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Pak v SA Day 1 & 2 as it happened


   SA 460/4. PAKISTAN 99  

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Commentary by Sport24's Herman Mostert and Garrin Lambley


***Click HERE for the FULL SCORECARD***

***Click HERE for Day 3 LIVE UPDATES***


Batsmen IN : Graeme Smith 227*, AB de Villiers 157*

Batsmen OUT :
Alviro Petersen (26), Dean Elgar (23), Jacques Kallis (7), Dale Steyn (7)


15:33 - No doubt who dominated this day!

332 runs scored, with only the night-watchman Dale Steyn dismissed.

The Proteas have a massive lead and will probably look to bat until lunch tomorrow, which would give them two and three-quarter days to bowl Pakistan out. But I reckon Pakistan are already doomed for this game, especially with the body language they portrayed today!

Join us again for more LIVE UPDATES tomorrow...


15:32 - And that's stumps on Day 2: SA 460/4, a mammoth lead of 361 runs.


15:29 - AB and Smith look tired now. The spinners are beating the bat regularly... It's also getting quite dark, with the whole stadium covered in shade now.


15:22 - PICTURE


Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers tormented Pakistan today (AFP).


15:21 - UNSUCCESSFUL REVIEWS IN THIS MATCH

South Africa - 1

Pakistan - 4


15:20 - Given NOT OUT. And tightly so. Pakistan again have no reviews left.


15:17 - WICKET?! Ali thinks he has Smith caught out at leg-slip. Given not out, but Pakistan review it. Was there bat involved? Doesn't look like it... There's no evidence. Can't give that out.


15:15 - DOUBLE NELSON

Smith now on 222 - hopefully he gets of it quickly...


15:13 - 450 now up for South Africa. They are showing Pakistan nor mercy.


15:09 - Part-time leg-spinner Azhar Ali now on.


14:59 - 150 up for AB de Villiers - his eighth 150 or more in Tests. It comes off 238 balls.


14:55 - 300 PARTNERSHIP between Smith and AB - off 418 balls.


14:52 - Smith edges Junaid for four right between first and third slip... No luck for Pakistan.


14:48 - SA 428/4 after 124 overs. They lead by 329. It's hard to believe that this is only Day 2! Run-rate is also a healthy 3.45 per over.


14:37 - AB reverse-sweeps again as he edges closer to 150...


14:37 - PICTURE: Smith's 200-up moment


200 for Smith, and 9000 Test runs, too - Neil Manthorp


14:34 - DID YOU KNOW?

Graeme Smith is now the 12th highest run-scorer of all-time in Test cricket.

CLICK HERE for the list.


14:28 - And there it is! 200-up for Graeme Smith - his fifth double century in Test cricket. And 9 000 Test runs.


14:26 - Smith now a single run away - and cramping!


14:22 - Drinks...


14:16 - Three more runs... co-incidently Smith also requires three more runs to reach 9 000 Test runs in his career


14:15 - Smith is inching towards his double century. Four more runs to go...


14:13 - 22 more overs remain today. The Proteas are currently batting at a run rate of 3.45. Should they continue at that pace, they'll add another 76 runs before the close of play - giving them an overall lead of 381...


14:09 - DID YOU KNOW?

This partnership (268) is now the highest fifth wicket partnership for SA in Tests, beating the 267 set by Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince against the West Indies at St John's in 2005.


14:08 - AB is really struggling out there now. Looks like cramp. Also another reason for SA not to declare today as that would mean AB would have to come out and keep wicket...


14:07 - 400 UP for South Africa, coming off 115.2 overs.


14:05 - SA now 300 runs ahead.


14:04 - TWEET

Smith 9 runs away from his 5th double ton. Most 200+ scores in Tests - Bradman 12, Lara 9, Sangakkara 8 - Peter Miller


14:00 - Smith now into the 190s. Closing in on his fifth double century!


13:57 - Big LBW appeal by Irfan against Smith, but given not out. It was going down leg though. Correct decision. The Pakistanis always seem to appeal over-excitedly for anything!


13:52 - Oh no, AB is nearly run out. Upstairs we go... Looks like he is in by a frame! A desperate dive seems to have saved him. But why set off for a second run while you are cramping?

Given NOT OUT. Clearly this is AB's day!


13:50 - Irfan now back into the attack.


13:45 - The Pakistan bowlers are seemingly just going through the motions now. Their heads are down low!


13:44 - And AB continues to try the reverse sweep... must really upset the bowler Ajmal! Next, he darts down the track and smacks him for four. That's a better shot!


13:38 - DID YOU KNOW?

Graeme Smith (1 027*) now has scored most runs as captain against Pakistan in Tests, beating India's Sunil Gavaskar who scored 1 024.

Also, this partnership - currently 246 between Smith & AB - is the highest for any wicket in the UAE.


