Publications
Partners
PAK 429/8 AFTER 135 OVERS. SA 249 
Send your comments/pictures on the match to mysport@sport24.co.za or 'LIKE' us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
FOR CONTINUED LIVE UDPATES FROM THE FIRST TEST IN ABU DHABI, CLICK HERE
Commentary by Sport24's Herman Mostert and Garrin Lambley
***Click for the FULL SCORECARD***
TWEETING? Remember to use the hashtags #Proteas and #PakvsSA when tweeting...
Batsmen IN : Adnan Akmal 22*
Batsmen OUT : Shan Masood (75), Azhar Ali (11), Younis Khan (1), Khurram Manzoor (146), Asad Shafiq (54), Misbah-ul-Haq (100), Saeed Ajmal (13), Zulfiqar Babar (2)
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 - 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...
6:57 - QUOTES
Proteas coach Russell Domingo says they will draw inspiration from previous pressure situations as they look to turn their position around.
"This Test side has been in tough situations before and have managed to find ways to get out of it.
"We know that we are in a tight situation at the moment but in saying that there is no reason why we can't limit the damage in terms of (Pakistan's) first innings lead.
"You have to go back and remind yourself why this side has become the No 1 side in the world.
"And on how they found ways to get out of tight situations like we are in at the moment.
"The new ball tomorrow morning is going to be crucial, if we can nip out one or two with the new ball and limit the lead to somewhere between 80 and 120 runs we will still be in the game," said Domingo.
16:00 - For a full match report of the day's action, CLICK HERE...
15:29 - DAY 2 SUMMARY
There's no doubt this day has fully belonged to Pakistan. South Africa's spinners were below par, with Robin Peterson (0-79 in 18 overs) and JP Duminy (1-39 in 10) unable to put sustained pressure on the Pakistan batsmen.
Khurram Manzoor was simply brilliant, especially against the slow bowlers, while I would give Morné Morkel (1-23 in 15 overs) the accolade for South Africa's best bowler.
However, there is hope - as seen when with the second new ball swinging nicely late in the day with South Africa perhaps a tad unlucky not to claim another wicket.
Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander simply must strike with that new ball early tomorrow morning to prevent Pakistan from taking the game away from the Proteas, as it should still be a good enough batting track.
So tune in tomorrow for more LIVE UPDATES during Day 3 of the first Test in Abu Dhabi.
15:25 - STUMPS ON DAY 2: Pakistan 263/3 after 84 overs.
15:25 - Misbah hits the final ball of the day for four after Philander misses his line...
15:23 - Philander beats the bat. But no luck...
15:22 - Philander to bowl the final over of the day.
15:21 - PICTURE
Centurion Khurram Manzoor treated South Africa's spinners with disdain... (AFP)
15:20 - Luck also going against SA as Khurram edges Steyn for four. It just missed his stumps though...
15:17 - That ends an eventful over from Philander. Two overs left in the day.
15:14 - Sigh... It looks like it didn't carry. Given NOT OUT. Smith looks absolutely perplexed. He was convinced he caught it.
15:13 - WICKET!? Smith is claiming a catch in the slips but the umpire wants to review it as he feels it may have bounced short.
15:11 - Philander now into the attack.
15:11 - Haha, Khurram is getting Steyn angry here as he blows him a few kisses after Steyn stares him down... Maybe not the best thing to do to the world's best bowler? Although if I had 127 not out I'd also feel confident.
15:09 - A little bit of swing for Steyn...
15:06 - Pakistan 251/3 after 80 overs. The second new ball is now available and South Africa will use it straight away with Dale Steyn stepping up. This period with the second new ball could be crucial in determining the outcome of the Test! South Africa also get the one review back which they lost. According to new ICC rules, teams get their full quota of two reviews back after 80 overs.
15:03 - 250 up for Pakistan as they take the lead in the 79th over.
14:58 - Peterson has now conceded 76 runs in 17 overs without success. It simply doesn't cut it at this level! Not taking wickets and not keeping the runs down...
14:54 - FANS VIEWS ON OUR REMAINING CHANCES IN THIS TEST
U can do it proteas - Donovan Jeevandharam
Another Test thrown away - Grant Schreiber
That's gonna be a draw - Ndlela Zakes Tinga
It's an uphill battle when the team relies on the performance of 1 batsman and 1 bowler. Only if all are firing on all cylinders can they stage a fight-back. Otherwise they can hop on a plane home - Joseph Liedeman
Still say Smith got it wrong at toss and with his bat! - Andre Smith
14:50 - Kallis to Khurram, 3 runs, as he cuts it hard past point to bring up the 50 PARTNERSHIP.
14:47 - BORED PRESENTERS?
Chilling in studio with the guys as we watch the 1st test - SuperSport presenter Mpumelelo Mbangwa (Instagram)
14:42 - Duminy back on.
14:41 - Pakistan (220/3 after 73 overs) closing in on the SA total now. 11 overs remaining in the day.
14:38 - Kallis now back on. Time for a wicket!
