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As it happened: Pakistan v SA


 PAKISTAN 45/3, SA 232, PAK 442, SA 249

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Commentary by Sport24 Editor Garrin Lambley and Herman Mostert


***Click for the FULL SCORECARD***


TWEETING? Remember to use the hashtags #Proteas and #PakvsSA when tweeting...


***PAKISTAN HAVE WON THE FIRST TEST BY SEVEN WICKETS***


Batsmen IN : Misbah-ul-Haq 28*, Younis Khan 9*

Batsmen OUT : Shan Masood (0), Azhar Ali (3), Khurram Manzoor (4)


14:20 - And the Man of the Match is... Khurram Manzoor


14:16 - QUOTES FROM GRAEME SMITH

"Extremely disappointed, we have set really high standards for ourselves, but credit goes to Misbah and his boys, right from session 1, they have been ahead in the game and played better cricket. Even though we showed good character in parts, our skills were not upto the mark. First morning was a tough time to bat, but we still got into ourselves into good position in the first innings, but then we fell apart a bit. Only posting 250 puts you under pressure. Our bowlers weren't that bad, but we were certainly not up to the standards we set for ourselves. We have to look at our ability to bounce back and have to improve on a few things and see how we can be more effective, and hopefully make the right decisions. Hashim is the best batsman in the world at the moment, the birth of his child is a big moment for him, and I wish him and his wife best of luck."

14:14- FANS' VIEWS ON WHERE THINGS WENT WRONG

Too many prima donnas. Kallis must now retire as his focus on money has affected the quality of his test cricket -
Theodore C Haupt

Seems we were counting on our reputation & weren't willing to do the hard work in preparing for this test series? As the saying goes: "Hard work will always beat talent not working hard." - Unknown - Rory Tychsen

Lack of preparation. How many 4 day games did they play before the start of this series? Some players returning from injury has only played one day cricket. AND, we still struggle against good spinners -
Juanita Van Zyl

Bad lengths, lines and batting -
Theo Ambrose Claassen

Complacency -
Robert Andrew

We can't really say the guys must now retire after one bad performance. Our batting was poor to be honest and we leaked way too many runs. Credit to Pakistan they were the best team throughout the 4 days -
Mark Macket Steenbok

It is 1st game , the 2nd SA will win. It was a bad day at the office , this can happen -
Jeremy Adam Walt


14:12 - HAVE YOUR SAY

Zimbabwe beat Pakistan, now Pakistan beat South Africa. Are Zimbabwe currently the best team in the world?


14:07 - DID YOU KNOW?

This Test was Pakistan's fourth win against South Africa in Test cricket...


14:05 - TWEET

Extraordinary feat for Pakistan. What a way to stick two fingers up at their doubters following the disaster in Zim. Take a bow. - Antoinette Muller


14:03 - TWEET

Familiar sight. Misbah and Younis taking Pakistan home. This is a big, big result for them. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda


13:59 - Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq hits the winning runs - by clubbing Robbie P back over his head for a second massive six - to give Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

The second and final Test starts in Dubai on Wednesday.


13:58 - ALL OVER IN ABU DHABI


13:55 - Peterson went for eight in his over, better than Morkel who conceded nine I guess... 4 required!


13:54 - Robbie P is SMASHED back over his head for a massive six by Younis Khan


13:52 - Graeme Smith appears to have conceded the Test. Robin Peterson is on to bowl...


13:51 - DID YOU KNOW?

South Africa have not lost in their last 15 Tests?


13:50 - Horror over from Morkel as he's driven straight for a second boundary - this time by Younis Khan... 13 required...


13:48 - Misbah breaks the shackles with a boundary off Morne Morkel. 18 needed for victory now...


13:43 - Tight bowling by the Proteas, just a real shame they didn't score 100 more...

Pakistan require another 22 runs for victory. 24 overs remain today, not to mention Day 5 tomorrow...


13:24 - TWEET

3 down!!!!!...ha ha! Guess what I'm thinking.....ha ha ha! - Pat Symcox


13:23 - TWEET

7/2 then 7/3 pretty quickly. Steyn then The Vern again. Up to 9/3 now. 31 more to get with Misbah and Younis together. - Mpumelelo Mbangwa ?