13:30 - AB reverse-sweeps Ajmal for four to go to 116. I hate that shot, but seems he can play it quite nicely... just don't lose your wicket off it!


13:26 - SHOULD SA DECLARE TODAY? Fans share their views:

With the game only being on day 2 I say SA should not declare, but they can play it like a one day from here, maybe get another quick 100 or 150 runs before end of day - Morgan Barry

No too much time left ill say bat normal till about one hour of the day left and let happy hour begin to see how many runs they can pile on and declare overnight - Rikus Le Charl Swart

It's only day 2 and it's highly unlikely to rain in the UAE - so .... keep batting until tomorrow sometime between lunch/tea, then we could be (+/-)450 ahead and will sill have 8 sessions to bowl them out. Seriously ... it's not "Rocket Science" - lol !!! - Tim Kelleher

No...nice batting practice - David Francois Venter

No ways, put them to the sword properly!!! another half a day in the field for them will be ideal. Lots of time left and weather is not an issue in Dubai... - Nicholas Els


13:19 - DID YOU KNOW?

This partnership between Smith and De Villiers is now the highest fifth wicket partnership for SA against Pakistan, beating the 213 set by Herschelle Gibbs and Ashwell Prince at Centurion in 2007.


13:16 - I wouldn't declare. There is still three days remaining in this game - more than enough time to bowl Pakistan out again.


13:15 - Should South Africa declare today and have a crack at Pakistan for the last half an hour?

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


13:15 - TWEET

To those wanting SA to declare. it's only day 2. it's Dubai. bat as long as possible, get a 500 lead. there's no rush - Gary Lemke


13:11 - Another LBW appeal from Ajmal as AB tries to reverse-sweep him. But that was outside the line and rightly given nout out...


13:08 - WICKET!? AB given out LBW off Ajmal. He refers the decision... Replays show that it would have missed the stumps and AB is given NOT OUT! Everything is going SA's way now...


13:04 - It has been revealed that AB was suffering from cramp, so the tea break came at just the right time...


13:03 - Smith quickly fins the boundary and piles more misery on the Pakistanis.


13:02 - Junaid will start proceedings with Smith on strike.


13:01 - Welcome back for the final sessions folks. More of the same is what Proteas fans are asking...


12:51 - PICTURE


Power of concentration... this was one of AB de Villiers's best-ever centuries (AFP).


12:41 - And that brings up TEA on DAY 2: SA 337/4, a lead of 238 runs.

An utterly dominant session by South Africa. Join us in about 20 minutes...


12:40 - AB hits a lofted drive against Zulfiqar. It goes for four and gets his 100! Arguably one of his best-ever knocks, given the conditions. 209 minutes and 152 balls it took him. Also his 17th Test century, his fourth against Pakistan.


12:37 - Given NOT OUT. But there was some ferocious turn there - something that will please South Africa, who are now 233 ahead. and Pakistan lose another appeal.


12:35 - Big LBW appeal against AB off Ajmal. Given not out but Pakistan review it... Hit him just outside the line, should be given not out...


12:32 - AB struggling a bit physically in the extreme heat. 8 minutes before the tea break.


12:28 - DID YOU KNOW?

AB de Villiers has been out seven times in the 90's. The most by a South African.


12:25 - TWEET

Pakistan's bowlers are 'gone'. Broken, bleeding and fed up. Take pity. Definitely consider declaring. At lunch tomorrow - Neil Manthorp


12:24 - But no tiredness from AB as he moves into the 90s with a powerful cover drive fro four off Irfan.


12:23 - 17 minutes before tea. The players would welcome it in the extreme heat.


12:19 - 150 up for skipper Smith!


12:16 - Another milestone as the 300 comes up for the Proteas after 95 overs


12:13 - 200 lead up for the Proteas! Come on Graeme... declare! Back your bowlers! A few extra days off in Dubai can't be the worst idea, surely?


12:12 - AB is rollicking along. 86* off 136 balls at a strike rate of 63.23 as the Proteas lead now stands at an imposing 197 runs with six wickets in hand


12:05 - TWEET

Waqar always speaks of 'AB de Villier'. As if there's another one. Which would not be great news for Pakistan - Rob Houwing


12:03 - Ouch! Smith backs away from an Irfan delivery but gets struck clean onto the helmet... I can hear the sound of the blow! Luckily the skipper is having a chuckle about it. Irfan is not amused...


11:58 - AB dances down the pitch and smacks Ajmal for six down the ground to go to 82...


11:56 - 150 PARTNERSHIP between Smith and De Villiers - off 212 balls.


11:54 - A magnificent cover drive from AB sees him drive Junaid for four to go to 75, closing in on his century quickly now.


11:47 - Ajmal to continue to AB after the drinks break.