14:27 - Misbah also sweeping Peterson to the boundary. Peterson (currently 0-64 in 15 overs) has definitely failed his test so far today!
14:23 - Morkel storms in after the drinks break.
14:22 - TWEET
Amazing feat from Manzoor. The first Pakistani opener to get a hundred against SA since Imran Farhat in Faisalabad, 2003. Take a bow - Antoinette Muller
14:20 - PICTURE
SA fighting back more wickets needed to end the say well - Afrikaans SuperSport commentator Jeremy Fredericks enjoying his role (Twitter).
14:18 - DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan 202/3 after 68 overs.
14:17 - 200 up as well for Pakistan after 67.2 overs.
14:15 - CENTURY to Khurram Manzoor. His first Test century. Impressive innings!
14:14 - All eyes on Khurram now, who's on 99 as Peterson bowls.
14:14 - Good maiden from Morkel. He's been SA's most impressive bowler today.
14:12 - It stays not out. Too high! The Proteas lose a review.
14:10 - Big LBW appeal from Morkel on Misbah. Given not-out, but SA review it... looks a tad high though...
14:07 - Manzoor sweeps Peterson for four to go to 95 - his highest Test score, beating his previous best of 93 against Sri Lanka in Colombo a few years ago.
And another four as he goes to 99...
14:05 - Peterson back on again.
14:03 - Morkel getting some nice bounce now, troubling the batsmen...
14:00 - Khurram has been in the "nervous nineties" for a while now. He's still only on 91. Feeling the heat now perhaps?
13:54 - Next ball Misbah gets off the mark as he cuts a wide Morkel delivery for four.
13:53 - LBW appeal from Morkel to Misbah turned down. It was a bit high...
13:51 - Another maiden from Philander keeping the pressure up. Suddenly a few jitters in the Pakistani camp?
13:47 - SA attacking with three slips now. Another quick wicket and we could see another of those spectacular Pakistan collapses...
13:46 - Captain Misbah-ul-Haq is next in.
13:44 - WICKET!!! Morkel strikes and Younis is out for 1, caught by Petersen at gully after the veteran failed to handle a vicious Morkel bouncer. Pakistan 178/3 after 60.4 overs.
13:42 - Morkel replacing Steyn.
13:38 - SA chipping in with maiden overs regularly now. Good way to build pressure.
13:30 - Younis Khan is next in.
13:28 - WICKET! Ali is out, caught by 'keeper De Villiers for 11. First wicket for Philander! A great catch by De Villiers diving low down to his right - also a hint of away movement there from Philander. Pakistan 173/2. More of the same please...
13:26 - Philander now back on. Come on Big Vern...
13:24 - Steyn bowling good line and lengths but to no avail... the pitch is very good for batting at present.
13:11 - PICTURE
Passionate Pakistan fan (AFP).
13:10 - The Faf experiment hasn't lasted long as Peterson is back on... but he also gets smacked around....sigh...
13:05 - Dale Steyn will bowl the second over after tea.
13:05 - TWEET
Agree with Kepler, not sure if Faf's near half-trackers is the way to go straight after tea ... - Rob Houwing
13:04 - Some immediate attacking intent from Khurram as he hits Du Plessis for a boundary. They have clearly decided to take on the part-timer...
13:01 - All set for the final session. Faf du Plessis will start proceedings. Lets hope we can win this final session and claim a few wickets. Who knows, Pakistan are notorious for batting collapses...
12:41 - TEA ON DAY 2: Pakistan 155/1 after 51 overs. Join us in 15 minutes...
12:39 - TWEET
South Africa have turned to Faf du Plesiss, who struggled with back problems last season and may not be able to bowl all that much. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda
12:36 - Smith now opting to give Faf a go. His leg-spinners could just spring a surprise...
12:31 - PICTURE
JP Duminy finally broke the deadlock for South Africa... (AFP)
12:27 - Peterson back on, replacing Kallis.
12:21 - Interesting that after Masood was given out he took an awful long time before deciding to review the decision. But umpire Paul Reiffel decided he took to long and sent him on his bike. It looked plumb to me in any case!
12:19 - Azhar Ali is the new batsman in.
12:17 - WICKET! Masood is given out LBW off Duminy for 75. Pakistan 135/1 after 44 overs. Vital breakthrough from Duminy!
12:13 - Masood goes to 75 as he edges Kallis through the slips for four. Nothing going South Africa's way...
12:07 - Kallis bowls a maiden. If we can't take wickets, at least keep the run-rate down.
12:03 - While the Proteas are struggling, there's more bad news for local cricket fans. There seems no going back now on India’s intended headline tour of South Africa this summer being greatly curtailed, according to our chief writer Rob Houwing.
CLICK HERE to read the full story.
12:04 - Kallis now also back on.
11:59 - No Faf, but Duminy is back on. Common Graeme Smith, try something out the box...!
