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nd Innings Pakistan

The batting started on a wrong note for the touring team but then it gained some momentum. Imam and the nightwatchman, Abbas did well in the first hour today but after that they lost wickets in a heap. Sarfraz and Babar formed a counter-attacking partnership and put Pakistan on track. Just when everything looked hunky-dory, Sarfraz threw his wicket away and that triggered a collapse. Just imagine, had South Africa not dropped 5 catches in the field, it would have been even worse for the visiting team. Now, their backs are to the wall and they once again need some inspirational performances from their bowlers. Let's see how it goes from here...

Which team is the most unpredictable in world cricket? Pakistan. Pakistan. Pakistan. Period. They can do anything. Force a collapse with the ball when the chips are down and then collapse themselves spectacularly when things are going too well. They always keep their fans and the cricketing fraternity on the edge of their seats.

Collapse, collapse everywhere! South Africa yesterday and Pakistan today. From 169/5 to 185 all out. A handy 77-run lead has been gained by the hosts and it's once again Duanne Olivier doing the maximum damage. He picks up the ball as a souvenir and leads his team off the park.

49.4

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, OUT! That is all over, KG Rabada has his second of the innings. Pakistan have lost their last two without scoring a run and their last five for 16 runs. They have been bowled out under 50 overs in a Test match. Olivier and Rabada have been too hot to handle for the lower order. This one is on a length outside off, Shadab goes to cut the ball but instead just ends up pushing it in the air to Theunis de Bruyn at gully. Simple catch, well taken and that's that. Pakistan are bowled out for 185 and have conceded a lead of 77. A big lead in the context of the game and considering the conditions.

49.3

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Length ball on top of off stump, defended comfortably towards cover.

49.2

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Sprays this length ball well down the leg side. Khan wants to put bat on it but it is too wide.

49.1

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Bouncer on the leg stump line, Shadab moves away from the line of the ball and leaves it well in the end.

over

49 | 2 Runs | HH: 185/9

48.6

Duanne Olivier to Hasan Ali, Almost had the last one there! Bowls a short of a length ball at the hips, Hasan is in a awkward position as he tries to defend this on the leg side. The ball goes off the edge and flies away from short leg. No run taken.

48.5

Duanne Olivier to Hasan Ali, Another one on length outside off, Ali defends well away from his body.

48.4

Duanne Olivier to Hasan Ali, Length ball on top of middle, Hasan defends it away nervously.

Drinks break. Extraordinary turn of events in the past hour. Pakistan started the afternoon session like a train on fire as they hammered runs at a brisk rate. But then, South Africa made a resounding comeback and ran through their lower half. Sarfraz, Babar and Faheem got dismissed in quick time with the score reading 169. Duanne Olivier once again has been the chief destroyer and now the Protean are just one wicket away from gaining a handy lead. Hasan Ali has joined Shadab Khan in the middle.

48.3

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, OUT! A very simple, soft wicket and Pakistan have lost their ninth. Olivier has five, his third one in Test cricket. Short of a length ball aimed at the ribs of the batsman. It is too good for the tailender who tries to fend it off on the leg side but gives a simple catch to short leg. Hamza with yet another catch. The short ball has been doing the trick since Lunch and Pakistan have just collapsed quite spectacularly again here. 4 wickets for 16 runs. The last pair out in the middle with a deficit of 77 still.

48.2

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, The short of a length delivery has been cut away square on the off side towards point. No run though.

48.1

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Length ball outside off, pushed away through the covers for a couple by Amir.

over

48 | 2 Runs | HH: 183/8

47.6

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Length ball above the off stump, defended from within the crease by Khan.

47.5

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Amir, Another bouncer! This time it flies too high and de Kock jumps to take it but cannot hold on cleanly. The ball runs behind and a bye is stolen. The umpire also gives a warning to the bowler for a second bouncer in the over.

47.4

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Amir, A bumper on middle and leg, Mohd. Amir ducks under it and evades the ball.

47.3

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Amir, Another short of a length ball on off stump, defended with a straight bat.

47.2

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Amir, Length ball outside off, punched to mid off by the southpaw.

47.1

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Good length ball outside off, Shadab pushes it to the off side and sets off for a single but is sent back by his partner. Bavuma at point comes around, picks the ball and has a shy at the striker's end. No back up there and an overthrow is taken. Pakistan eventually get the single they wanted there.

over

47 | 8 Runs | HH: 181/8

46.6

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Bouncer! Amir ducks under the ball.

46.5

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, FOUR! Just flies wide of the fielder at point! Would have been a brilliant take had he gotten to that one. Fuller length ball outside off, Amir goes for the drive and gets an outside edge that flies towards the left of Bavuma at point. The ball goes to the boundary instead.

46.4

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, FOUR! Olivier goes for the yorker but misses his mark by quite some distance. It goes as a full toss and Amir removes his front foot out of the way and pushes it through mid on. The fielder is quite wide and cannot come around in time. Another four ensues.

46.3

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Around the wicket now, the ball comes in with the angle after landing on a short length. Mohammad leaves it alone pretty late.

46.2

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Chin music time, bouncer but this one goes on with the angle. Amir sways out of the way of the ball.

46.1

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Short length delivery on top of off stump to begin, Amir defends from within the crease.

over

46 | 4 Runs | HH: 173/8

45.6

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Short of a length outside off, Shadab goes for the slash but fails to connect the ball. End of an eventful over.

45.5

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Length ball outside off, takes the outside edge of Shadab as he tries to drive this one through cover. Goes to gully on a bounce.

45.4

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Bouncer on middle! A typical response from a fast bowler. Khan ducks under it. De Kock makes a good take jumping high.

45.3

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Lovely way to get off the mark! On a length outside off, Shadab takes a big stride forward and crunches his drive through the covers. And the ball runs across the lush Wanderers outfield for a boundary.

45.2

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Good length delivery on top of off stump, pushed back towards mid off by the batsman on the back foot.

45.1

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Well outside off, left alone by Shadab.

over

45 | 0 Runs | HH: 169/8

44.6

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Beauty! Fractionally short and on off, moving away, Amir sticks back and pokes at it only to get beaten. End of a double-wicket maiden!

44.5

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Play and a miss! Amir has enough sighters. Goes after a short delivery outside off, throws his bat at it but fails to connect.

44.4

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, Bouncer on this occasion, on middle, Amir ducks at the last moment.

44.3

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Amir, No hat-trick! Easily left by Amir. It's on a back of a length outside off, MA stays back and leaves it.

Mohammad Amir is in next to face the hat-trick ball.

44.2

Duanne Olivier to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! Bounced out! Two wickets in two balls. Faheem walks back without troubling the scorers. A brilliant bouncer first up to the left-hander. And absolutely poor stuff follows as Ashraf goes for the pull. The pace and bounce are too much and the ball lobs off the shoulder of the bat, softly to Hamza at short leg. Takes the easiest grab. 169/5 to 169/8. Fourth one for Olivier who is on a hat-trick now!

