It was a transfixing Test match at Dubai. Balance shifted from one end
to the other on each new day. South Africa looked in the driving seat at stumps
on day 1, and one day 2 it was Pakistan who were looking better. Overall
it came down to what should've been an easy win for South Africa: 451 runs and
131 overs to dismiss Pakistan. Pakistan fought valiantly and drew the Test to
ripe up the second and decisive encounter at Sheikh Zayed Stadium starting from
20th November.
Click for Live Score Card of Pakistan Vs South Africa
Pakistan is the home team in the series, and they have drawn a big support in
both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but not in Test matches. Pakistan are a weakened side,
or we thought so. Frontline players like Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Asif, Danish
Kaneria, Mohammad Yousaf and Zulqarnain Haider (their first choice wicketkeeper)
missing, to add to that they have a new captain.
But seemingly Pakistan would leave all this behind going into the game on Saturday.
Wahab Riaz , the secondary fast bowler in the squad is also ruled out of the injuries,
leaving only Umer Gul as a recognized strike bowler in the team. The conditions
in Abu Dhabi are expected to be slightly less flat, with both seamers and spin
bowlers hoping to extract something. The key would rest on Younis Khan
and Misbah ul Haq in the middle order, if Pakistan are to have a shot at the game,
these two will have to fire.
Pakistan have won one Test with three losses and one draw in the recent five fixtures.
South Africa looked like a dejected team when they offered Misbah ul Haq to call
it game. In the first session they were sledging, jumping and shouting all around
Younis and Misbah, it decreased in the second session and completely diminished
in the third session.
Perhaps the biggest worry for South Africa would lie in Dale Steyn performace;
he was way below his usual standards in Test match at Dubai. Another cause of
concern would be their spinners, even though Botha took three in the first innings,
both he and Harris could not get much turn out of the wicket that can be a crucial
factor in Abu Dhabi. South Africa would be resting on their rich batting
line up and hoping to field better to seal the series they are favorites for.
South Africa will come to Abu Dhabi with two wins, two draws and one loss in their
five games.
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