11:57 - TWEET
It's another of those days when you look at Pakistan firing on all cylinders and start to think "what can possibly go wrong" ... - Andrew Miller
11:54 - Peterson getting clobbered here. Making no impact. Maybe part-time leggie Faf du Plessis should be given a chance...?
11:44 - PICTURE
Morné Morkel finding the going quite tough... (AFP)
11:41 - DRINKS BREAK. Peterson is not really making any inroads here. I would like to see Imran Tahir get another shot. It seems one bad Test against Australia is now costing him dearly...
11:34 - It's looking too easy now for Pakistan. The pitch is also playing the best it will probably play all game...
11:31 - Khurram Manzoor brings up his HALF-CENTURY. His sixth in Test cricket.
11:28 - 100 up for Pakistan, coming in 32.4 overs. Also the 100 partnership. The last time Pakistan's openers put on a century stand was in January 2012.
11:26 - Morné Morkel back on now.
11:22 - HALF-CENTURY on debut for Masood. He nearly ran himself out on 49, but the review shows he's safe.
11:17 - FAN TWEETS
Earlier there was a pat on the back from Irfan to Morkel after the later negotiated a rather nasty bouncer from him! Good to see #PakvsSA - Mohsin Khan
Pakistani openers have scored more than 50 runs in a test match for the first time in this year! #PakVsSA - Rahber
Who this Masood Guy is? Tremendously Playing...Great Talent....Esp when Pak need a left handed Batsman #PakvsSA - Nasr
11:14 - Robin Peterson now back on.
11:02 - Steyn follows that up with another maiden. Good discipline!
10:58 - Philander also bowls a maiden. He and Steyn have certainly improved their lines after lunch. Only five runs in four overs so far. Hairdryer treatment from coaches at the lunch break?
10:47 - Khurram edges it over slips for four. It flew just over Alviro Petersen's grasp!
10:46 - Vernon Philander also back on.
10:45 - Good first over back from Steyn. Maiden.
10:41 - Welcome back. Play is about to get underway, with Dale Steyn back on for South Africa.
10:39 - QUOTE
"As a proud South African, it irritates me to have to say this but I can't help but think that a lack of preparation and complacency combined with a determined effort from Pakistan has found us wanting... we look like a shell of the team that destroyed England in England and found a way to win the series against Australia in Australia (thanks to Faf)," says renowned cricket journalist and commentator Colin Bryden on Cricinfo.
10:06 - TWEET
Trust the SuperSport studio panel won't be asked who they thought won that session ... - Rob Houwing
10:05 - There's no doubt who won that session! South Africa - who have already used all six their bowlers - could be in for a long afternoon on a pitch that's looking very good for batting now.
We'll be back in about 40 minutes...
10:02 - LUNCH ON DAY 2: Pakistan 77/0 after 22 overs.
10:02 - Mansoor taking the spin on. Two fours back-to-back off Peterson.
10:00 - Peterson to bowl the last over before lunch.
9:56 - Off-spinner JP Duminy follows Peterson into the attack.
9:51 - First boundary now in 49 balls - it shows how Kallis and Morkel have pegged things back but no sign of a wicket...
9:46 - TWEET
Big Morne bends his back a bit and the ball still gets to De Villiers just above ankle height. Long day?? - Rob Houwing
9:35 - The Proteas have pulled back things slightly now. Better line and lengths from Kallis and Morkel, but still no breakthrough...
9:40 - FUNNY TWEET
Pakistan have avoided the follow-on #PakvsSA - Paul Berkowitz
9:31 - FANS ON WHERE THINGS WENT WRONG IN SA'S BATTING INNINGS
Too many "off days" be honest.... We chocked again. Pointless blaming quotas and match time our players have to be passionate and committed to wearing " The best emblem in the world" after all, we are supposed to be number 1 in the ICC rankings. We should be more professional in our approach to the game in hand - Graham Davidson
Gud bowling 4rm pakistan and poor batting 4rm s.a. And its about time s.a learn that u need 2 b loyal 2 performance than being loyal 2 a player,faf is nt performing n dean elgar is scoring runs - Mpho Tsotetsi
Nahh, think it a very difficult pitch with some class bowling from the Pakistani's - Rory Tychsen
Not enough cricket b4 the test series - Hubert Ontong
Maybe mr Smith got it wrong again as far as batting 1st is concerned - Andre Smith
The quota system! Lol - Deolin Willemse
9:25 - 50 up for Pakistan. It comes after only 12.5 overs. It's the first time since June 2012 that Pakistan have had a 50-run opening stand (their first in 13 innings).
9:19 - GALLERY: AMAZING AMLA!
Sport24 takes a look back at some of Hashim Amla's best knocks after he reached 20 Test centuries.
CLICK HERE to view the gallery.
9:18 - Jacques Kallis now also into the attack.
9:17 - PICTURE
Eid, music, Test cricket. What more could you possibly want? #PakvSA #cricket - Telford Vice
9:14 - Morné Morkel now into the attack after the drinks break.
9:10 - DRINKS BREAK. Pakistan 43/0 after 10 overs, going at a steady 4.3 runs per over. Dale Steyn is very expensive, having conceded 31 in five overs.