13:19 - First-innings centurion Khurram Manzoor departs for four, caught behind by 'keeper AB de Villiers off Vernon Philander off 11 balls.


13:18 - Good grief! A third wicket for the Proteas who now have their tails up!


13:18 - WICKET!


13:16 - Ali scored three runs off eight balls. In strides skipper Misbah-ul-Haq


13:15 - Azhar Ali departs, caught at second slip by Jacques Kallis off the bowling of Dale Steyn.

The Proteas are 20% of the way to their target!


13:15 - WICKET!


13:10 - TWEET

To make interesting, Shan Masood is out for a duck. Philander with a typical Philander wicket. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda


13:08 - In strides Azhar Ali. Nine more wickets... ?


13:07 - Early blow by the Proteas as Shan Masood is caught behind by AB de Villiers off the bowling of Vernon Philanders for a duck. He faced two balls...


13:06 - WICKET!


13:05 - Dale Steyn to open for the Proteas. Magic spell ahead? We can only hope...


13:04 - DID YOU KNOW?

If openers Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor take Pakistan through without loss to the target, it will be their first 10 wicket win against SA in Test history?


13:04 - AND WE'RE UNDER WAY IN ABU DHABI!


12:59 - TWEET

Simple really. Pakistan dismantled SA's natural game, stifled rotation of the strike. Pressure from that, plus rust, equals implosion. - Antoinette Muller


12:54 - PICTURE

And to think the Proteas will be WITHOUT Hashim Amla for the second Test... #scary (Gallo Images)


12:53 - SPORT24 INTERVIEWS PAT SYMCOX

Sport24 interviewed former Proteas spinner Pat Symcox. Here's "Symmo's" response to one of the questions posed:

Sport24 asked: Your thoughts on the selection of Robin Peterson ahead of Imran Tahir…

Pat Symcox: Over the last while Peterson has been the Proteas’ go-to-guy. While Tahir does bowl the odd ball that takes a wicket, he was a disaster for South Africa in the last few Tests he played. While Peterson is also inconsistent and is suffering a fairly lean spell himself, he offers more solidity to the batting order. I’ve been impressed with JP Duminy, who offers the perfect foil to Peterson. For me he has always been more than a part-time bowler. He is a very capable off-spinner and on the subcontinent in particular, fits the mould as an all-rounder. 

Click HERE for the full interview...


12:51 - HAVE YOUR SAY

Wouldn't it be better if Biffy had a bath and a shave before the start of the game. He looked defeated before he started - J Brock


12:50 - Tea will taste MUCH better for Pakistan. The Proteas have plenty to ponder ahead of the second - and final - Test in Dubai starting next Wednesday.


12:48 - PICTURE

Plenty to ponder... (Gallo Images)


12:42 - TEA ON DAY 4:

Pakistan will need 40 runs to win in the final session. They should canter home and take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series. Join us in about 15 minutes...


12:41 - WICKET! Morkel is out for a duck, caught and bowled by Ajmal.

South Africa all out for 232 as tea is taken.


12:39 - Morné Morkel is the last man in. SA 232/9, a meagre lead of 39.


12:38 - WICKET! Philander goes for 10, caught by 'keeper Akmal off the bowling of Ajmal. All forgiven for earlier dropped chance...


12:34 - REMEMBER HIM?

Former Proteas pace bowler Friedel de Wet is playing first first-class game in two years today. He is turning out for North West against Western Province in an amateur game. He's had a torrid time with injuries.

The 33-year-old played two Tests for South Africa against England in the 2009/10 season.


12:32 - Peterson, on 46, dropped by wicketkeeper Akmal off the bowling of Ajmal. Ajmal is furious with his 'keeper, who has put down a few chances in this game now.


12:29 - SA 225/8 after 80 overs. The second new ball is now available.  But Pakistan are not taking it as they stay with spinner Ajmal.


12:22 - SA 221/8 after 78 overs. They lead by 28. The second new ball is available in two overs.


12:21 - Robbie P certainly batting a lot better than he bowled/ His reverse-sweeps again - another four. He's on 39 now.


12:16 - Petersen reverse-sweeps Zulfiqar to the boundary. He confidently moves to 32 now...


12:11 - Spinner Zulfiqar now back on.


12:08 - 200 UP for South Africa. They lead by 7 runs.