Faheem Ashraf is next to the crease at number 9.

44.1

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, OUT! Bang! Bang! Babar is out of here, missing out on his half century by a run. Olivier gets his third wicket. Bowls his favourite short delivery, well-directed at the batsman, Azam tries to wheel the pull shot but it takes the top edge and flies straight to Rabada at fine leg. So once again Pakistan's free-flowing innings has hit a roadblock. Both the set batsmen are back in the pavilion.

over

44 | 2 Runs | HH: 169/6

43.6

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Khan has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. Successful over for Kagiso Rabada!

43.5

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Back of a length ball on off, defended from the crease.

43.4

Kagiso Rabada to Shadab Khan, Play and a miss! Angles in a length ball on off, shaping away, Shadab pushes inside the line and misses.

Shadab Khan is in next.

43.3

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, OUT! Taken on the second attempt by Amla in the slip cordon. Hurled on a length outside off, Sarfraz tries to cut it away. It flies off the outside edge to Hashim at first slip at head height. He goes at it with soft hands and though the ball pops out at the first attempt, he does well to grab it on the second. An entertaining innings comes to an end. Sarfraz looks disappointed as he walks off. Should have been more sensible with his shot selection. The 78-run stand is over and the deficit is 93 now.

43.2

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, Well left outside off this time.

43.1

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, Outside off on a length, Sarfraz guides it to the left of deep point. A couple is taken. And that will be FIFTY for the skipper. His 18th in Tests. A really good, counter-attacking innings! Has brought Pakistan back in the game somewhat. Needs to go on though.

over

43 | 5 Runs | HH: 167/5

42.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Four byes! What is going on here? An attempted bouncer from Olivier. The ball does not bounce as much and Babar ducked under it to evade the ball. It spirals wildly and beats a diving de Kock to his left. Runs away to the fence and it will be signalled as byes.

42.5

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, A short of a length delivery, Babar tries to pull it towards mid-wicket but the ball hits him high on the bat and runs towards mid on. No run.

42.4

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Length ball outside off, pushed away to deep point who is now in position. Single taken.

42.3

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Bowls a length delivery around off at 144 kph, Sarfraz tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

42.2

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Tries to tap and run but Babar sends him back immediately. The point fielder was attacking the ball there.

Mid on comes in. Mid-wicket moves a bit square.

42.1

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Play and a miss! Sarfraz is living dangerously at the moment. He is chasing every delivery outside off, throwing his bat at it and is lucky not to edge it behind. Needs to be a bit choosy in his shot selection.

over

42 | 9 Runs | HH: 162/5

41.6

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, A single to end the over. Sarfraz keeps strike by pushing this to cover and running to the other end. A shy at the stumps from Bavuma but the batsman was well in even if he had hit. The deficit is only 100 now for Pakistan.

41.5

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, Slightly ahead this time on middle and leg. Ahmed tucks it to mid-wicket.

41.4

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, Oooh! Beaten outside off! Brilliant comeback from Rabada after that boundary. Bowls this on a length outside off and Sarfraz tries the cut shot once more. Extra bounce causes the ball to beat him on this occasion.

41.3

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! That is the second boundary of the over. Would you believe it? 50 runs have been scored in 6.3 overs since Lunch. Short of a length outside off, Sarfraz opens the face of the bat and guides this wide of point for a boundary.

41.2

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, Fuller one outside off, Ahmed comes ahead and defends it back towards mid off.

41.1

Kagiso Rabada to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! Raining boundaries here! KG starts off with a full one outside off, Sarfraz comes ahead and drives this wide of point to his right and finds the gap. Lovely timing and it takes it to the fence.

KG Rabada is now on.

over

41 | 9 Runs | HH: 153/5

40.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Babar has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 42 in this session, so far.

40.5

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, FIVE RUNS AGAIN! South Africa gifting easy runs. Fuller in length outside off, Sarfraz drives it towards extra cover where Bavuma misfields and parries it towards mid off. They attempt for a run as Steyn (back on the field) attacks the ball and hurls in a throw at the non-striker's end. Misses the target and it races away to the fence.

40.4

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Full and outside off, driven straight towards wide mid off.

40.3

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Short and outside off, cut through point for one.

40.2

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Good chase, Zubayr! Length delivery wide outside off, Sarfraz chases it and slaps it through cover-point. It races away and the debutant also speeds after it. He pulls it back just before the rope and Bavuma, who has come in from point, does the rest. Three runs added to the total.

40.1

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Play and a miss! Sharp delivery, short and on off, Sarfraz leans back to play the ramp shot but fails to make any connection. Needless attempt.

over

40 | 6 Runs | HH: 144/5

39.6

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, A length ball on off, angling back in, Babar defends it from the crease.

39.5

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Tickles it off his pads on the leg side, finds the gap and rotates the strike.

39.4

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

Dale Steyn is not on the field.

39.3

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Good length ball on off, defended off the back foot.

39.2

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! Shot! Once again the length is on the shorter side and Sarfraz forces it off his back foot through cover-point. The fielder gives the chase, dives forward to pull it back but the ball once again rolls towards the rope. 50-run stand comes up!

39.1

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, Back of a length delivery outside off, slapped square of the wicket on the off side and the point fielder made a diving half-stop. A single taken.

over

39 | 8 Runs | HH: 138/5

38.6

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Left alone outside off this time to end the over.

38.5

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! This is off the bat for sure! Fuller length outside off, Sarfraz comes forward and opens the face of the bat as he guides this in the gap wide of point. No stopping that one, runs away.

38.4

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Four leg byes! The ball is sprayed down on the pads and Sarfraz helps it on its way. It goes fine on the leg side and runs away to the fence. Signalled as runs but it seemed to have come off the pads though. Changes the decision to leg byes later.

38.3

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, On the pads this time, worked to the mid-wicket fielder.

38.2

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Just falls short yet again! Living a charmed life here Sarfraz. Outside off on the corridor of uncertainty, Ahmed comes ahead to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge towards third slip. Falls just in front of de Bruyn there. Good bowling from Olivier.

38.1

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Just short! A short of a length delivery on middle and jags in a bit after landing. Sarfraz tries to fend it away but gets a glove on it and the ball falls just short of a diving Quinton de Kock as he dives to his right to take that. Lucky for the skipper.

over

38 | 4 Runs | HH: 130/5

37.6

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, Ooohh! Keeps low outside off. Bowled on a good length and wide outside off, the right-handed Azam wanted to cut it away but the ball kept low and went under the bottom of his willow. Good take from de Kock.

37.5

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, Shortens the length immediately, Azam defends this back from the crease towards mid on.

37.4

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, FOUR! Creamy straight drive! Overpitched this time on off stump, Babar Azam holds his shape and drives it to the right of mid off. Well-timed and the fielder has no chance to stop it once the ball crosses him.