11:46 - TWEET

That may just have been the mini-session that ensured no coming back by Pakistan - Rob Houwing


11:42 - DRINKS BREAK: SA 274/4, a lead of 175. The batsmen get an umbrella and chairs during the drinks break, and some ice towels.


11:42 - PICTURE


Here is some interesting info for you. Comparison of how speed decreases on the abrasive surface in Dubai. #hawkeye - Mike Haysman


11:28 - Junaid now into the attack, replacing Irfan.


11:27 - VIDEO

CLICK HERE to watch Australian cricketer Chris Lynn's girlfriend caught on the big-screen simulating a sex act.


11:24 - PICTURE


Mohammed Irfan is looking surprisingly cheerful considering his sides position in this match - Peter Miller


11:22 - SA going at 6 runs per over after lunch. Clearly the second new ball hasn't done the trick...


11:17 - AB drives Zulfiqar for four down the ground to bring up his 50. His 34th 50 in Tests.

AB has now also scored 1000 runs against Pakistan in Tests!


11:12 - AB hits Irfan for back-to-back boundaries to bring up the 100 partnership. AB and Smith's fifth 100 partnership in Tests. 103-run partnership off 164 balls.


11:08 - Another life for AB as he sweeps and top-edges Zulfiqar but the fielder (Manzoor) in the deep just can't get his hands on it.


11:02 - Pakistan also get their two reviews back after 80 overs.


11:02 - Irfan bowls to Smith.


11:01 - SA 220/4 after 80 overs. The second new ball is now due and Pakistan have opted to take it immediately.


10:56 - AB seems in a hurry. He now even reverse-sweeps Ajmal for four...


10:48 - QUOTE

"I expected this pitch to turn more by now," says Radio2000 commentator Peter Kirsten.


10:44 - A boundary from Smith brings up SA's 200.


10:42 - Zulfiqar opens proceedings to De Villiers, who gets off strike with a leg-bye. Expect more of the spinners in the afternoon session.


10:41 - Welcome back for the afternoon session - a session where South Africa can take the game away from Pakistan. Lets hope AB and Biff can build on their solid 64-run partnership.


10:05 - PICTURE


Graeme Smith ecstatic after bringing up his century (AFP).


10:00 - LUNCH on Day 2: SA 198/4, with a lead of 99.

Smith answered our calls by getting to his century and help South Africa firmly dominate the first session. Join us in about 40 minutes for the afternoon session.


9:54 - TWEETS

Well deserved hubby!! There's only one Graeme Smith ?? #PakvSA - Morgan Deane Smith

And Graeme Smith continues to stick it up those who don't back him, again,again,again and again - HD Ackerman


9:54 - REASON BEHIND SMITH'S SUCCESS?


Myself and Graeme! Such a perfect evening tonight... #dubai #riverboat #bateaux - Morgan Deane Smith


9:50 - A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?

The Proteas are yet to lose a Test in which Graeme Smith has made a century.


9:49 - CENTURY up for skipper Smith! His 27th Test century, his fourth against Pakistan. Well done skipper! he did it in 203 balls.


9:48 - Smith survives as Pakistan 'keeper Akmal appeals for a catch off Ajmal. Given not out.


9:43 - TWEET

Graeme Smith will captain and open the batting for the all-time XI of cricketers who strangely never get considered for all-time XIs - Nitin Sundar


9:41 - Wow, an LBW appeal from Ajmal off AB is turned down. But replays show it was out. Unfortunately Pakistan they have no reviews left until the 80th over.


9:38 - Off-spinner Ajmal now back on.


9:34 - 50 PARTNERSHIP between Smith and De Villiers. Their 12th partnership of 50 or more in Tests. 


9:27 - DID YOU KNOW?

Graeme Smith averages 43 in Tests in South Africa and 53 away from home.


9:24 - Irfan now back on. Still think they should not have taken him off when AB came in.


9:19 - Smith also into the 90s now...


9:17 - This is a good little period for South Africa. Partnership between Smith and De Villiers is now 40 with SA on 174.


9:08 - Smith hits Junaid for four off the first ball after drinks to move to 81 - also the year he was born...


9:00 - DRINKS BREAK: SA 157/4 after 63 overs, a lead of 58.


9:00 - AB is looking in good nick. Has quickly moved to 15. 


8:59 - TWEET

Graeme Smith haters will be hating the fact that he is now 2nd only to Sunil Gavaskar ito test runs scored as an opener. Legend. - Sportbilly


8:54 - Smith takes a single off Junaid to move to 77 and bring up South Africa's 150.


8:51 - Spinner Babar now into the attack.


8:49 - TWEET

Reminder that South Africa have never lost a Test match when Graeme Smith has scored a 100. He is on 75 now. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda


8:46 - Junaid now into the attack, replacing Irfan. Why take Irfan off now? He almost took two wickets in one over just now.