12:07 - TWEET

Our last loss was against Sri Lanka in Durban in 2011. That's 15 test matches ago. #SAvsPak - Just Proteas


12:00 - SPORT24 INTERVIEWS PAT SYMCOX

Sport24 interviewed former Proteas spinner Pat Symcox. Here's "Symmo's" response to one of the questions posed:

Sport24 asked: Does a two-Test series disappoint cricket purists and devalue the five-day format?

Pat Symcox: Playing only two Tests certainly disappoints the purists, of which I am one. Lose the first Test and you can’t win the series. I’m surprised that any board would agree to a two-Test series. I’m sure that if the decision was referred to the players, none of them would be keen on such a short series, if one can call it that. I believe we must play at least three Tests or none at all. There’s no doubt that a greater emphasis is now placed on the shorter formats of the game owing to the revenue generated. As such, Test cricket really is on the back-burner. I believe it’s essential that we keep Test cricket alive. While I understand the place for the ODI and T20 formats, I’m a traditionalist at heart and love Test matches.

CLICK HERE to read the full interview. 


11:58 - SA 194/8 They now have a 1-run lead.


11:57 - SA 193/8. The scores are now level. Pakistan will bat again.


11:52 - UNWANTED RECORD FOR AB

AB de Villiers has now been dismissed in the 90s on seven occasions in Tests - a new record for the Proteas, passing Herschelle Gibbs (6).

India's Sachin Tendulkar holds the world record, having been dismissed in the 90s on 10 occasions in Tests.


11:51 - WICKET! AB is out for 90, caught by Masood in the covers off Junaid. This must be curtains now for South Africa. SA 190/8 after 70.5 overs.


11:49 - AB now goes into the "nervous 90s" ...


11:45 - DRINKS BREAK. SA 188/7 after 70 overs.


11:36 - PICTURE


AB has played Ajmal well, but the rest of the batsmen...? (AFP)


11:34 - SA 186/7, now only 7 runs behind Pakistan.


11:32 - 50 partnership now also up between AB and Peterson.


11:28 - AB on song, marching to his century now...


11:26 - THINGS NOT LOOKING GOOD FOR FAF

Faf's last 10 scores for SA in all internationals: 9,1,85,12,8,6,23,16,8,4. That's 172 at 17. Can't be ideal for confidence? - Rob Houwing


11:20 - Yes, missing leg stump and AB survives.


11:18 - AB survives an LBW appeal off Junaid... but Pakistan review it. Looks like it's going down leg. 


11:15 - Pace-man Junaid now back on. De Villiers and Peterson seem to be handling the spin well. Partnership now worth 31.


11:11 - SPORT24 INTERVIEWS PAT SYMCOX

Sport24 interviewed former Proteas spinner Pat Symcox. Here's "Symmo's" response to one of the questions posed:

Sport24 asked: In your book, how good, bad or average is the sixth-ranked Pakistani Test team?

Pat Symcox: Compared to Pakistan teams of old, I don’t regard the current crop as a great side. While spinner Saeed Ajmal is a special player who is right up there, there is no one else in the current side who really strikes fear into the heart of their opponents like Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram did during my playing days. The current side is inconsistent and quite frankly in disarray, which makes the Proteas’ performance even more disappointing.

CLICK HERE to read the full interview. 


11:03 - DID YOU KNOW?

Australia's Adam Gilchrist (100) holds the record for most sixes git in Test cricket. Interestingly, South Africa's Jacques Kallis is second on the all-time list with 97.


10:59 - SA 147/7 after 60 overs - still 46 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total.


10:55 - DROP CATCH

Peterson tries to flick Ajmal and hits it straight to the short leg fielder, who fails to hold on to a sharp chance!


10:53 - AB trying to reverse-sweep Ajmal now. Jeepers, I hate that shot!


10:52: FANS HAVE NO HOPE OF A REVIVAL

... rained out! It's the only way ... - Rob Harris

Best we can hope for is to get some sort of lead and maybe take a few wickets. Don't suppose the desert gets much rain this time of year? - David Scott Duncan 

We did before when Faf batted 2 Full days to draw a Test against Aus with the Tail now he is with Ab so it looks better! - Rudie Strydom 

Nope typical SA in a first test! - Rocco Du Plessis

Sorry but we are staring down a barrel - Tim Kilpin


10:51 - TWEET

The only thing surprising about this looming loss is that nobody has referred to South Africa as "chokers" yet...