9:08 - JP Duminy is wearing a black armband for the loss of a close family friend, Graham Adams, a former Chairman of Mitchell's Plain Cricket Club.
9:00 - The 24-year-old debutant Masood is looking really good, not scared to take on the SA quickies - who look a bit lacklustre...
8:51 - Aside from the one chance given in the slips, the Pakistan openers have started really well here. They're getting into line nicely and using their feet confidently.
8:45 - DROPPED CATCH IN THE SLIPS
Masood edges Steyn but Kallis is just too late as the ball goes through his legs. That will be counted as a dropped chance!
8:41 - NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Sachin Tendulkar's 200th and final Test will be played at his home ground of Mumbai, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed.
8:35 - PICTURE
Hopefully a few more fans will show up today than there were yesterday... (AFP)
8:31 - Vernon Philander is the other opener for South Africa.
8:30 - Great start for Pakistan who get 10 runs off Steyn's first over.
8:29 - Masood edges his first ball in Test cricket for four.
8:26 - Steyn starts the innings to Manzoor.
8:25 - TWEET
In 93.3 overs Pakistan only used 4 bowlers. We have 4 fast and 2 spin at our disposal - Just Proteas
8:20 - Well that was not the start to the day we had hoped for. It will take a very disciplined bowling performance from South Africa to restrict the Pakistanis.
Our quickies must target the inexperienced Pakistan opening pair. Shan Masood is on debut and Khurram Manzoor has only played 9 Tests. If we can rip through them then we'll have our tails up - which is always a dangerous sight for South Africa's opposition in recent times...
8:18 - It was a doosra from Ajmal who cleverly held back the pace and gave it more flight. Steyn came dancing down the track but was beaten in flight and Akmal did the rest..
8:15 - WICKET! Steyn is out, stumped by 'keeper Akmal off Ajmal for 15. South Africa all out for 249.
8:06 - Ajmal bowls the second over with Steyn on strike. Jeepers it must be tough for the spinner to bowl with a brand new ball that is only three overs old. It's tough for a spinner to grip a shiny new ball - ask me...
8:06 - TWEET
Irfan gets Morkel on the helmet. Morkel will remember - Just Proteas
8:05 - Irfan knocks Morkel on the head as he finishes his first over of the day with a wicket-maiden.
8:01 - WICKET! Disaster for South Africa as Irfan dismisses Amla off the second ball of the day. He is caught in the slips by Younis Khan for 118.
8:00 - Irfan will bowl the first ball to Amla.
7:59 - The players have arrived on the field for the second day's action...
7:52 - DAY 2 PITCH REPORT
Kepler Wessels says the pitch has dried out a bit, which means it will start to turn more, with the possibility of reverse swing as well. He says it's still a good batting strip though so South Africa's opening bowlers could have their work cut out for most of the day.
7:40 - DAY 2 COVERAGE
Good morning and welcome to day two coverage of the first Test in Abu Dhabi. The Proteas are up against it this morning, but the good news is that Hashim Amla is still there unbeaten on 118. Lets hope Dale Steyn (13*) can stay with him as long as possible to help South Africa inch closer to at least a total of 300. It may be a decent batting strip, but the two Pakistani quicks bowled quite well on it yesterday. So there's no reason why Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morné Morkel can't do the same for South Africa. The pitch also started to show more turn late yesterday and pundits hinted that it looked more like a day two or day three pitch, which always bodes well for the team batting first...
6:48 - QUOTES
JP Duminy says a positive mindset will be key for the Proteas on day two.
"All we can do is to make sure we come with a positive frame of mind," he said at the post-play press conference.
"We need get as many runs as possible and start well with the ball.
"Having the bowling line-up that we do, you have to back us to do a great job.
"Hopefully tomorrow we can stay out there as long as possible with the bat and strike upfront and put a lot of pressure on them."
15:35 - DAY 1 SUMMARY
There's no doubt that Pakistan dominated the first day's play. They proved the early pitch inspectors wrong by claiming eight South African scalps on a so-called good batting strip - and that with only four bowlers utilised.
But I do think we'll only be able to judge the pitch appropriately once South Africa's dangerous pace attack has also bowled on it. Pakistan's quickies - Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan - were impressive and there's no reason why South Africa can't replicate them.
But lets hope Dale Steyn and Hashim Amla (and Morné Morkel still to bat) can somehow sneak South Africa up to 300...
However, irrespective of how much the Proteas get, Amla must be praised for his performance - his 118 not out again proved why he is currently the world's best batsman.
So tune in tomorrow for more LIVE UPDATES during Day 2 of the first Test in Abu Dhabi. CLICK HERE for a full written report on the first day's action.
15:30 - PICTURE
Pakistan celebrate... a sight too often witnessed on Day 1 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium (AFP).
15:23 - STUMPS ON DAY 1: SA 245/8 after 90 overs after Zulfiqar also bowls a maiden.