8:44 - Terrible stuff from Ajmal as he tries to throw the ball back to AB, but he mus-cues it terribly and it goes for four overthrows.


8:43 - AB underway now. Lets hope Rob Houwing is right and it turns this Test in our favour... Radio2000 commentator Peter Kirsten also thinks so.


8:36 - TWEET

Akmal drops the in-form De Villiers on nought ... Kind of thing that possibly turns a Test like one? - Rob Houwing


8:32 - Wow, AB is dropped off his first ball. He edges Irfan only for the diving wicketkeeper Akmal to pot it down after going at it with one hand. Huge let-off for South Africa!


8:31 - AB de Villiers joins Smith in the middle. This partnership could be key in determining the outcome of the match.


8:29 - WICKET! Irfan clean-bowls Steyn eith a delivery the South Africa left alone. A gem of a ball that cuts back to uproot Steyn's off-stump. SA 134/4 after 55.overs.


8:27 - South Africa going along at a snail's pace here this morning... but no wickets yet to we can't complain.


8:23 - Steyn survives after he edges Irfan but the ball drops just short of Misbah-ul-Haq in the slips.


8:15 - First boundary of the morning as Steyn gets a thick edge off Ajmal and it races to the boundary.


8:14 - VIDEO

CLICK HERE to watch Imran Tahir discuss his fifer yesterday.


8:13 - Nice and tidy start by Pakistan. Only one run in the first three overs...


8:05 - Ajmal to start the second over to Smith.


8:04 - Irfan starts with a maiden as Steyn survives...


8:00 - Irfan will open proceedings for Pakistan. He bowls to night-watchman Steyn.


8:00 - Smith and Steyn have arrived on the pitch...


7:58 - Graeme Smith will be key today. It's important that he kicks on and reaches his century and help steer South Africa well clear of Pakistan's first innings total. He struggled initially yesterday but fought bravely and once he got his eye in flashes of the old Smith became evident.


7:55 - DOMESTIC CRICKET

In case you missed it, here are the results from the One-Day Cup matches played in South Africa last night:

Benoni: Titans beat the Knights by eight wickets - MATCH REPORT

Port Elizabeth: Dolphins beat the Warriors by three wickets - MATCH REPORT


7:48 - PITCH UPDATE

Kepler Wessels says the pitch will start to turn significantly today.

South Africa should therefore aim to get as big a lead as they possibly can as the Pakistani spinners will more dangerous as the match continues. We wouldn't want to be chasing anything over 150/180 in the final innings I reckon!


7:32 - QUOTES

"I still think that I am the same bowler that I have been for the last five years. It depends on whether things click for you or situations go your way. I have worked hard, that is the only thing I want to mention, so it’s nice to see that it has paid off today. I can't say I've done this or that, I've been bowling and training hard, credit to my team-mates, captain and coach who have had the belief to give me another opportunity," said SA's leg-spinning hero Imran Tahir after he took 5/32 yesterday to skittle the Pakistanis. He took 0/260 in his previous Test appearance against Australia late last year.
 


7:31 - DAY 2 COVERAGE

Good morning and welcome to Day 2 coverage of the second Test in Dubai.


15:32 - DAY 1 SUMMARY

Wow, what a turnaround from the first Test as South Africa completely dominate Day 1 of the second and final Test.

The day surely belongs to Imran Tahir, who took a career-best 5/32, but Graeme Smith also needs to be complemented for his fighting 67 not out.

The pitch is already starting to show some turn and we expect more tomorrow, but South Africa should make their way to at least 300 from here which will put them in a very dominating position.

Tune in again tomorrow for more Sport24 LIVE UPDATES!


15:31 - STUMPS on Day 1: SA 128/3, a lead of 29 runs.


15:30 - Steyn survives as the umpires call and end to the day's play.


15:24 - TWEET

Nightwatchman Steyn reading Ajmal like a hippo reading TS Eliot. Not fully picking up on all the nuances - Andy Zaltzman


15:21 - PICTURE


A fielder's view of Graeme Smith in action... (AFP)


15:16 - Steyn fighting bravely against off-spinner Ajmal.


15:08 - DID YOU KNOW?

Jacques Kallis has only scored 42 runs in his last six Test innings. He has also gone 14 Test innings without a 100. His highest score in that period is 60.


15:06 - Dale Steyn is next in as the night-watchman. Can he survive with Smith for 8 overs?


15:05 - WICKET! Kallis is out for 7, LBW to Ajmal. That was plumb! SA 119/3 after 42.2 overs.


15:01 - Zulfiqar is back on now. Luckily for him it's not his bowling hand that's all bandaged up...


14:53 - Luckily it doesn't as Smith gets them off that mark.


14:52 - SA 111/2 after 39 overs. Lets hope Nelson doesn't bring a wicket...