For the uninitiated, on the Internet, it doesn't matter whether SA actually choked or not, they get called that anyway. Which was my point - Antoinette Muller


10:48 - Robin Peterson is next in. Time for him to make for his poor bowling display!


10:47 - WICKET! Faf is out for 9, caught and bowled by Ajmal. He never really looked comfortable against the spinners. SA 157/7 after 57 overs.


10:44 - SPORT24 INTERVIEWS PAT SYMCOX

Sport24 interviewed former Proteas spinner Pat Symcox. Here's "Symmo's" response to one of the questions posed:

Sport24 asked: Having last played Test cricket in February, unsurprising South Africa have struggled to find their feet in the first Test?

Pat Symcox: No, to be honest I’m a little surprised that the Proteas find themselves on the back foot, because modern cricketers are generally very good at switching on and off and between formats. Nowadays players have highly impressive facilities at their disposal all-year-round. As such, I wouldn’t subscribe a poor performance completely to ring-rustiness.

CLICK HERE to read the full interview.


10:40 - Welcome back. The players are back out and Faf will take strike. Zulfiqar is bowling.


10:00 - LUNCH on Day 4: SA 130/6 after 55 overs. AB and Faf providing a glimmer of hope. Join us in about 40 minutes...


9:55 - HALF-CENTURY for AB as he steps down the pitch and hits Zulfiqar for six! His 33rd Test 50.


9:54 - Zulfiqar beats Faf's outside edge... ominous signs...


9:50 - Irfan now back on.


9:48 - DROPPED CATCH

Faf is dropped by 'keeper Akmal off Zulfiqar. Let-off for South Africa.


9:45 - Former Proteas batsman Peter Kirsten believes South Africa will be in with a shot shot if they can somehow get a lead of 150. But for that to happen we must score 222 more runs. Can we get there?

Send your thoughts to: news@sport24.co.za


9:41 - AB closing in on his half-century. He's showing that it's not that tough a pitch to bat on...


9:33 - Faf finally off the mark after 18 balls on zero.


9:27 - Faf yet to get off the mark after 12 balls. He's looking a tad uncomfortable against the spin.


9:24 - Ajmal now back into the attack.


9:23 - While our cricketers are having a torrid time, there's more woes for our soccer boys as well. German sportswear company Puma has just confirmed it has terminated its technical and licensed partnership with SAFA with immediate effect.

CLICK HERE for the full story.


9:21 - TWEET

Really hope Pakistan get some of the credit they deserve, instead of criticism just being zoned in on South Africa. They've been superb - Antoinette Muller


9:14 - Faf du Plessis is next in.


9:13 - WICKET! That is a dodgy decision, Duminy looks certain to have got an inside edge on that. But he goes for a duck. SA 109/6. They trail by 84.


9:10 - Duminy given out LBW off Junaid for a duck. He reviews it but it looks plumb to me. Oh no, he got an inside edge there! He's given out!


9:02 - DRINKS BREAK: SA 106/5 after 40 overs, still trailing by 87 runs.


8:51 - JP Duminy is next in. Can "Koppe" save South Africa??


8:50 - WICKET! Steyn darts down the track and misses it completely. He is clean-bowled by Zulfiqar for 7.


8:49 - Spinner Zulfiqar Babar now into the attack.


8:46 -  In case you missed it, here are the domestic One-Day Cup results from last night's matches:

Bloemfontein: Cape Cobras beat the Knights by 28 runs - MATCH REPORT

Potchefstroom: The Warriors beat the Highveld Lions by 54 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method - MATCH REPORT


8:38 - De Villiers edges one past second slip to bring up South Africa's 100.


8:32 - TWEET

Well, SA have negotiated the first half hour. Games are saved in inches, aren't they? - Rob Houwing


8:29 - News filtering through is that Craig McDermott has been appointed as Australia's Test bowling coach. Good news for them, especially after they couldn't defend 359 in 50 overs against India yesterday.

CLICK HERE for a match report on India's remarkably easy run-chase.


8:24 - Junaid now replaces Irfan. Irfan bowled three overs for 12 this morning.


