Amla, Kallis take hosts home early

South Africa won their first Test against Pakistan by seven wickets on Monday after an unbroken 119-run partnership between Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis.

South Africa won their first Test against Pakistan by seven wickets on Monday after an unbroken 119-run partnership between Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis.

South Africa reached the target of 199 during the second session on the final day at Centurion Park. Amla hit his second half century of the match, adding 64 to his first-innings 71. Kallis was not out 60.

“South Africa batted very well in the last innings,” Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said. “We will be better in the next Test because we have had some practice on South African pitches now.”

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Resuming on 69/2 after losing more than an hour to rain, South Africa lost nightwatchman Paul Harris when he was caught by Faisal Iqbal for seven off the bowling of Mohammad Asif.

“I thought for a while that maybe Paul and I could get South Africa home,” joked Amla. “But then it was great to be able to bat with Jacques. He is such a steadying influence.”

Asif had figures of 2/56 off 14 overs, but he bowled nine no-balls to follow his 15 in the first innings. The Proteas were dismissed for 417 in reply to Pakistan’s 313 for a first innings lead of 104. Pakistan then made 303 in their second innings.

The second in the three-Test series is in Port Elizabeth from Friday January 19.

Brief scores

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Pakistan: 313 & 302 vs South Africa: 417 & 199/3 (G Smith 32, H Amla 64 n.o., J Kallis 60 n.o.; Mohammad Asif 2/56)

South Africa win by seven wickets

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