14:50 - Kallis survives an LBW shout off Ajmal. He's not looking at ease at the moment...


14:45 - Zulfiqar is now back on after getting his hand strapped. Will he be able to bowl comfortably?


14:41 - HALF-CENTURY for Smith as he drives Ajmal for four down the ground. It also brings up SA's 100 and takes them into the lead.

It's his 38th Test half-century. His fourth 50 in Tests against Pakistan (he also has three 100s against them).


14:37 - TWEET

Zulfiqar Babar has had stitches to the webbing btwn his index finger and thumb on his right hand. He should be back on shortly. #pakvsa - Firdose Moonda


14:33 - Kallis survives an LBW call off Ajmal. It just went down leg, although he didn't know much if it... But Kallis gets off the mark next ball.


14:26 - Jacques Kallis is the new batsman in. Time for King Kallis to deliver after failing to reach double figures in the last game.


14:25 - WICKET! Ajmal gets Elgar, who is caught at short-leg by Azhar Ali for 23. SA 91/2 after 33 overs.


14:23 - Ajmal continues after drinks...


14:21 - DRINKS BREAK: SA 91/1 after 32 overs. A minimum of 19 overs remain in the day.


14:17 - 50 PARTNERSHIP between Smith and Elgar now up. Their first 50-plus stand together in Tests.


14:15 - Phew. Sigh of relief as Smith survives a close run-out call. No need for taking such risks now! Not sure why, but the Pakistan players seemed to think Smith was out. They've been told otherwise. 


14:10 - Smith hits what looks like a certain boundary off Irfan only for the slow outfield to stop the ball from reaching the boundary. But the skipper moves to 36 as the Proteas (83/3) close in in Pakistan's total.


14:05 - Part-time leg-spinner Azhar Ali now into the attack.


14:00 - Maybe the fans are aiming too high. Herman thinks 300 should be a very good first innings total, especially with this pitch set to turn more and more...


13:56 - WHAT TOTAL SHOULD SA AIM FOR? Fans share their views

420 will do - Tlou Andile Cele Mashala

450 will be good - Willem Nieman

600 - Xolani Taka Enzo Mkona

300+ - James Victor

580 - Gavin Maze

423/7d,must bat the whole day tomorrow then we can have 3 days to dismiss pakistan and win with an innings victory - Siphosethu Ahmadinejad Morris Skepu

500 will be good...fight for the pride boys - Melusi Siyabonga Kubheka

400+ Satisfying total - Francois Europa


13:48 - Play brought to a halt as Zulfiqar leaves the field after he fielded a drive from Smith off his own bowling. It split open the webbing in his hand with blood spilling out... Ajmal will finish the over for him.


13:42 - PICTURE


Saeed Ajmal conveniently sets a 7:2 field. (7 in the shade, 2 in the sun.) - Neil Manthorp


13:41 - SA 66/1 after 24 overs, trailing by only 33 runs.


13:38 - Spinner Zulfiqar Babar now into the attack.


13:37 - TEMPERS FLARING

Junaid upsets Smith after he throws the ball straight back at the SA skipper and hits him! Smith not a happy camper...


13:24 - PICTURE


Graeme Smith battling hard (AFP)


13:16 - Smith brings up SA's 50 with a boundary off Ajmal.


13:15 - Ajmal now also finding a bit of turn.. that's a clear sign of things to come in this match. A 150-run first innings lead will be invaluable for South Africa...


13:13 - Left-hander Junaid is troubling the two lefty batsmen out there, swinging it nicely into Smith ans Elgar... but they're still there!


13:10 - TWEET

Don't worry Biff, be ugly. Be ugly at this crease for as long as you like ... - Rob Houwing


13:07 - Ajmal on to try and get some turn from the pitch...


13:04 - Hopefully no more than two wickets for Pakistan in the final session and the day will firmly belong to the Proteas.


13:01 - Elgar is on trike, with Junaid bowling...


13:00 - Welcome back for the final session. The players are back on.


12:41 - And that's TEA in Dubai.

South Africa are 40/1 after 14 overs, and trail Pakistan's first innings total by 59 runs. Join us in about 20 minutes...


12:33 - TWEET

Viro's horror year continues. Now six Tests and nine innings since he's managed to reach 30.... - Antoinette Muller


12:32 - TWEET

The more i watch cricket the more i realise the review system is simply a hit and hope decision by some captains - Brenden Nel


12:30 - Poor review by the Proteas as Petersen is shown to be plumb in front. Babar gets his man in his first over.

Petersen gone for 26 off 36 balls.

In strides Dean Elgar...


12:30 - WICKET!


12:29 - Petersen given OUT. He reviews after a long chat with skipper Smith...


12:27 - Spin from both ends now as Saeed Ajmal and Zulfiqar Babar bowl in tandem. Me thinks they will be doing so for much of the SA innings...