8:23 - Steyn and De Villiers showing real positive intent early in the morning. No sign of just trying to survive. Good decision I reckon. You can't try and block it out for two full days...


8:19 - Interesting conversation on Radio2000. Peter Kirsten says his brother and former SA coach Gary Kirsten did a lot of work with SA's batsmen. Now with Russell Domingo the coach, Peter says he's not sure who directly fulfils that role. Maybe the senior batters themselves?


8:13 - NO # for SECOND TEST

Hashim Amla will be leaving the team after this Test to go be with his pregnant wife in SA. He won't play the second Test.


8:11 - PICTURE


A big innings is needed from AB de Villiers today... (Gallo Images)


8:05 - Ajmal bowls the second over to Steyn.


8:01 - RAIN WON'T SAVE SA

The Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi is the world's driest Test venue - so little to no chance of rain helping the Proteas.


8:00 - Huge LBW appeal from Irfan first up. It's missing leg stump though...


8:00 - The players have arrived on the pitch. Mohammad Irfan opens to AB de Villiers.


7:53 - Kepler Wessels says the pitch is still a good batting strip and batting for long periods is not "impossible" for South Africa.

What's your take? Can we stage a fightback or will proceedings end quickly today? Send your thoughts to: news@sport24.co.za


7:48 - STEYN AND DUMINY LOOK BACK TO 2008

Night-watchman Dale Steyn will be looking to emulate his great knock of 76 against Australia at the MCG in 2008 when he and JP Duminy - who made 166 - took South Africa from a precarious position to snatch a remarkable win. CLICK HERE for a full scorecard from that game.


7:38 - There's no doubt the Proteas are on the ropes, and it will take a monumental effort if they are to avoid losing a Test match for the first time in almost two years...

It's still a decent enough batting strip, but between them AB de Villiers, JP Dumniny, Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson will have to muster at least 250 runs to give South Africa a sniff.


7:35 - DAY 4 COVERAGE

Good morning and welcome to Day 4 coverage of the first Test. Editor Garrin Lambley is not here, so Herman will take over again...


15:33 - DAY 3 SUMMARY

Well the less said the better. The Proteas are well and truly up against it. Only some monumental innings from AB de Villiers, JP Dumniny, Faf du Plessis and some runs from the tail can rescue things from here.

South Africa's lack of preparation coming into this Test has clearly cost them.

For a full summary on today's action, CLICK HERE...

Don't forget to tune in again tomorrow for more LIVE UPDATES on Day 4's action...


15:32 - STUMPS ON DAY 3: SA 72/4. They trail Pakistan's first innings total  by 121 runs and six wickets remaining.


15:32 - Steyn survives the last five balls...


15:29 - Dale Steyn is now in as night-watchman. Five men around the bat for him...


15:28 - WICKET! Zulfiqar spins his first ball nicely and Amla (10) edges it to Akmal. He is out for 10. SA 72/4 after 25.1 overs.


15:27 - Spinner Zulfiqar Babar now on.


15:23 - The tall (2.16m) Irfan is now back on. 


15:22 - Four men around the bat as Ajmal bowls to AB. Pressure much?


15:19 - FANS' VIEWS ON PROTEAS' PLIGHT

Pathetic shot selection by Smith and he got himself out, Kallis once again can't even make 10. Somebody must grow the b@lls and tell these two players with R. Peterson to p1ss off...! Time for selecting players on past performances is over!! - Theuns Jacobs

Oh Lord , Please Amla help Proteas to settle for a draw and then go home to welcome your child. Loss will disturb your emotions - Zee Tiyo

Kallis made 5 and now a duck, took one catch, didn't take any wickets.. Pathetic, old dogs past their prime - Zoheb Hassan

one good thing that came of out this whole mess, is that this should be quota robin p 's last test for the proteas - Quota Domino


15:17 - AB lucky as he gets a top edge over slip for four off Junaid. He didn't know much of that and tried to get out the way of the bouncer...


15:15 - SA 66/3 after 22 overs. 15 minutes left in the day.


15:09 - TWEET - Innings loss on the cards?

I know No 1 teams lose odd matches, but did Aus ever lose by an innings when they were at the top? #pakvsa - Craig Ray


15:04 - 15

The number of ducks Jacques Kallis now has in Test cricket.