15:20 - The 89th over from Irfan is a maiden. Dale Steyn will be on strike as debutant spinner Zulfiqar bowls the last over of the day.
15:13 - Fast bowler Junaid now back on as well, but Steyn drives him for four down the ground upon his return. Steyn playing very positive cricket. Can he produce a repeat of that magical 76 he scored against Australia in Melbourne in 2008?
15:07 - Irfan now back into the attack after leaving the field earlier... but he new ball is still not taken. However - midway through the 87th over - Pakistan decide to take the new ball!
15:03 - Dale Steyn having a go here and he succeeds by hitting Zulfiqar for six down the ground. A few more of those please! Steyn has another go and is dropped on the boundary...
14:56 - TWEET
No man!How can we play spin sooooo poorly! - Pat Symcox
14:51 - Dale Steyn is the next batsman in for South Africa.
14:50 - Oh no... wicket! Philander (3) given out LBW off the bowling of Ajmal. He refers it, but to no avail. SA 222/8 after 82.2 overs.
14:49 - South Africa on 222 - double Nelson - lets hope that doesn't bring a wicket...
14:46 - PAKISTAN GET THEIR REVIEWS BACK
Just a reminder that Pakistan now have their reviews back because 80 overs have been bowled, according to the new ICC rules.
14:42 - SA 217/7 after 80 overs. The second new ball is now due, but - not surprisingly - it is not taken as off-spinner Ajmal continues...
14:40 - Vernon Philander is the new batsman in for South Africa.
14:38 - WICKET! Zulfiqar Babar strikes again. He clean-bowls Peterson for 5. SA 217/7 after 79.2 overs. I have to swallow my words. Zulfiqar has now taken three wickets after starting poorly on his debut...
14:34 - SA 217/6 after 78 overs. Two overs before the second new ball can be taken. It would be a bit of a surprise if Pakistan take the new ball though, especially with Irfan slightly injured and their spinners going along nicely after a slowish start.
14:29 - AMLA THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Hashim Amla's last 20 Test innings have produced 1 484 runs at an average of 87.29!
14:25 - TWEET
Suddenly even 300, surely SA's very minimum aim on this track, looks a slightly shaky prospect .. #staytherehash - Rob Houwing
14:23 - Luckily Peterson survives and Pakistan lose another review...
14:22 - But suddenly 300 seems a long way off as Pakistan go upstairs after Ajmal appeals for an LBW shout against Peterson. This looks like a tight one...
14:20 - It's a pity that the wicket of Du Plessis slightly overshadowed the moment of Amla reaching his 20th Test century. He has yet again shown here today why he is so valuable to South Africa's cause.
14:18 - Robin Peterson is the new batsman in for South Africa.
14:16 - WICKET! Oh no, just as Amla gets his century, Du Plessis is out for 1, caught in the slips by Asad Shafiq off the bowling of Zulfiqar. SA 205/6 after 73.3 overs.
14:15 - 20th Test century for Hashim Amla!!! His second against Pakistan, coming off 201 balls.
14:06 - TWEET: Listen to Symmo, Hash!
BAT ON Hash!!Bat on and on and on... - Pat Symcox
14:04 - Faf du Plessis is the new batsman in for South Africa.
14:01 - WICKET! Duminy is out for 57, caught in the deep by Asad Shafiq after he top-edges a sweep off Zulfiqar, who gets his first Test wicket. SA 199/5 after 70 overs. Silly shot at a crucial moment from Duminy. I absolutely hate it when batsmen get out playing the sweep-shot!
13:58 - The third umpire agrees with me and umpire Paul Reiffel and Duminy survives. SA 196/4 after 69 overs. There are 11 overs left before Pakistan can take the second new ball. It's important that the Proteas hold out until then...
13:56 - Ajmal thinks he has Duminy out LBW. Pakistan refer the decision upstairs after it was given not out. Looks down leg to me though...
13:54 - Duminy dropped by 'keeper Akmal off the bowling of Ajmal. Let-off for the Cobras batsman! He got a thick edge which just didn't stick in the wicketkeeper's gloves...
13:46 - PICTURE
Zulfiqar Babar bowls to Hashim Amla earlier in the day (AFP).
13:44 - HALF-CENTURY for Duminy. His fifth in Test cricket. It comes off 85 balls. Now Amla (91*) will aim for his century...
13:29 - Irfan limps off after 2 balls if his 15th over. Not good for PAK. 175/4. Amla 83*, Duminy 45* - Mpumelelo Mbangwa
13:28 - BAD NEWS FOR PAKISTAN
Irfan has had left the field midway through his 15th over. It could be cramp or calf pain. This could be devastating for Pakistan...