37.3

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, On a length once more outside off, defended on the back foot by the batsman.

37.2

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, Short one outside off again, Babar stands in his crease and punches the ball to cover.

37.1

Vernon Philander to Babar Azam, Outside off on a length and Azam plays it with an angled bat towards point.

over

37 | 7 Runs | HH: 126/5

36.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Yorker length ball on off, dug out by Azam. A quick single is taken as he keeps strike.

36.5

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Fuller one outside off, driven down the ground with a straight bat.

36.4

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, FIVE RUNS! Poor from South Africa on the field. Fuller length ball outside off, Sarfraz drives this to cover and sets off for a quick single. Bavuma moves to his left and picks up the ball. Has a shy at the non-striker's end and the throw isn't backed up well by Philander. Four overthrows plus the single. The umpire signals five.

36.3

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, This is much-better from Sarfraz. Length ball outside off, defended confidently this time.

36.2

Duanne Olivier to Sarfraz Ahmed, Ripper! Kicks off from a good length outside off and shapes away too. The skipper who was trying to feel for the ball is beaten well and truly on the outside.

36.1

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Short of a length ball on middle, Azam stands tall and swats this to the deep cover-point region for a single. Decided against a second seeing the fielder reach it quickly.

Duanne Olivier replaces Dale Steyn from this end after Lunch.

over

36 | 8 Runs | HH: 119/5

35.6

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Solid defense to end the over.

35.5

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Goes back to the length ball outside off, the ball runs to point as the batsman plays it with an angled bat.

35.4

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! Lovely cover drive! That's his fourth boundary in 8 balls. Fuller length ball outside off, Ahmed comes ahead and drives this wide of mid off. It's timed beautifully and will reach the ropes.

35.3

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Outside off once more, this time Sarfraz gets it off the outside half of the bat towards gully. It was slightly in the air but well short in the end.

35.2

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, DROPPED AND FOUR! Fifth catch of the day down for South Africa. Wide outside off and Sarfraz goes chasing. The ball takes a thick edge and flies to the right of Elgar at second slip. He jumps and gets his hands to the ball but cannot hold on. It runs away to the fence for a boundary.

35.1

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Length ball on off and shapes away slightly late. Ahmed lets it go.

The two Pakistan batsmen, the South African team and the umpires are back in the middle for the second session. Sarfraz to take strike. Vernon Philander to bowl. The keeper is up to the stumps.

... Day 2, Second Session ...

We also saw a slight injury to Dale Steyn in the session but it was nice to see him come back in the end and bowl a few overs. The pitch was also acting a little spicy and the batsmen took a few hits as they tried to defend. Batting is not looking that easy and South Africa will try to dismiss the bottom half quickly and get a sizeable lead. There should be some reverse swing for the bowlers too now. The visitors meanwhile will look to add runs and get as close to the SA total as possible. Will the skipper and Babar stand up? Join us for the afternoon session in a while to find out.

What an exciting and eventful session of play here on Day 2. The South Africans have bowled really well but have not been backed up by their fielders. Pakistan could have lost many more wickets than the three they did so far if not for the four dropped catches and a missed run out chance. The overnight batsmen benefited a lot from these and survived the whole first hour till Drinks. But after the break, the fielders got their act together and South Africa held onto the three chances that came their way. Both the overnight batsmen have departed as well as Asad Shafiq who bagged a duck. Olivier got two and Philander got the other one. Right now, a really confident-looking Babar Azam and Sarfraz Ahmed are at the crease. Both have hit a few crisp boundaries. The hosts will not mind their approach as they know that chances will come their way.

over

35 | 12 Runs | HH: 111/5

34.6

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Angling in around off, Azam covers the line and presents a straight bat. That will be Lunch on Day 2!

34.5

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Good length delivery outside off, Babar allows it through to the keeper.

34.4

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, FOUR! Oh goodness, effortless hitting by Babar. Steyn has a wry smile on his face. He offers width there, the length is short and Babar smashes it in front of square on the off side for a boundary. Nelson on the board!

34.3

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Good length delivery outside off, Azam shoulders arms in quite a stylish manner.

34.2

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, FOUR! Shouts of catch it but it's in the gap and results in another boundary. Back of a length ball outside off, Azam camps back to punch it but it goes aerially off the outside half of his bat. Past point and it races away. Pakistan dealing in boundaries currently.

34.1

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, FOUR! Cut away for a boundary. Babar is after Steyn here. Short and wide outside off, Azam rocks back and spanks it square of the wicket on the off side.

over

34 | 8 Runs | HH: 99/5

33.6

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Sarfraz has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 8 runs and a wicket from the over.

33.5

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, Angles in a full ball on off, Ahmed defends it right under his watchful eyes.

33.4

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! This one is equally pleasing to the eyes. Sarfraz has come out with positive intent. The last one was off the front foot and this one is off the back foot. He transfers his weight on the back leg to a shortish ball outside off and strokes it smartly through covers.

33.3

Vernon Philander to Sarfraz Ahmed, FOUR! A cracking start for the Pakistan skipper. A length delivery outside off, Sarfraz reaches out for it and drives it superbly through covers for a boundary.

Sarfraz Ahmed is the next batsman to the crease.

33.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, OUT! Another good one taken in the slip cordon! Dean Elgar, the captain is the one with the catch. Length ball outside off, kicks off after hitting a crack maybe. Imam looking to defend from the crease has been done by the bounce and slight deviation as well. The ball goes off the shoulder of the bat. Flies at a good height towards second slip. Elgar dives to his left and holds on beautifully. Half the side back in the hut now!

33.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller length ball outside off, Imam tries to drive this one but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat down towards mid on.

over

33 | 8 Runs | HH: 91/4

32.6

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Appeal for an lbw! Not given! Steyn gets a good length ball to shape back into the batsman. Azam tries to defend it by getting half-forward but misses. He is hit on the back leg, Steyn puts in a vociferous appeal but the umpire remains unmoved. Dean Elgar thinks about reviewing it but is not convinced much by Steyn. Height factor, the replays confirm later.

32.5

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, FOUR! Another beautiful shot! Steyn cannot be faulted for trying there. He serves a full ball on middle with the intention to swing it towards off. But this one ends up being too straight and Babar flicks it in front of square leg for a boundary.

32.4

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, FOUR! Fine shot! Fractionally short and just outside off, Babar keeps his weight on the back foot and punches it sweetly through the gap at extra cover.

32.3

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Lovely delivery. Nice and full around off, a hint of outward shape, Babar gets ahead and blocks it.

32.2

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

32.1

Dale Steyn to Babar Azam, Back of a length delivery on off, Babar punches off the back foot but straight towards Olivier at wide mid off. In the first Test match, Azam took Steyn to the cleaners. What will happen this time around?

Dale Steyn is back! He's fit and fine, raring to go again...

over

32 | 4 Runs | HH: 83/4

31.6

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Action replay of the previous delivery. Imam is forced to stay inside the crease as he is leaving those.