12:26 - The Proteas are 37/0 after 10 overs. Rollicking along at 3.7 to the over is reply to Pakistan's dismal effort of 99 all out in 36.4 overs.


12:17 - PICTURE

Imran Tahir adds some bling to his wardrobe (Twitter)


12:16 - Sudden flurry of runs - by Petersen especially. 25 off 24 balls...


12:12 - TWEET

The bowlers have done the job. Pakistan all out for 99. Tahir five wickets. Steyn three wickets. Come on, batsmen... It is your game now! - Kass Naidoo


12:10 - 45 overs left in the day - and 30 minutes until tea.

The Proteas are coasting along without hassle. But Pakistan are yet to introduce their spinners...


12:02 - NOT OUT

And Pakistan are out of reviews until the 80th over! Which is 75.4 overs away...


11:59 - A top delivery and the Pakistan players think Petersen has nicked it. The umpire does not. Misbah decides to review the decision. This is their final review.

Replays are inconclusive so far. The ball is close to the bat and glove but there is no clear sound or deviation. Remember there is NO hot spot for this series.


11:49 - BIG appeal for LBW. Umpires says NO. Pakistan ask for a review... Inconclusive. Umpires call of NOT OUT stands...

Pakistan have already lost one of their two reviews.


11:48 - First boundary of the SA innings to skipper Smith.

Did you know Pakistan only hit SIX boundaries (all fours) in their innings?


11:45 - Imran Tahir got his googly to turn plenty on this pitch, and Dale Steyn made the ball reverse swing as well, both of which Pakistan's bowlers should be able to achieve as well. Time will tell how South Africa's batsmen fare on this surface...


11:44 - Junaid Khan to open from the other end - to Smith


11:41 - Umpire Rod Tucker has a word with Irfan about running on the wicket. 


11:38 - Mohammad Irfan opens for Pakistan.


11:36 - The players are back out, with Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen to open for South Africa.


11:36 - PICTURE

Imran Tahir celebrates one of his five wickets... (Gallo Images)



11:28 - The pitch has already started to take some turn, but this is nevertheless a superb start by South Africa, who must surely now cash in here.

I reckon any score in the region of 250 will be a winning total as this pitch will just start to turn more and more...


11:26 - Steyn finishes with 3/38 but the man of the moment is Tahir - who has claimed career-best figures of 5/32!


11:25 - WICKET! Steyn ends the innings as he clean bowls Junaid for 4. Pakistan 99 all out. 


11:21 - Zulfiqar has somehow managed to smack his way to 24... Some good shots in between a few slogs...  He's now the highest scorer in this innings.


11:17 - Steyn getting some reverse swing now. The end must be near for the Pakistani sloggers...


11:11 - TWEET FROM # BACK HOME IN SA

Imi u beauty! Keep going boys - Hashim Amla


11:10 - Zulfiqar having a real slog here and gets a four and a two off two Steyn in consecutive balls...


11:06 - Junaid Khan is the last man in. How long will he last?


11:05 - WICKET! Another one goes as Tahir clean-bowls Irfan for a duck.

It's also a first five-for for Tahir in Test cricket. What a comeback for the leggie! He now has career-best figures of 5/24. Pakistan 76/9.


11:04 - The tall (2.16m) Mohammad Irfan is next in.


11:02 - WICKET! Tahir clean bowls Shafiq for 10 after he tries to left the spinner to the leg side. Rash shot! Pakistan 76/8.


11:02 - PURE DELIGHT

Imran Tahir wears his heart on his sleeve... (AFP)


10:57 - TWEET

Yeah, the last wicket was a combo of Pak stupidity for running a silly single, and Alviro's brilliance in the field - Cricket365


10:52 - What is Pakistan's answer to what you need when trying to resurrect the innings at 64/6?

a - rebuild the innings, b - cautiously play only the bad balls or c - a schoolboy run out

They chose the answer C...


10:48 - Zulfiqar Babar is next in.


10:46 - WICKET! Ajmal is run out for a duck after Alviro Petersen hits the stumps.

Shafiq wanted to keep the strike when he set off for a single, with Ajmal late in responding. Petersen sprinted to the ball from point, picked it up with one hand and hit the stumps!


10:45 - Shafiq off the mark with a boundary after he edges Steyn though gully.


10:43 - Steyn steaming in for the second over after lunch.


10:42 - What a remarkable session that was. Tahir (3-17) has proved why he should always be in any South African side that plays on the subcontinent...


10:40 - Welcome back after lunch. Saeed Ajmal is the new batsman in, with Tahir set to finish the 26th over.


10:02 - And that's LUNCH ON DAY 1 folks. Pakistan in tatters on 60/6 after 25.4 overs. Join us again in about 40 minutes...