15:03 - TWEET

As I was saying, a slightly mounting issue at the top of the SA order... - Rob Houwing


15:03 - AB de Villiers next in.


15:02 - SA still trail by 153. This Test is fast going down the drain.


15:00 - WICKET! Jacques Kallis is out plumb LBW to Junaid. SA 58/3. Not good for the birthday boy to get out for a duck!


14:57 - Jacques Kallis is the next batsman in.


14:56 - WICKET! Smith (32) is stumped by Akmal off Ajmal. SA 57/2 after 17.3 overs. Silly from Smith to try and dart down the wicket!


14:55 - Oh no Smith looks like he's out, stumped off Ajmal... TV umpires must decide. He's a gonner!


14:51 - Smith hits Junaid for four off his legs - his favourite shot. The SA skipper starting grow in confidence...


14:48 - SA 52/1 after 16 overs. hard toil now until the end of play. A bit more than 30 minutes left in the day...


14:53 - PICTURE


Robbie P's bowling (0-111 in 27 overs) was below-par in Pakistan's first innings... (AFP)


14:35 - DRINKS IN ABU DHABI

The Proteas are 48/1 after 13 overs in their second innings. They still trail by 145 runs with nine wickets standing and 20 overs remaining today...


14:21 - In strides the Mighty #. The Proteas will be looking for a big innings (another one) from him today...


14:20 - Oops, the Proteas lose their first wicket as Alviro Petersen edges a snorter of a deleivery from the seven-foot-one giant Mohammad Irfan to wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal.

Petersen out for 17 off 32 balls


14:20 - WICKET!


14:06 - 25 overs remain today. We're in for some 'overtime' at Sport24 HQ...


14:05 - Nothing too exciting at the moment. Ajmal has Smith stretching and picking out fielders at present


13:52 - TWEET

All SA need to do is bat for two days to get a positive result out of the biggest deficit they've had in three years. Acid test. - Antoinette Muller


13:49 - For all you stats geeks out there, Ajmal is bowling at an average speed of 90km/h


13:46 - Me thinks Saeed Ajmal will do a fair amount of bowling in the Proteas' second innings...


13:46 - SPIN, SPIN, SPIN

Pakistan turn to spin as early as the FOURTH over!


13:45 - WARNING FOR THE GIANT IRFAN

Irfan gets a warning from the umpire for running on the pitch on his follow through. It's the first warning...


13:36 - TWEET

Whoa!! What about that for a start?! Below waist in his stance? Beamer? Fair review? What do you think? - Mpumelelo Mbangwa


13:32 - Wowzers! Bizarre start! Beamer bowled first ball by Mohammad Irfan to Smith. Pakistan review, but umpire's 'not out' call stands!


13:29 - Right, here we GO! 33 overs to be bowled today


13:15 - WICKET! Steyn clean-bowls Akmal for 32 and Pakistan are all-out for 442 - a lead of 193 runs.


13:13 - THE LONG AND SHORT OF CRICKET

It's quite an amusing sight at the moment with Akmal and Irfan at the crease. Irfan is 2.16m with Akmal reportedly only 1.65m!


13:08 - Mohammad Irfan is the last man in.


13:06 - WICKET! Junaid is out for 3. Caught by Morkel at midwicket off the bowling of Steyn. Pakistan 437/9 - a lead of 188.


13:02 - Steyn now looking to wrap the innings up... Steyn bowling short to the new man Junaid - and he's looking all at sea against the speedster...


13:01 - Pakistan now lead by 184 runs. South Africa came back well in the previous session, claiming four for 77. Let's hope for another "better" final session.


13:00 - Junaid Khan  is the new batsman in.


12:59 - Philander resumes after tea to start the final session...


12:40 - TEA ON DAY 3: Pakistan 429/8 after 135.2 overs. Join us in 15 minutes...


12:38 - WICKET! Zulfiqar (2) is brilliantly run out after Steyn brilliantly hits the stumps. That also ends the session.


12:25 - Ajmal (13) given out caught behind by De Villiers off Philander. He reviews it as there was no real deflection. Clear sound though. Decision stands. WICKET! Zulfiqar Babar next in.


12:15 - Philander back on now.


12:13 - More misery as Ajmal edges Steyn through the slips - who looked fast asleep there...