13:23 - FANS' VIEW ON POSSIBLE PROTEAS TOTAL
320-350 - Tlou Andile Cele Mashala
(sic) 400 all out..kallis shud be on double figures n Beef..thyv been out of action for too long..if thy cant..thy mst quit playin.. - Laritow Lara
they should aim for 350 - Timothy Loftie-eaton
Need a large partnership, got to bat close to 2 full days, bat them out of the contest. Hashim knows how to go large , it is time for him to do so, he is the anchor man - Jeremy Adam Walt
What would be a good total for the Proteas from here? Send your thoughts to: news@sport24.co.za
13:17 - Both Amla and Duminy now moving along swiftly towards respective milestones. Pakistan's decision to field only four frontline bowlers could just end up costing them...
13:05 - Junaid Khan bowls the second over after tea to Duminy.
13:08 - 50 partnership between Duminy and Amla also up now.
13:03 - Zulfiqar is not impressing on his debut. He has conceded 44 runs in his 11 overs so far. At 34 years of age, maybe he should have remained only a first class player...
13:01 - Play in the final session about to start with Zulfiqar bowling to Amla.
13:00 - Ok, so with 35 overs left it's important fro South Africa to keep as many wickets as possibly in hand. I reckon. We should add another 90 or so runs and hopefully not lose more than one wickets in the final session...
12:58 - Our chief writer Rob Houwing says the Proteas’ opening partnerships in Tests are becoming problematic. CLICK HERE to read what Rob has to say.
12:43 - TEA ON DAY 1: SA 152/4 after 55 overs. Join us in 15 minutes...
12:40 - TWEET
A spot of research I've just done shows SA's avg opening stand in last 16 Test knocks is 33 -- disappointing for world's top side? - Rob Houwing
12:36 - A single from Duminy brings up SA's 150 in the 54th over.
12:30 - SA 148/4 after 52 overs. The Duminy-Amla partnership now worth 44 runs. The Proteas have also batted at 4.20 per over in the last 10 overs. The pitch is still much better than what South Africa's total indicates.
12:19 - Duminy smacks Ajmal down the ground for the FIRST SIX of the innings. SA 137/4 after 50 overs. What sort of total should they aim for from here? Send your thoughts to news@sport24.co.za. I reckon we can still get to 350...
12:10 - TWEET
Biff is looking a few years younger, having lost a fair amount of weight. He did not eat all the pies - Cricket365
12:06 - PICTURE
Mohammad Irfan is troubling South Africa's batsmen (AFP).
11:57 - Spin is not working and Irfan is back on in place of Zulfiqar.
11:51 - Duminy taking on Zulfiqar here. He hits him for 11 runs in one over. Duminy batting at a run-a-ball at present.
11:42 - DRINKS BREAK. That was a very irritating way for De Villiers to go out. Don't get me wrong, he is a superb player and we cannot play without him but I wish he wouldn't throw away his wicket as often as he sometimes does... He has this uncanny way of often running himself out at a crucial moment.
11:42 - TWEET
Not really stumped. Run out by Younis, and cheeky bail-removal by Adnan. AB will be so cross with himself, he had tons of time to get back - Cricket365
11:40 - JP Duminy is the new batsman in.
11:37 - WICKET! Third umpire Ian Gould gives De Villiers out for 19. It was a tight call but I tend to agree with the umpire. I also couldn't spot any part of De Villiers's boot behind the line. Silly lapse of concentration from De Villiers though! He didn't even attempt a run, just kept his back foot out of the crease and was caught out... SA 104/4 after 40.3 overs.
11:34 - A run out appeal against AB de Villiers coming up here. Wicketkeeper Akmal broke the bails with De Villiers's back foot seeming on the line, with not much over the line, but maybe a little bit behind the line?! It would take a brave umpire to give it out though...
11:26 - Amla and De Villiers looking in control now, with the pitch starting to play like a good batting track as predicted beforehand. SA can still finish the day well here. There's also not much assistance to the Pakistan spinners at the moment.
11:20 - 50 PARTNERSHIP between De Villiers and Amla - off 121 balls.
11:18 - TWEET
Fifty for Hashim Amla. Shows how important he is. SA cannot afford to be without him for the 2nd Test. Hope baby gets his/her timing right - Firdose Moonda
11:14 - 50 UP FOR AMLA
Amla brings up his 28th Test fifty when he hits Junaid for four. Brilliant innings from the world's best batsman, but it's imperative that he stays there for a while now...
11:09 - WHY NO HOT SPOT?
The Hot Spot technology is not used in this series as the Pakistan authorities have deemed it too expensive to use. They are reportedly saving in the region of $100 000 by not using it.
11:08 - PICTURE
Hashim Amla on his way to a crucial half-century (AFP).
11:05 - TWEET
There is a no ball/upset bookmaker/News Of The World gag here, but I am better than that - The Cricket Geek
10:56 - UMPIRE UNDER PRESSURE
Umpire Paul Reiffel is under a bit of pressure now as a few no-balls from the Pakistan bowlers have been shown on the big screen, with the Australian umpire missing them...
LOL, just as I type Reiffel finally calls Irfan for a no-ball and he gets a sarcastic cheer from the South African camp.
There aren't many fans in the stands so Reiffel certainly heard the "cheers" from the Proteas in the stands... Lets hope we don't lose a wicket off a no-ball!