10:00 - WICKET! Another wicket, Tahir clean bowls Akmal for a duck. Tahir is going absolutely mad here. Great to see him so excited. Robin Peterson is probably thinking: 'Will I ever play a Test match again?'

What a difference having an attacking spinner amongst your ranks makes!


9:58 - Wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal is next in. They are also out of reviews now until the 80th over. Thanks goodness for that as they seem to refer every single wicket against them!


9:57 - TWEET

Imran Tahir's first wicket today ended a wicket-less period of 44.1 overs in Test cricket. The wait for his next wicket was 6 balls! #PakvSA - Freddie Wilde


9:56 - WICKET! Tahir gets Misbah out LBW. He has reviewed the decision though... That's plumb and is given out! Pakistan in disarray at 60/5.


9:54 - Asad Shafiq is the new batsman in. The first ball he receives from Steyn is just under 147km/h. A nice welcome to the crease! About five minutes before lunch.


9:52 - WICKET! The "Steyn Remover" strikes again! He gets Younis for 10, caught by AB de Villiers behind the stumps. Pakistan 60/4 after 24. overs.

Younis played a little bit away from his body there and got a faint edge.


9:43 - TWEET

Great moment for Imran Tahir, he bowls Shan, and looks as delighted as you would expect someone who took 0-260 last time out to look - Andy Zaltzman


9:42 - Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq is next in for Pakistan


9:40 - WICKET! Tahir strikes as Masood is bowled for 21. He got an inside edge onto his stumps. Pakistan 52/3 after 22 overs. Great to see Smith persisting with the leg-spinner and getting rewarded!


9:36 - Younis plays Steyn to the leg side for two runs to bring up Pakistan's 50 - after 21 overs, for the loss of two wickets.


9:33 - GOOD NEWS FOR JOHAN BOTHA

Former Proteas off-spinner Johan Botha, currently playing in Australia, has passed the biomechanical analysis of his bowling action and is free to continue playing. This comes after his action again came under scrutiny recently.

CLICK HERE for the full story.


9:32 - Steyn now back into the attack. Another wicket before lunch would be priceless...


9:23 - Tahir (0-9 in four overs) is bowling a tidy spell here, but not a lot of turn so far...


9:21 - Younis Khan is the new batsman in. It will be interesting to see how he plays, especially after he was yesterday left out of Pakistan's one-day squad...


9:18 - WICKET! Morkel strikes, he gets Ali out LBW. As expected, the decision will be reviewed. Replays indicate that it would have clipped leg stump so the decision stays with the umpire's call. Ali is a gonner! Pakistan 38/2 after 17 overs.


9:05 - TWEET

The DSC sounds more like a boy band concert than a cricket match today #PakvSA #Cricket - Saj Sadiq


9:00 - DRINKS: Pakistan 27/1 after 13 overs.


9:00 - Ali brilliantly hits Morkel off his legs for four... oh now it's only three as this outfield looks terribly slow...


8:53 - Leg-spinner Imran Tahir now also into the attack. This must be some sort of a record. When last - if ever - have the Proteas bowled a spinner in the 12th over on Day 1!?


8:52 - Good lines from Morkel as well. He starts with a maiden.


8:48 - First bowling change as Morné Morkel replaces Steyn in the 11th over.


8:44 - TWEET

Good start by SA bowlers, but still believe it's vital Pak restricted to 270 or less in 1st dig, considering Dubai trends ... - Rob Houwing


8:41 - Pundits are predicting that the pitch - which is incredibly dry - will already start to turn tomorrow. That means we probably won't see this match go the full five days.


8:34 - DID YOU KNOW?

This Test is the first Test that Hashim Amla misses since April 2006.

Rumour has it that Amla's wife is yet to give birth because doctors are saying the baby is just like its father - very tough to get out...


8:32 - Good to see Dale Steyn is not hampered by the hamstring which almost ruled him out of the game. He is steaming in big time here!


8:25 - Tidy start by the Proteas openers. Pakistan 7/1 after 5 overs.


8:20 - A bunch of school kids have arrived at the ground. Good to see some sort of a crowd in now...


8:17 - That was a wasted review from South Africa though. Smith was fooled by Faf's acrobatics and theatrics in after diving to take the "catch".


8:15 - TWEET

I'm in Dubai, watching the Test. Forming a significant percentage of the total attendance. Still, I've played to smaller crowds. Often. - Andy Zaltzman


8:13 - It's given NOT OUT. Clearly came off Ali's arm. South Africa lose their first review.


8:12 - Another wicket!? Faf takes another catch but Ali stands his ground and is given not out... South Africa review the decision...


8:11 - GREAT CROWD IN FOR TODAY'S GAME


Beautiful silence... #dubaicricketstadium - Firdose Moonda


8:07 - TWEET

Steyn looks pumped. Already Proteas looking sharper compared to first session of first Test - Jon Cardinelli


8:06 - Great first over from Steyn, clearly some early away-swing. Vernon Philander to bowl the second over.