12:05 - Ajmal quickly moves to 7 as the 400 comes up.


12:02 - Saeed Ajmal is next in. He always tends to go for his shots, so he'll give us a chance to get him out...


11:59 - Misbah given out LBW off Steyn. But he reviews it... That looks plumb. WICKET! Given out. Misbah goes 100 on the dot. Pakistan 394/6.


11:56 - CENTURY for Misbah. His fourth Test 100. First against SA. Well played! 


11:45 - TWEET

Steyn has last gone wicketless in an innings against New Zealand in March 2012. Played 11 Tests since then - Antoinette Muller


11:28 - PICTURE


Breast cancer photo shoot this morning - Dolphins Cricket


11:28 - Mark Boucher, in a Q & A on Twitter, says Jonty Rhodes was his favourite cricketer and the dreaded 1999 World Cup semi-final against Australia at Edgbaston his worst game.


11:15 - Akmal is given out, caught behind by De Villiers off Morkel! He reviews the decision though. It's a tough call but likely out. Given NOT OUT. There were two sounds, South Africa will feel hard done by here... What happened to umpire's call in cricket?!


11:11 - Morkel back on now. It's quite a long Pakistan tail. Hopefully another quick wicket so SA can make inroads...


11:08 - Adnan Akmal is the next batsman in.


11:06 - WICKET! Duminy gets Shafiq out for 54, caught by Petersen at short midwicket. Pakistan 372/5. Finally some success from a spinner!


11:03 - HALF-CENTURY up for Shafiq - his eight in Test cricket.


10:50 - Proteas getting desperate as they appeal for a caught behind off Misbah-ul-Haq, but he's been given not out.

SA's review fails :( 


10:49 - REVIEW TIME!


10:43 - It will be Vernon Philander kicking off proceedings for the post-lunch session.


10:43 - And we're back!


10:26 - QUIET IN THE SUPERSPORT STUDIOS

Electricity issues at SuperSport.Engineers running around madly to sort things.Hence no lunch chat for the test match - Mpumelelo Mbangwa


10:04 - Pakistan lead by 103 runs and have six wickets in hand.


10:02 - LUNCH IN ABU DHABI

And that's it for session 1 on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Abu Dhabi.

The session was once again dominated by Pakistan, scoring 89 runs for the loss of a single wicket in 28 overs


10:00 - Pakistan playing for lunch as they allow Robbie P to get away with bowling the same delivery ball after ball after ball... after ball


9:59 - Quiet time at the cricket as SuperSport experience "techical difficulties"

9:53 - THE RETURN OF THE SKIPPER

Graeme Smith is back from the physio and on the field... Elgar departs


9:51 - PICTURE

For those interested, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has an autobiography out...


9:49 -  TWEET

You know when cricketers talk about the "big moments"? Here's one, right now. Test match will be gone if no wicket before lunch. Dale? - Neil Manthorp


9:46 - CENTURY FOR PETERSON!

Well, not the sort of 'ton' any bowler wants...

Peterson concedes his 100th run. His figures now read 25-2-105-0


9:45 - Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq have just brought up their 50-run partnership - their ninth in 18 innings.

The Proteas will do well to break it before it grows any further...


9:41 - ANOTHER KALLIS RECORD?

One record Jacques Kallis DOESN'T currently hold is the one for most catches in Tests (excluding wicketkeepers).

Kallis picked up his 195th earlier today, but is 15 shy of current leader, India's Rahul Dravid. Australia's Ricky Ponting has 196.

Give it time, our boy JH Kallis will get there...


9:40 - TWEET

Graeme Smith off the field and he's gone straight to the physio. Dean Elgar has come on. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda


9:39 - SMITH OFF THE FIELD

Following his stumble earlier, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith has left the field...


9:32 - TWEET

That one disturbed the surface, says commentator. Perhaps not words Proteas fans want to hear at this slightly awkward point ... - Rob Houwing


9:31 - BIRTHDAY BOY ON TO BOWL

Here's hoping Jacques Kallis wished for wickets when he sliced his cake this morning!


9:21 - HYSTERICS IN ABU DHABI

Graeme Smith chases a ball to the boundary - and collapses in a heap. Much to the amusement of his team-mates.

Not ideal for that dodgy ankle...