31.5

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Good length delivery outside off, Imam shoulders arms.

31.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Quinton de Kock comes up to the stumps for this delivery to cut down Imam's movement outside the crease. But the line from Philander ain't great. It's angling down and Imam neatly deflects it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

31.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Identical to the last delivery, this time Imam has defended it from the middle of his blade.

31.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Right on the button this time. On a length around off, coming back in a shade, Imam is forward in defense. It takes the inner half and rolls to square leg.

31.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Wrong line to begin this spell. Slips a length ball down the leg side, Imam tries to take advantage but fails to middle his flick shot.

Vernon Philander is back into the attack.

over

31 | 1 Runs | HH: 79/4

30.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Full and outside off, pushed towards extra cover to end the over.

30.5

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Bouncer this time to mix things up. On middle and Babar ducks underneath it.

30.4

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Another teaser. Duanne is playing with Babar's patience. Putting it on a driving length outside and trying to force a false shot from the batsman. Azam ain't interested.

30.3

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, A tempter! Full and outside off, moving away off the seam, Babar watches it closely before making a leave.

30.2

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, A length ball on middle and leg, it's turned in front of square leg for a single.

30.1

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Miscued! Short in length and outside off, rising more than expected, Imam somehow gets on top of the bounce but mistimes his pull shot back to the bowler.

over

30 | 5 Runs | HH: 78/4

29.6

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Edged but safe! Good length ball outside off, Azam pushes at it inside the line and gets a thin outside edge. Doesn't carry to Theunis at third slip.

29.5

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

29.4

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Good length ball on off, defended from the crease to the off side.

29.3

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, FOUR! Azam has got great eyes. Sees the short ball coming his way quite early and waits for it on the back foot. As soon as it arrives, he packs a punch and pulls it down through mid on for a boundary. Striking at over 100 at the moment.

29.2

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, A gentle delivery in terms of line and length. The pace although is in the high-130s. Easily left by Babar.

29.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single.

over

29 | 8 Runs | HH: 73/4

28.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Left alone. An away swinger wide outside off, no need to flirt with those. 8 runs off this over, 17 off his last two. Olivier leaking valuable runs here.

28.5

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Shortish on off, defended from the back foot to the off side.

28.4

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.

28.3

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Sliding down the leg side, it's helped to deep backward square leg for another couple of runs as Rabada cuts it off in the deep.

28.2

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Stays back-footed to a short ball and punches it square of the wicket on the off side for a brace.

28.1

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, EDGY FOUR! Olivier almost wins the battle against Babar Azam. A touch short and outside off, Azam pushes inside the line from the crease and gets a fat outside edge. It flies past the diving gully fielder for a boundary.

over

28 | 2 Runs | HH: 65/4

27.6

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Shortish on off, jumping onto the batsman, Imam leaps on his back leg and defends it down on the off side.

27.5

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Rabada eyes a yorker but serves a low full toss on off, Imam is on the front foot as he pushes it to mid off.

27.4

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it towards mid off.

27.3

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Good length ball on off, angling away from the batsman, Imam plays inside the line and is beaten.

27.2

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Lands it on a good length around off, Babar taps it down to the right of point and hurries across to the other end as Temba Bavuma misses his shy at the non-striker's end.

27.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Short in length on middle, Imam jumps on his back foot and turns it in front of square leg for a run.

over

27 | 9 Runs | HH: 63/4

26.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar ends the over with a boundary, thereby winning the battle for the moment. A shade overpitched outside off and Azam has no qualms in driving it through covers for a boundary. End of an eventful over.

26.5

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Angles in a good length ball on off, Babar defends it off his back foot.

26.4

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Great battle going on. Test cricket at its best. Hit on the body, retorted with a boundary and the bowler responds with a peach. An away swinger landing on off, Babar has his feet glued to the crease as he pushes inside the line and misses. Top contest!

26.3

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, FOUR! That's a nice comeback by Babar Azam. Back of a length delivery around off, Azam keeps his weight on the back leg and pulls it powerfully past the left side of the mid-wicket fielder. Off the mark with a boundary.

Babar Azam is down on the ground, the ball has caught him on the chest. The medical team runs in to check on him as the players surround around him as well. Babar has a smile on his face, an indication that he's doing fine. Imam is seen encouraging him as Azam gets ready to take strike again. He hasn't got off the mark yet.

26.2

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, OUCH! Babar Azam is in terrible pain. Goes down on his haunches and his partner comes to help him out. Imam takes his helmet off and now the South African players are also checking Babar. Once again some visible extra bounce. The pitch is acting up really. It jumps up from a length around off, Azam tries to defend but misses and is hit near the chest area. That's painful.

26.1

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, A delivery with extra bounce around leg, Imam goes on his toes and drops it on the leg side. Looks for a run and they cross. Given as a leg bye.

over

26 | 1 Runs | HH: 54/4

25.6

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Another one whizzes past the outside edge, not the first time this morning. Around off on a length, straightening a bit to beat Babar's hanging bat. Top over by Kagiso!

25.5

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Good length ball on middle and off, it straightens a bit after landing and Babar gets opened up in defense. Does well eventually to defend it on the off side.

25.4

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Lands it on a shortish length and wide outside off, Azam shoulders arms this time.

25.3

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Angles in a length ball on off, Azam covers the line and blocks it solidly.

25.2

Kagiso Rabada to Babar Azam, Bowls it full and outside off, Babar reaches out for it and pushes it away from his body to cover-point.

25.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Fullish and around leg, it's been clipped in front of square leg for a single.

over

25 | 0 Runs | HH: 53/4

24.6

Duanne Olivier to Babar Azam, Cuts him in half first up! Length ball outside off, keeps a tad low. Azam was back in the crease and tried to keep it out off the back foot but the ball goes low and between his inside edge and his off stump. Pakistan starting to look really shaky here.

Babar Azam's turn to bat now.

24.5

Duanne Olivier to Asad Shafiq, OUT! One brings two! Asad bags a duck here! Poor, poor technique from Shafiq as he tried to duck under the bouncer without bringing his hands down, very strange as he usually has a good way of leaving the ball. Short of a length ball outside off, the batsman tried to evade the ball by going down but he forgot to bring his bat down as well. Hangs it out in the air and the ball pings off the glove and lobs to the keeper. De Kock has the simplest of catches and he is not going to drop that one. South Africa after a dry spell of an hour, have come roaring after the Drinks break. Pakistan losing their way yet again.

24.4

Duanne Olivier to Asad Shafiq, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

24.3

Duanne Olivier to Asad Shafiq, Extra bounce. It's around off and Shafiq tries defending from the crease. The ball jumps and hits his gloves before hitting him on the pads.

Asad Shafiq walks in at number 5, he would have been padded up for quite some time.

