clean bowling Junaid Khan.

Junaid Khan b Steyn 4 (12b, 0x4, 0x6)

Babar continues to flash his bat around, making scoring runs look easy as comapred to his teammates.

Babar tries his luck against Steyn with some unorthodox shots which work as the last wicket has put on 12 runs so far. 

Zulfiqar Babar goes after Steyn, hitting him for a boundary and a couple as runs flow after a dry spell.

Imran Tahir bagged his first five-wicket haul in Tests and Dale Steyn claimed three as South Africa bowled Pakistan out for a meagre 99 on the first day of the second Test played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Tahir, who was drafted into the squad at the last minute at the cost of Robin Peterson, justified his presence in the team by running through the Pakistan middle order to finish with impressive bowling figures of 5 for 32 from 13 overs.

But it was Dale Steyn who put South Africa in the driver's seat early on when he got the wicket of Khurram Manzoor in the second ball of the innings. Manzoor, who hit 146 in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, chased an outswinger and holed out to Faf du Plessis.

Morkel then added to Azhar Ali's woes by getting him out for 18, plumb in front of wicket.

Imran Tahir is on a roll here getting rid of the big man Mohammad Irfan for his first five-wicket haul in Tests.

Mohammad Irfan b Tahir 0 (2b, 0x4, 0x6)

Asad loses his patience and goes for a wild heave against Tahir.

Asad Shafiq b Tahir 10 (19b, 0x4, 0x6)

After 30 overs Pakistan are 72 for 7 with only Shafiq their recognised batsman at the crease.

Imran Tahir is on a roll here, outfoxing the big man Mohammad Irfan to hit the timer as he bags his fifth wicket.

Shafiq pulls a short ball from Tahir towards mid-wicket for four. 

Asad Shafiq plays the ball towards covers and goes for a quick single, which wasn't there, and Petersen picks it up with one hand and hits the stumps, leaving Ajmal stranded out of the frame.

Saeed Ajmal run out Petersen 0 (2b, 0x4, 0x6)

Asad Shafiq gets a boundary, a much-needed one, after he edged Steyn between second and third slip for a four.

Play resumes after lunch with Pakistan in disarray at 60 for 6 after 26 overs.

South Africa were in the driver's seat at the end of the first session on day one of the second Test against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

At lunch, the hosts were reeling at 60 for 6 after Imran Tahir, drafted into the squad at the last minute, walked away with three wickets and Dale Steyn grabbed two.

Steyn, who had to undergo a fitness test and was doubftul for this Test, gave the visitors an early breakthrough by getting rid of first Test centurion Khurram Manzoor for nought, while Azhar Ali's poor run of scores continued when he was trapped by Morkel for 18.
 
Steyn again got rid of the experienced Younis Khan with a peach of a ball and then Imran Tahir took charge by sending Masood, Misbah and Adnan Akmal back to the pavilion as lunch was called by the umpires.
 
Imran Tahir is on fire as he send a quicker one past the bat of Adnan Akmal for his third wicket.

Adnan Akmal b Tahir 0 (3b, 0x4, 0x6)

Pakistan in disarray here as their skipper Misbah is trapped in front of wicket by Imran Tahir.

Misbah-ul-Haq lbw Tahir 2 (7b, 0x4, 0x6)

Steyn tempts Younis to push at one going outside off stump and the batsman falls for it handing De Villiers an easy catch behind the wicket.

Younis Khan c De Villiers b Steyn 10 (26b, 0x4, 0x6)

Masood, who looked confident all this while, tried to dig one out from Tahir, but played all over it and was clean bowled.

Shan Masood b Imran Tahir 21 (60b, 1x4, 0x6)

A boundary comes as a relief for Pakistan but that is through a bye as Tahir's ball down the leg side beats both batsman and wicketkeeper.

Azhar is rapped on the pads by Morkel, goes for a review but is given out, plumb in front of wicket after he went across the line into a delivery which was swinging in and hitting leg stump. 

Azhar Ali lbw Morkel 19 (54b, 0x4, 0x6)

Masood and Azhar score at a slow pace at 2.33 runs per over but without giving the Proteas any whiff of another wicket. 

Pakistan batsmen find boundaries hard to come by as the outfield is slow. Nonetheless Azhar Ali gets a couple of runs from a wayward Morkel. 

South Africa introduce spin as early as the 12th over with Imran Tahir replacing Philander.

After 10 overs, Morne Morkel comes into the attack replacing Steyn, whose first spell read 5-1-8-1.

Shan Masood and Azhar Ali play Steyn and Vernon Philander watchfully aware that once they see off the new ball, scoring will become much easier.

Pakistan get their first boundary of the morning after Shan Masood guided Steyn towards point and gully region. And though du Plessis made a valiant effort to stop it it was awarded a boundary after Plessis' hand touched the ropes while trying to nip the ball back into play.

South Africa strike first blood when Steyn gets first Test centurion Manzoor to edge one to du Plessis at gully.

The right-hand opener was beaten in the first ball of the Test by a beautiful outswinger from Steyn. However, he couldn't resist the next one and went for a flamboyant shot.

Khurram Manzoor c du Plessis b Steyn 0 (2b, 0x4, 0x6)

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith got it wrong when he said heads and it finally broke Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq's jinx of losing tosses when the coin showed tails. It was the first time in 10 Tests Misbah won a toss and he had no hesitation in saying his team will bat first in the second Test at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium..

Misbah has gone with the same team, while Smith brings in Dean Elgar for Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir comes in for Robin Peterson. 

The last time Pakistan won a series (two Tests) against South Africa was in 2003 in Pakistan. And, after going one-up in the series and with the Proteas still hurting from their first Test defeat, Misbah's men will go all out for the kill. South Africa's highest run getter Hashim Amla's absence too will enable Pakistan to cash in. 

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Zulfiqar Babar, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan.

South Africa squad: GC Smith, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, F du Plessis, D Elgar, Imran Tahir, JH Kallis, M Morkel, AN Petersen, VD Philander, DW Steyn, 

South Africa will want to keep their record intact of not losing an away series in seven years, while for Pakistan it is an op

portunity to put the demons to rest after their humiliating defeat last month to minnows Zimbabwe.

South Africa's star batsman Hashim Amla was Tuesday ruled out of the second Test while paceman Dale Steyn will undergo a fitness test ahead of the second Test against Pakistan starting at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Amla, 30, last week returned home to be with his wife for the birth of couple's second child.

South Africa's team manager Mohammed Mossajee said Amla will not be available for the match while Steyn will undergo a fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday.

“Unfortunately Hashim's wife hasn't given birth yet so he won't be playing the second Test,” said Moosaje of Amla who hit 118 in the seven-wicket defeat in the first Test in Abu Dhabi last week.

The 30-year old Amla is ranked world number one in Test rankings.

Moosajee said scans on Steyn's injury were not serious.

“Initially we thought it was a strain but fortunately the MRI scans revealed that there is no major pathology but he has to undergo a fitness test, which takes place either Tuesday or early Wednesday.

“The challenge is that a tight hamstring is aggravated in case it becomes a strain and we have a long tour ahead of us,” said Moosajee.

“A final decision will be taken on Wednesday.”

Steyn took four wickets in the first Test and is ranked number one bowler in Test rankings.

South Africa will also play five one-day and two Twenty20 after the Tests.