10:52 - Irfan bowls a maiden over to Amla. My word, Irfan has bowled well today, probably the best I've seen from the 2.16m giant.
10:47 - De Villiers survives a chance after the ball just eludes the short-leg fielder, who got a hand to it but it came very quickly.
10:45 - Ajmal bowls the second over after lunch, De Villiers on strike.
10:42 - Amla starts well, hits a four off the second ball after lunch.
10:41 - The SECOND SESSION IS UNDERWAY as Irfan storms in to Amla.
10:04 - The first session clearly belonged to Pakistan, with openers Mohammad Irfan (2-27) and Junaid Khan (1-17) in sublime form. But all is not lost for South Africa though with Amla (30*) and De Villiers (11*) looking well set. There's also not much turn to speak of and the pitch will play easier as the day goes by, so a good partnership here could see the Proteas fight back and still end the day in reasonably good shape...
10:03 - ARE YOU A PROTEAS FAN?
Send us your fan pics and we'll hit the publish button! Send to news@sport24.co.za
10:03 - SA FANS NOT HAPPY
So who puts tremendous pressure on the rest of the batsmen against an ave bowling attack..??, nobody else then big mouth Smith and useless Kallis. It is sooo time for them to retire. It is high time that they stop playing on their past performances, and either contribute, or go and play IPL - Theuns Jacobs
Eish it doesn't realy look gud 4 our boyz dy seem 2 be struggling - Mondli Ndlovu
What is Greame Smith doing in the team. He is way past his sell by date - Pieter Venter
Alviro the quota out already, when last did he score any runs? even on domestic level? shocking - Quota Domino
10:02 - LUNCH ON DAY 1: South Africa 66/3 after 26 overs.
10:01 - De Villiers survives the last over off Ajmal and lunch is taken. A good 23-run partnership so far.
9:56 - TWEET
Scoreboard thus far kind of suggests this should really be SA's second warm-up match. Hitting 1st Test running after months off? Not ... - Rob Houwing
9:50 - Don't want to jinx him, but AB is looking comfortable at the crease. He's getting in line nicely for Irfan and his feet are moving well. Time for a big partnership right here.
9:43 - Danger-man and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal now on for Pakistan.
9:41 - DID YOU KNOW?
AB de Villiers is closing in on the record for most consecutive Tests played since making his Test debut in 2004.
He has played an astonishing 86 consecutive Tests since making his debut. Only Adam Gilchrist (Australia, 96) and Rahul Dravid (India, 94) are ahead of him.
9:39 - De Villiers survives a big LBW shout off the bowling of Junaid. Height was the issue there. But some quality fast bowling from the Pakistanis to start this series!
9:34 - De Villiers gets off the mark and brings up SA's half-century with a cracking cover drive for four off the bowling of Junaid Khan.
9:32 - Crowd forgot to pitch?
There's a Test match out there somewhere ... isn't there? - Telford Vice
9:27 - TWEET
There's a bit in this track. Should last at least another half an hour. Then FLAT... #Pak vs SA - Neil Manthorp
9:25 - Phew, AB survives a big LBW shout on his first ball! That was close, but Pakistan opt not to review it.
9:22 - WICKET! Kallis is on his way for 5 after he edges Junaid Khan to wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal. South Africa in desperate trouble at 43/3. AB de Villiers is next in.
Kallis got an inside edge and was well caught by by Akmal as Junaid got the ball to bend back in sharply from round the wicket.
9:19 - Kallis and Amla seems to be handling spinner Zulfiqar with consummate ease here. It was perhaps a tad early to bring the slow bowler on in my view...
9:15 - TWEET
Drinks after the first hour. 40 for 1. Amla settling nicely. Not sure bringing the spinner on so early was a good move. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda
9:12 - Another shaky run taken between Kallis and Amla - but luckily Kallis survives... Amla's running between the stumps is probably his only weakness...
9:01 - Interesting move as Khan is now back on from the end where Irfan bowled. Irfan (2-19 in 6 overs was highly impressive)
8:58 - Proteas playing Zulfiqar quite well so far. He's gone for 8 runs in his first two overs. Not much turn to speak of, but it's still early days with a new pitch...
8:49 - Bowling change now as debutant and slow-left arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar comes on. He makes his debut at the grand "old"age of 34! He will be an unknown factor for the Proteas. Zulfiqar is the 215th player to represent Pakistan in Tests.
8:46 - Oh no, commentator's curse!? Just as I praise Amla he nearly goes and runs himself out. Luckily the stumps are missed... Definitely no run there, says Kepler Wessels. Luckily Kallis was alert enough to send Amla back.
8:45 - The tall Irfan (2.16m) steaming in at over 140km/h here. Amla is keeping a cool head though and defending well...
8:37 - The Proteas will surely now rue their stupid decision not to let Smith bat in the second innings of their warm-up match against Pakistan A last week. CLICK HERE for reasons on why they came to that decision.
8:37 - Jacques Kallis is the new batsman in.