24.2

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Abbas, OUT! STOP THE PRESS! SOUTH AFRICA HAVE FINALLY TAKEN A CATCH!!! Abbas' lucky stay in the middle is over. Olivier delivers a full ball wide outside off, Abbas gets forward and pushes at it tentatively. It takes the outside edge and flies towards Theunis de Bruyn at third slip. He does well to react to his right and catch the ball safely. Plenty of relieved faces in the middle. The nightwatchman says good night but not before doing an amazing job. He survived a tough period last evening and also the first hour today. Well done, Abbas! Now it's over to Pakistan's fragile middle order. Can they put up a similar kind of a fight?

24.1

Duanne Olivier to Mohammad Abbas, Too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact.

Drinks break. Extraordinary first hour! Pakistan have managed to survive without losing a single wicket. That's miracle in itself. South Africa have also assisted them in that by dropping four catches, yes, you read it right... FOUR CATCHES and add a missed run out chance also. Very clumsy. Has Pakistan's fortune finally changed in this part of the country? Can they survive the next hour too without much damage? Let's wait and watch.

over

24 | 2 Runs | HH: 53/2

23.6

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Left alone outside off to end the over. Average stuff from South Africa here, need to regroup and talk soon, maybe the Drinks break will help.

23.5

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length outside off, kept out towards cover off the back foot.

23.4

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Well outside off, left alone by the batsman.

23.3

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Lots of confusion again! Flicked to the leg side by Imam and Abbas is late as he responds to his partner's call for a second. A better throw or a direct hit from the deep square leg fielder could have found the batsman short. Even the bowler, Rabada, had he been at the stumps could have found the batsman short it looks like. Amazing luck for Pakistan though, quite extraordinary.

23.2

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, DROPPED, RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED - All on the same delivery! What a comedy of errors going on here at the Bullring! A good length ball on off stump, Imam tries to defend but the ball flies off his outside edge towards first slip. Hashim Amla was in position but alas, de Kock dives to his left and tries to take it. He can't hold on and that is the fourth catch that has gone down this morning. That was not all. The ball runs down fine but Imam was ball watching. His partner Abbas wanted a run and was more than halfway down. Elgar who gave chase throws it towards Rabada who then has a shy at the bowler's end with three stumps to aim at. He misses it and Abbas is safe. Would have been well short had he hit. Could have even given it to Olivier who was backing up to hit the stumps. So much confusion!

23.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on middle, Imam tries to flick it away but misses the ball. Gets hit on the thigh pad.

over

23 | 1 Runs | HH: 51/2

22.6

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, In the air...but won't carry to the man at deep square leg. A short of a length delivery on middle, Imam pulls it away in the air but unfortunately for SA, it drops well short of the fielder in the deep.

22.5

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on middle and leg, kept out towards mid-wicket off the back foot.

22.4

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Another one to which Imam shoulders arms to outside off.

22.3

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, On a length outside off, left alone by Imam on this occasion.

22.2

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on middle, defended towards cover by the southpaw.

22.1

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Bouncer! Imam ducks and lets the ball go through.

over

22 | 4 Runs | HH: 50/2

21.6

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Oooh! Outside edge but does not carry. Length ball on off, Abbas tries to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge but luckily for the batsman it does not carry to the slip cordon.

21.5

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, A short ball and Abbas thinks that it will bounce a lot more than it did. Moves out of the way awkwardly as the ball goes through to the keeper.

21.4

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Short length delivery on middle and leg, Abbas climbs on top of the ball and keeps it down towards mid-wicket.

21.3

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Outside off on a length, left alone by Mohammad.

21.2

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, flicked away through mid-wicket. The ball doesn't reach the fence but the batsmen pick up three by the time the ball is returned from the deep. 50 up for Pakistan! This stand is worth 44 now.

21.1

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Fuller one on the pads, worked away to fine leg for a single by Abbas.

over

21 | 2 Runs | HH: 46/2

20.6

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, A good length delivery on middle to end the over. The lefty is solid in defense. That is 12 overs this morning without a wicket.

20.5

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length once more on middle and leg, Imam rides the bounce and plays it to point.

20.4

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Another one hurled well outside off and left alone once more by Imam.

20.3

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Well outside off on this occasion, left alone by the southpaw.

20.2

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on middle, kept out towards mid-wicket with an angled bat this time.

20.1

Duanne Olivier to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length ball on middle to start with, Imam pulls this away to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Duanne Olivier is now into the attack, replacing Steyn.

over

20 | 1 Runs | HH: 44/2

19.6

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

19.5

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Feels for a length delivery outside off and is beaten.

19.4

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Well wide outside off, no need to play at those.

19.3

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, Angling in, Abbas has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

19.2

Kagiso Rabada to Mohammad Abbas, A touch short and around off, shaping away a bit, Abbas stays back and lets it be.

19.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Too full and on middle, Imam leans across and flicks it wide of mid on for a run.

Steyn is seen going off the field for some medical attention. Looks really frustrated as he makes his way up the stairs.

over

19 | 0 Runs | HH: 43/2

18.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, What happened there??? Abbas is certainly not at ease out in the middle but it does not matter as long he is surviving. Length ball just outside leg and holding its line. The batsman shuffles across to play it on the leg side but misses the ball. It flies just over the leg stump. Lucky for Mohammad.

18.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, DROPPED AGAIN! Would you believe it?? De Kock on this occasion has put down what he would normally take. There seems to be something in the air this morning maybe. Nothing wants to stick. A fuller length one just outside off and shaping slightly away, Abbas comes ahead and just hangs his bat out there. It takes the outside edge and goes towards the right of the keeper. Quinton dives to his right but the ball seems to have hit his wrist part and gone down. Unbelievable luck for the visitors at the start of the day.

After throwing the ball away from the deep in the previous over, Steyn is seen holding his shoulder. Hope he hasn't hurt himself.

18.4

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Length ball on off, kept out on the front foot by the batsman.

18.3

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Another bouncer on middle, Mohammad ducks under it and lets the ball go.

18.2

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Jaffa! Another shorter length ball on a perfect line above middle stump. Too good for a nightwatchman as Abbas manages somehow to sway out of the way and take his willow away too.

18.1

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Bouncer! Aimed at the head of the batsman and Abbas sways out of the way at the last moment.

over

18 | 10 Runs | HH: 43/2

17.6

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Two in two! On the pads this time and Imam glances it away really fine on the leg side. No fielder there and the ball runs away to the rope.

17.5

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Overpitched and Imam latches onto it in an instant. He flicks this away through mid-wicket for an easily picked boundary.

17.4

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Too high! A lovely ball on middle and it shapes in a lot more this time. Imam wanted to leave it thinking it will go on straight but the ball jags in and catches him on the top of the knee roll. He was also on his toes so the appeal is turned down by S Ravi. Good ball though.

17.3

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Hurled on middle this time and holding its line, Imam pushes it back towards the bowler.

17.2

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length this time, the southpaw is on his toes as he defends from within his crease.