9:18 - SPORT24 FANS BACKING A DEFEAT

It appears Sport24 fans have given up hope of Graeme Smith's men saving this Test.

In the current vote on the Sport24 homepage, we asked: What do you think will be the result of the first Test for the Proteas against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi?

These are the current %'s...

10% - Wonderful win!
52% - Loathsome loss...
38% - Dull draw


9:02 - Robbie P bowls a maiden!

His figures now read: 20-2-80-0... four runs to the over on a dusty, turning surface... #justsaying


9:01 - DRINKS IN ABU DHABI

One hour into Day 3 and Pakistan find themselves on 302/4 - a handy lead of 53 runs with six wickets in hand


8:53 - Robin Peterson into the attack.

Breaking news if he happens to turn one...


8:42 - For all those millions of Sport24 LIVE UPDATES fans out there who are interested in the list of highest Pakistan Test innings scorers against the Proteas... wonder no more!

Click HERE for the full list...


8:34 - TWEET

Kallis quickly back to his fly-catching best ... - Rob Houwing


8:31 - That catch was Kallis' 195th in his 163rd Test. Not a bad return...


8:28 - Manzoor faced 266 balls, hitting 15 fours - and was generally annoying to all SA fans since he took guard... 


8:27 - A vital breakthrough for the Proteas early on Day 3 as Vernon Philander has record-breaker Khurram Manzoor caught at second slip by birthday-boy Jacques Kallis for 146...


8:27 - WICKET!


8:25 - PICTURE

The 'Incredible #' - and 2013 SA Sports Star Award nominee... (Gallo Images)


8:19 - TWEET

Former England captain - and hilarious commentator - David 'Bumble' Lloyd agrees...

Very solid start from Pakistan


8:18 - MORE MILESTONES

Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq brings up his half century as well as the century partnership between the pair.

Things looking good for Pakistan as their lead increases to 31...


8:15 - MANZOOR SETS A RECORD

Khurram Manzoor has just rewritten the Pakistan record books, becoming the highest Test innings scorer against South Africa, overtaking Azhar Mahmood's 136 set in 1998.


8:12 - AND IN OTHER NEWS...

Quick break from the cricket, the nominees for the 2013 SA Sport Awards have been named.

Pick you winner from each category and let us know!

Proteas star Hashim Amla has been shortlisted along with Bafana Bafana 'keeper Itumeleng Khune and swimmer Cameron van der Burgh as Sportsman of the Year.

Who deserves the title?


8:08 - Vernon Philander opens the bowling along with Steyn

Big Vern's figures read: 14-4-31-1


8:01 - PLAY IS UNDERWAY

Day 3 has started in Abu Dhabi. Looks hot - like always - in the desert...

Dale Steyn charges in to Khurram Manzoor on 131.

Steyn's figures read: 16-4-55-0. He will be looking to improve on those for sure, otherwise James Anderson may well start believing he's the best in the world...


7:57 - OK PEOPLE, A RECAP!

Pakistan, after losing the toss, bowled the Proteas out for 249. In reply, they are currently 263/3 - a lead of 14 - with seven wickets standing.

What would you consider a "decent" enough total for the Proteas speedsters - and "spinners" to dismiss their hosts for?

Let us know at mysport@sport24.co.za - and we'll hot the publish button!


7:52 - Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock and Robin Jackson all in the SuperSport studios discussing Day 3, while Kepler Wessels rubs the pitch in Abu Dhabi which looks dry with a little dead grass here and there...


7:24 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Best wishes to South Africa's - and the world's - greatest ever all-rounder Jacques Henry Kallis who turns a sprightly 38 today!

A few wickets in celebration would be most appreciated Jacques!


7:24 - PICTURE

Birthday boy (Gallo Images)


7:23 - Goooood morning cricket fans! Herman's taking the day off so you're stuck with me...



TEAMS

Pakistan:

Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Asad Shafiq, Adnan Akmal (wicketkeeper), Saeed Ajmal, Zulfiqar Babar, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan

South Africa:

Graeme Smith, Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morné Morkel

UMPIRES

Paul Reiffel (Australia) and Rod Tucker (Australia)
TV umpire: Ian Gould (England)
Match referee: David Boon (Australia)


Welcome to Sport24's LIVE scoring and interactive commentary on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Abu Dhabi.


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