8:36 - TWEET
Incredible how the on field umpire missed that edge. The sound was clear. Ian Gould 3rd umpire gets it right though #Proteas and #PakvsSA - Saj Sadiq
8:35 - WICKET! The decision is overturned and Smith is on his way for 15. A very scratchy innings from the skipper who is clearly still a bit rusty. But the right decision was made the the TV umpire!
8:32 - Pakistan now appeal for a catch behind off the bowling of Irfan. Not given by the umpire but they have reviewed the decision. Anxious times for Smith... Looks like he edged it, Smith will be on his way here unfortunately...
8:32 - Smith nicks another one to the boundary...
8:26 - Smith living dangerously early on but he's reached double figures...
8:24 - Next ball Smith plays and misses, as the Pakistanis appeal for a catch behind, but not given by umpire Paul Reiffel.
8:22 - Smith edges Irfan for four after the ball flies over fourth slip's head. Poor shot from the skipper who played too far away from his body there. The heat is on the SA captain!
8:21 - Smith survives a big LBW shout off Khan. Phew, that was very close, maybe height was the only issue there. Smith still looking a bit rusty here...
8:16 - Hashim Amla is the new batsman in.
8:14 - WICKET! Petersen is out, caught at short-leg by Shan Masood off the bowling of Irfan. The umpire wanted to check for a legitimate catch but the decision stands. Masood fumbled and took it in at the second attempt, very low off the ground. SA 6/1 after 2.5 overs.
8:10 - Solid start in the first two overs by South Africa. A hint of away-swing from the Pakistanis but well dealt with so far by our openers...
8:06 - Junaid Khan is the other opener for Pakistan.
8:00 - And we're underway in Abu Dhabi. Mohammad Irfan starts to Alviro Petersen. Graeme Smith is at the non-striker's end.
7:55 - QUOTE
“I feel I’m in as a good a space as possible, especially getting out in the middle and hitting the ball as well as I did in the practice game. It gives me a lot of confidence going into this Test match, " says Jacques Kallis.
7:53 - HALF-CENTURY FOR MORKEL
Proteas fast bowler Morné Morkel will play his 50th Test match in this game.
7:41 - The only change to the Proteas team is the return of JP Duminy in place of Dean Elgar. The South Africans have also resisted the temptation of playing leg-spinner Imran Tahir, but with Robin Peterson, Duminy and Faf du Plessis - who can bowl leg-breaks - we have enough options in the slow bowling department.
7:32 - TOSS UPDATE
Proteas skipper Graeme Smith has won the toss and elected to bat first. It's a good batting strip so that's the first bit of good news for the day...
7:26 - PITCH REPORT
Kepler Wessels says the pitch is very dry and rock solid, which is good for batting...
7:24 - TWO DEBUTANTS FOR PAKISTAN
Shan Masood (opening batsman) and Zulfiqar Babar (left-arm spinner) will make their Test debuts. At 34, Babar is rather old for a debutant!
7:04 - PITCH AND CONDITIONS
It is warm in Abu Dhabi, with temperatures likely to be in excess of 30 degrees Celsius over the course of the match. The Proteas have been using ice vests to try and negate the heat factor.
CLICK HERE to read more on their innovative ways to try and counter the heat.
6:53 - SMITH TO PLAY
Proteas skipper Graeme Smith is likely to play despite some doubt over his ankle.
Questions were asked last Thursday when Smith did not bat in South Africa's second innings in their drawn warm-up game against Pakistan A in Sharjah. He made only 2 runs in the first innings and clearly needed some batting practice after being sidelined for 21 weeks with an ankle injury.
However, Smith has trained in the build-up over the weekend and should take his place in little over an hour's time.
When asked on why he didn't bat in the second innings of that warm-up game, Smith said he had no problems with the injury and was just following protocols from the medical team.
Smith's only other recent time in the middle was when he featured for the Cape Cobras in a pre-season warm-up game against Indian side Madhya Pradesh at Newlands last Wednesday. He also made only two runs in that game.
So let's hope he comes good in his third knock back from injury...
6:45 - TWEET
Calm but focused atmosphere in the team bus this Am. Arriving at the ground now. Here we go, Day 1 #Proteas and #PakvsSA - AB de Villiers
6:45 - STATS
The Proteas have an 11-3 head-to-head advantage against Pakistan in Test matches.
6:50 - TOUR ITINERARY
A reminder of the Proteas' tour itinerary against Pakistan
Tests
October 14-18, First Test, Abu Dhabi - 08:00
October 23-27, Second Test, Dubai - 08:00
ODI
October 30, First ODI, Sharjah - 13:00
November 1, Second ODI, Dubai - 13:00
November 6, Third ODI, Abu Dhabi - 13:00
November 8, Fourth ODI, Abu Dhabi - 13:00
November 11, Fifth ODI, Sharjah - 13:00
Twenty20
November 13, First T20, Dubai - 18:00
November 15, Second T20, Dubai - 18:00
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 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Abu Dhabi.