17.1

Kagiso Rabada to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on the pads, flicked away by Imam towards square leg. A couple taken till the ball is returned.

Kagiso Rabada is now into the attack.

over

17 | 3 Runs | HH: 33/2

16.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Edgy but that's how Abbas has batted all morning and survived. Why to middle then? Full and on middle, Abbas presents a straight bat but it moves away late to catch the outside edge and rolls safely to point. End of an eventful over.

16.5

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Sliding down this time, Imam tickles it fine down the leg side for a run.

16.4

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Angling away from a length around off, Imam once again pokes at it and edges it past backward point for a brace.

16.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Once again gets on the front foot and defends it watchfully.

16.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Better! Imam has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

16.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, DROPPED AGAIN! It's spreading like an epidemic! Theunis de Bruyn is the culprit, not Dean Elgar. Will tell you why! Steyn hurls across a length ball on off, Imam has a tame push inside the line and gets a thick outside edge. It's travelling straight to Elgar at second slip but Theunis, who is standing a bit up at third slip, intervenes with a dive but fails to cup it. It gets deflected towards Elgar who is already put off by de Bruyn's movement. Another chance goes begging. Wake up, Saffas.

over

16 | 6 Runs | HH: 30/2

15.6

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Good length ball to end the over, Abbas comes ahead slightly and defends the ball with a straight bat.

15.5

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, FOUR! Insult to injury! Fuller and on the pads this time, flicked away by Abbas through square leg. The fine leg fielder cannot come around and the ball rolls to the boundary.

15.4

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, DROPPED! Lady luck shining brightly on Abbas today! This one is outside off, finds the edge and the ball flies at a good height to Temba Bavuma at gully. Was a regulation catch but the ball goes in and out! More frustration for the Proteas.

15.3

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Length ball on off and shaping away slightly, Mohammad pushes at this one and the ball runs off the outside half towards deep point for a couple.

15.2

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Well outside off, left alone by the batsman.

15.1

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Length ball on off, Abbas does well as he comes ahead and defends this ball towards cover.

over

15 | 0 Runs | HH: 24/2

14.6

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Ripper to end the over! Again landing on length and shaping away, Imam tries to come ahead and defend but the deviation is so much to beat the outside edge once more. South Africa doing everything right so far without getting the rewards.

14.5

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Excellent delivery! After 4 balls coming in, this one shapes away. Imam was beaten all ends up as he was trying to drive, very lucky not to get an outside edge.

14.4

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, This time it is fuller and Imam was playing back to one he should have been front to. Adjusts well in the end and keeps it out safely.

14.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on top of off, Imam stays back in the crease and defends this one to the off side.

14.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller length ball on middle, Imam comes ahead and pushes it back to mid on.

14.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, A length ball on off stump, coming in. Pushed back down the ground.

over

14 | 5 Runs | HH: 24/2

13.6

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Length ball on off and shaping away slightly, defended back down the ground this time.

13.5

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Outside off and this time left alone by the nightwatchman.

13.4

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, FOUR! Edged and a boundary! Frustration for South Africa. Fuller one outside off and the ball shapes away late. Abbas tries to drive but gets an outside edge that flies through the gap between gully and the slips. Runs to the fence. Welcome runs for Pakistan.

13.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Oooh! Would have had him plumb in front there! Length ball on middle and leg, comes in after landing. Imam was ahead in defense as he tried to push it back down the ground. It swings enough to take the inside edge and run to fine leg for a single. Super close!

13.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on middle, worked towards square leg by the lefty.

13.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller one on middle and coming in a bit, Imam pushes it back down the ground towards mid on.

over

13 | 0 Runs | HH: 19/2

12.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Misses the ball, again. Well done. As long as he is not nicking those, Pakistan won't mind. Tire the African bowlers. Good length ball on top of off stump, Abbas sticks back to defend but fails to put bat on ball as it nips away late. End of a testing over and the nightwatchman has the luck to survive.

12.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Luck is also with Abbas currently. Steyn puts it on a length close to off stump and forces Abbas to play at it. But the away movement again beats the outside edge.

12.4

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Doing just well to survive. Back of a length delivery on middle, Abbas goes on the back foot and defends it to the on side.

12.3

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Beaten on the drive! Not Abbas' mistake. He isn't equipped to deal with those. An away swinger by Steyn, on a driving length outside off. Mohammad minus footwork tries to play inside the line and misses.

12.2

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Beautiful delivery. Full and on middle, it straightens from there and Abbas also does well to play it out off his pads to mid-wicket. Had he missed, he would have been plumb in front.

12.1

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Steams in and hurls across a short delivery at 142 kph outside off, Abbas leans back and sways away from the line of fire.

over

12 | 0 Runs | HH: 19/2

11.6

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Close! Loud appeal but S Ravi says no. This one was bowled on a length around leg stump line and the ball straightened a tad bit. Imam missed his flick shot and got rapped on the pads, a loud appeal from all the fielders and the bowler but the umpire was unmoved. Dean Elgar decided not to review either. A good decision in hindsight as replays showed the ball to be just pitching outside leg. Would have been a review wasted!

11.5

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Is that a missed chance! Looks like it. This one is down the leg side and Imam loses balance as he tries to flick it away and his back leg was out of the crease for a moment there. De Kock though misses his collection and Haq can come back in time. Lucky reprieve! A chance missed by the Protea keeper though.

11.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, A good length ball once more on middle and leg, Imam clears the front leg and defends the ball back down.

11.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball outside off, left alone by the southpaw.

11.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Hurled on the leg stump line, pushed away to mid-wicket but no run.

11.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, The keeper is up to the wickets now. Imam can no longer venture outside his crease. Length ball on middle, Imam defends it on the leg side.

over

11 | 1 Runs | HH: 19/2

10.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Goes short this time and the ball tails away late once more and Mohammad plays inside the line to get beaten. Living a charmed life so far.

10.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Just on the line outside off and slight shape away, Abbas defends the ball with soft hands.

10.4

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Straying onto the pads, flicked away by Imam to deep square leg. Single taken.

10.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Well outside off on this occasion, Imam shoulders arms to this one.

10.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Slightly fuller this time, kept out with a straight bat once more.

10.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on off, Imam stands tall and defends from the crease.

Dale Steyn to bowl from the other end.

over

10 | 1 Runs | HH: 18/2

9.6

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Oooh! Too good for a nightwatchman. The ball is even closer to off this time and shapes away late. Abbas who wanted to put bat to ball could not do so as he is beaten on the outside once more.

9.5

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, Beaten outside off! On a length, keeps a tad low. Abbas goes fishing to feel the ball and it beats him on the outside as it shapes away late.

Imam-ul-Haq is standing well outside the crease, maybe to limit the swing.

9.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Short length ball on middle, tucked to square leg for a single this time. First run of the day.

9.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Outside off on a length, left alone by Imam this time.