8:03 - Azhar Ali is the new man in.


8:01 - WICKET! The "Steyn Remover" strikes with the second ball of the day. Manzoor is out for a duck, caught at fourth slip by Faf du Plessis.


8:00 - Some away-swing first up as Steyn beat the outside edge with the first ball!


08:00 - Dale Steyn will open proceedings for South Africa. He bowls to Manzoor.


7:59 - The players have arrives onto the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ground...


7:55 - Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Khurram Manzoor are padded up and waiting. Five minutes before play starts.


7:54 - Meanwhile, back in South Africa there is much unhappiness about India's upcoming tour to SA being shortened.

The month-long tour in December will comprise of a mere two Tests and three ODIs - much less than the three Tests, seven ODIs and three T20s initially planned.

This is due to the BCCI's bullying tactics, and former Proteas fast bowler Fanie de Villiers says cricket's western powers, South Africa, England and Australia must now stand together to boycott India.

What do you think? Let us know: news@sport24.co.za

CLICK HERE to read what Fanie had to say.


7:51 - DID YOU KNOW?

This winning toss was the first toss Pakistan have won in 10 Tests...


7:42 - The Pakistan starting XI is unchanged from the one that won the first Test by seven wickets in Abu Dhabi.


7:37 - It's a good decision to pick Tahir ahead of Peterson, as the latter struggled in Abu Dhabi. This surface will also be conducive to the leg-spinner... 


7:36 - PROTEAS TEAM UPDATE

Imran Tahir replaces Robin Peterson.

Also, Dean Elgar is in for Hashim Amla who has flown back to South Africa as his wife is due to give birth.


7:35 - GOOD NEWS!

Some good news for South Africa is that Dale Steyn has passed his fitness test and is ready to play!


7:32 - TOSS UPDATE

Pakistan have won the toss and will bat first. Ouch! Already the first "mini battle" won by the Pakistanis.


7:29 - PITCH UPDATE

Kepler Wessels says the surface incredibly dry, and will spin a lot more than last week in Abu Dhabi. Therefore, the team winning the toss would definitely want to bat first. He says it already looks like a day two pitch. Hopefully we will see Imran Tahir be brought in for South Africa...


7:25  - Good morning and welcome to the first day's coverage of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Dubai!


7:00 - Talking about Proteas fast bowlers, check out Morne Morkel having some fun in the pool in the UAE

Watch HERE...


7:00 - THE MOST IMPORTANT HAMMIE IN THE PROTEAS' TEAM?

We think so!

Click HERE to find out who it belongs to...


7:00 - PROTEAS SWEAT ON STEYN

The world's top-ranked Test bowler, Dale Steyn, is ALSO under an injury cloud.

Steyn, who had a forgettable first Test, wasn't able to train on Sunday or Monday with a sore right hamstring.

Graeme Smith's men will be sweating on his availability no doubt! 


7:00 - AMLA ON BABY ALERT

Although unconfirmed at this stage, the Proteas could be without star batsmen Hashim Amla in Dubai.

Amla flew back to SA to be with his wife at the birth of their second child.

At present it's unclear whether Amla will be back in time for the start of the second Test.

Amla's importance to the team was underlined by his top-score of 118 in the first innings in Abu Dhabi.


7:00 - NO DONALD

The Proteas will be without bowling coach Allan Donald for the Test in Dubai.

Donald has returned home because of undisclosed family reasons and high performance coach Vincent Barnes will replace him.

Click HERE for the full article...


7:00 - PROTEAS ON THE MOVE - GOOD AND BAD

The latest ICC rankings had both good and bad news for the Proteas after their defeat in Abu Dhabi

AB de Villiers moved up to second in the Test batsmen rankings - behind team-mate Hashim Amla - but Jacques Kallis dropped to second in the all-rounder category.

Clicker to read about ABs rise - and Kallis' fall...


7:00 - Talking of Peterson, he was fined 50% of his match fee after the Test in Abu Dhabi.

Click HERE to read why...


7:00 - Plenty of reaction since the Proteas lost the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

Sport24 chief writer Rob Houwing suggested the Proteas need to gamble on Imran Tahir after a woeful performance with the ball by Robin Peterson.

Click HERE to read Rob's full article...


7:00 - STATS

The Proteas have an 11-4 head-to-head advantage against Pakistan in Test matches.


TOUR ITINERARY

A reminder of the Proteas' tour itinerary against Pakistan

Tests

October 14-18, First Test, Abu Dhabi - Pakistan won by seven wickets
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 (captain), Alviro Petersen, Dean Elgar, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wicketkeeper), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir


UMPIRES

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


Welcome to Sport24's LIVE UPDATES and interactive commentary from Day 1 of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Dubai.


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