9.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball once more on middle and off, comes in a bit. Well defended though.

9.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length ball on off stump, slightly coming in. Defended watchfully to cover-point.

The players are out in the middle as are the umpires. Imam-ul-Haq and partnering him will be Mohammad Abbas. Vernon Philander has the ball. Imam to take strike.

Welcome to the second day of the final Test between South Africa and Pakistan. Just like the previous two, this one too has moved at a really quick pace. We saw 12 wickets being lost on Day 1, the hosts posting 262 and the visitors losing two of their top three by the time Stumps were taken. With a fragile batting order to follow, I do not expect anything too different. The score set by the Proteas in their first essay, with the help of good contributions from Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, Theunis de Bruyn and debutant Zubayr Hamza seems to be a solid one and the visitors will have to bat really well to get close or go par it. The four-pronged pace attack versus the Pakistan batsmen who like to be free-flowing, on a track that has something for everybody. In my view, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam will have to put their hands up for Pakistan to make this game interesting. Should make for a fun and action-packed day of cricket. The first ball isn't too far away on Day 2, stay tuned!

... Day 2, Session 1 ...

Now then, Pakistan trail by 245 runs and need a few solid stands to bail them out. South Africa, on the other hand, will try and continue their good work on Day 2 and get a firm grip on this Test match. Wickets falling in a heap has been a norm in this series and it has continued with 12 wickets falling on the first day. Will we see yet another day enjoyed by the bowlers on Saturday or will the Pakistan batters stand up and deliver? Join us to find out at 1000 local (0800 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

In reply, the Pakistan batsmen had a 'nervy period' to survive before Stumps and they would have loved to end the day unscathed. But that was not to be as Philander had his tail up. The pacer first got the better of the in-form batter, Shan Masood and on the very next ball, he got the better of the out-of-form batsman, Azhar Ali. After that Imam and the nightwatchman, Mohammad Abbas somehow managed to survive and ensure there were no more hiccups.

The day began with the South African batters looking at ease against the Pakistan bowlers. They looked all set for a big first innings score after Markram's 90 and 40s from Amla, Hamza and de Bruyn but 7 wickets for 33 runs in the last session saw the hosts getting bundled out for 262.

An excellent day of Test cricket is what we have witnessed today! Pakistan would have been smiling during the innings break but it's South Africa now who will be the happier side.

over

9 | 4 Runs | HH: 17/2

8.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Fuller delivery swinging away from around off, Abbas hangs his bat out and luckily for him, it did not take the outside edge. Abbas is relieved. That will be Stumps on Day 1!

8.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Outside off, Abbas shoulders arms to it.

8.4

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Back of a length on middle, MA defends it off the back foot.

8.3

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Bowls it wide down leg, Abbas doesn't need to play at those.

8.2

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Bumper from Steyn on middle, Abbas ducks underneath it.

8.1

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, FOUR LEG BYES! Snorter from Steyn. He bangs it short on middle, Abbas was late to duck it, it hits the helmet and it flies over the keeper's head for a boundary.

over

8 | 0 Runs | HH: 13/2

7.6

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Bowls it full and wide down leg, Imam goes for the flick but misses it.

7.5

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller delivery swinging in, Imam defends it with a straight bat.

7.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, In the channel outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.

7.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, A tad short on off, Imam defends it from within the crease.

7.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, A touch fuller on off, Imam-ul-Haq pushes it towards point.

7.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length on middle, the batsman defends it off the back foot.

over

7 | 5 Runs | HH: 13/2

6.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Bouncer this time, Abbas ducks it at the last moment.

6.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

6.4

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Outside off, Abbas lets it go.

6.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, On a length and on middle, Imam tucks it to the leg side for a run.

6.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, FOUR! Streaky but effective. Length delivery on off, Imam tries to defend it but it hits the outside edge of the bat and the ball goes through gully for a boundary.

6.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Length delivery angling in, Imam defends it from within the crease.

over

6 | 1 Runs | HH: 8/2

5.6

Vernon Philander to Mohammad Abbas, BEATEN! Length delivery just outside off, Abbas tries to push at it. Luckily for him, he did not get an outside edge on that.

5.5

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length delivery on middle, Imam tucks it around the corner for a single.

5.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, In the channel outside off, Imam-ul-Haq shoulders arms to it.

5.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Similar delivery, the batsman pushes it to mid on.

5.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller delivery swinging in, Imam defends it by presenting the full face of the bat.

5.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, No hat-trick as Imam defends it solidly. A good ball though. It starts on middle and then tails back into the left-hander. Imam does not plant his front foot way too across as he knows the ball will be coming in. Gets his bat behind the delivery and keeps it out.

Hat-trick ball...

over

5 | 1 Runs | HH: 7/2

4.6

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, Outside off, Abbas lets it go.

4.5

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, BEATEN! Length delivery on middle, swinging away from the batter, Abbas tries to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten.

4.4

Dale Steyn to Mohammad Abbas, On the 5th stump line, left alone by Abbas.

4.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Short of a length on middle, Imam-ul-Haq pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

4.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Length delivery on middle, the batsman watchfully defends it.

4.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller delivery down leg, Imam still tries to flick it but misses it completely.

Who will come in next? Nightwatchman? Or a proper batsman? It's Mohammad Abbas. So Pakistan have sent out a tail-ender to deal with the fiery South African bowling. Hmmm....

over

4 | 0 Runs | HH: 6/2

3.6

Vernon Philander to Azhar Ali, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Azhar Ali bags a golden duck, Philander takes two in two and the South Africans are ecstatic. Azhar Ali's poor tour continues. Another top delivery. This is first angled into the batsman which means Ali has to play at it. It then leaves him late and Azhar ends up pushing inside the line. It takes the outside edge and goes to the right of de Kock. He completes the catch with a dive. A really unplayable delivery first up for Azhar. Pakistan in trouble here! Philander will be on a hat-trick in his next over.

Azhar Ali walks out to the middle.

3.5

Vernon Philander to Shan Masood, OUT! Now we know what the noise was, it was of the ball hitting the outside edge. Philander draws first blood quite early. Shan, the in-form batsman, departs. Philander bowls it on a length on off, Masood tries to defend it off the front foot but the ball goes away with the angle, seems to have taken the outside edge on its way and is caught by the keeper. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. Elgar, after a chat with his bowler and the keeper, opts for the review. There is a spike on Ultra Edge as the ball passes the bat. The crowd erupts as they know the on-field call has to be overturned.

Have South Africa got their first? A huge appeal for a caught behind has not been given. Masood is the man in question. There was a noise.

3.4

Vernon Philander to Shan Masood, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

3.3

Vernon Philander to Shan Masood, The ball is way wide down leg, Masood does not need to play at those.

3.2

Vernon Philander to Shan Masood, In the channel outside off, Masood lets it go.

3.1

Vernon Philander to Shan Masood, Back of a length on middle, Shan defends it from within the crease.

over

3 | 3 Runs | HH: 6/0

2.6

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller on off, Imam drives it through covers for a couple of runs.

2.5

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Wide down leg this time. Imam not need to play at those.

2.4

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, A touch slower this time on off, it maybe the off cutter as the ball pitches and then moves away. Imam tries to defend but is squared up in doing so. The ball misses his bat and hits him high on the thigh pad.

2.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Back of a length on middle, the batsman defends it off the back foot.

2.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Bowls it wide down leg, Imam still tries to play at it but misses it.

2.1

Dale Steyn to Shan Masood, Leg bye! Back of a length on middle and leg, Masood tries to flick it but is hit on the pads. The ball goes towards the leg side and the batsmen get a single in the process.

over

2 | 0 Runs | HH: 3/0

1.6

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller delivery swinging in, Imam drives it to mid on.

1.5

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, A touch fuller on off, Imam tries to defend it off the front foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

1.4

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Length delivery on middle, Imam defends it by presenting the full face of the bat.

1.3

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, On the 5th stump line this time, left alone by Imam.

1.2

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, In the channel outside off, Imam lets it go.

1.1

Vernon Philander to Imam-ul-Haq, Starts off with a fuller delivery on middle, Imam defends it off the front foot.

Vernon Philander to bowl from the other end.

over

1 | 3 Runs | HH: 3/0

0.6

Dale Steyn to Shan Masood, Length delivery on middle, Shan tucks it through square leg for a couple of runs.

0.5

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Imam is off the mark with a tuck around the corner.

0.4

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, On middle, Imam defends it by presenting the full face of the bat.

0.3

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Full on middle again, the batsman watchfully defends it.

0.2

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Fuller again on middle, Imam defends it off the front foot.

0.1

Dale Steyn to Imam-ul-Haq, Starts off with a fuller delivery on middle, Imam defends it with a straight bat.

st Innings South Africa

Before the collapse happened, we witnessed a few stands with the century partnership between Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla being the best. Debutant Zubayr Hamza also showed good promise in his knock while de Bruyn was another batsman to get a start. At one stage, they were cruising and the hosts seemed destined to post a big first innings total but then they completely lost the plot and fell apart. Pakistan's bowling was very ordinary in the first two sessions but then led by Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Abbas, they managed to run through the South African middle order. Faheem Ashraf with a 3-fer also had a good outing. Stay tuned for Pakistan's reply.

A mega-collapse courtesy some exceptional reverse swing bowling by Pakistan. They were looking down and out after the first two sessions but then made a resounding comeback. It all started with the wicket of Theunis de Bruyn and then it was a procession. The African lower half failed to stand up and they got bundled out well under 300.

77.4

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, OUT! South Africa are all out for 262! Excellent stuff from Pakistan post Tea. Faheem bangs one short on middle and leg, Olivier goes for the hook but gets a top edge to it. The ball flies towards Abbas at fine leg who gets low and takes a safe catch. 7 wickets for 33 runs, has to be one of the most stunning comebacks in the game.

77.3

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, On a good length on the off pole, Duanne taps it to the off side.

77.2

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, YORKER! Touching 140 kph. The number 11 does well to get bat on it. Survives!

77.1

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, Back of a length ball aimed at the hips of Olivier who tucks it away on the on side.

over

77 | 0 Runs | HH: 262/9

76.6

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Back of a length on middle, Steyn defend it from within the crease.

76.5

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Bumper on middle, Dale evades it at the last moment.

76.4

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Yorker from Ali on leg stump, Steyn makes room again trying to drive it. He does not get any connection and the ball goes to the keeper. Hasan Ali appeals but the umpire shakes his head.

76.3

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Back of a length on middle, Steyn backs away and tries to slog it but misses it completely.

76.2

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Length delivery on middle, Steyn flicks it to mid-wicket.

76.1

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Short of a length on middle, Steyn tries to defend it off the back foot. It rises off the deck after pitching, hits Steyn on his arm and the ball goes straight to the keeper. An appeal from Hasan, but the umpire is not interested.

over

76 | 0 Runs | HH: 262/9

75.6

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, Similar delivery, same result.

75.5

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, Bouncer from Ashraf, the batsman ducks underneath it.

75.4

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, Low bounce. A touch fuller outside off, Olivier tries to defend it off the front foot, but the ball keeps low after pitching. Luckily for Olivier it was not on the stumps.

75.3

Faheem Ashraf to Duanne Olivier, Short of a length on off, Olivier lets it go.

Duanne Olivier is the last man in for South Africa.

75.2

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, OUT! Quinton de Kock tries to cut loose but holes out! Cannot be faulted for attempting that shot but it's his bad luck that he finds the fielder with precision in the deep. A back of a length delivery around off, angling away, de Kock attempts to heave it over the mid-wicket fence but it takes the toe end of his bat and goes straight down the throat of Mohammad Abbas. He makes no mistake and South Africa's last recognized batsman is out of here. 6 wickets for 33 runs, talk about collapsing!

75.1

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Drags it short and wide down leg. QdK need not play at those.

over

75 | 1 Runs | HH: 262/8

74.6

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, In the air but safe! The off cutter from Ali. Steyn does not pick it as he tries to check his shot. Ends up chipping it in the vacant square leg area for a run.

74.5

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, On the shorter side again, Steyn stands tall and works it to mid-wicket.

74.4

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, A bumper this time, Steyn may have been surprised by it, he lays down flat on the ground and avoids it.

74.3

Hasan Ali to Quinton de Kock, Shortish and outside off, the batsman guides it through point. There is protection in the deep so only a single.

74.2

Hasan Ali to Quinton de Kock, Change of pace there. It is on a length and around off, de Kock tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

74.1

Hasan Ali to Quinton de Kock, On the shorter side, de Kock is hurried into the pull shot. He mistimes it to mid on.

over

74 | 2 Runs | HH: 261/8

73.6

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, Nicely driven! Fuller in length on off, Steyn strokes it to mid off.

73.5

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, BEATEN! That was a poor shot by Steyn. It is bowled around off, it pitches and then moves away. Steyn hangs his bat out and gets beaten.

73.4

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, Short and outside off, Steyn slashes hard but the ball goes past his outside edge.

73.3

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, Good length again and this one is angled into the batter. Steyn somehow blocks it out.

73.2

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, On a length and around off, Steyn defends it off the back foot.

73.1

Faheem Ashraf to Dale Steyn, Outside off, Steyn gets bat to ball and it rolls towards covers.

73.1

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, A good short ball on the body, Quinton de Kock is a touch late on the pull shot. It goes off the gloves towards fine leg for a run. Faheem has also overstepped.

over

73 | 2 Runs | HH: 259/8

72.6

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Fuller on middle, Steyn drives it to mid on.

72.5

Hasan Ali to Dale Steyn, Full and on off, Steyn strokes it through covers for a couple.

Drinks break. Pakistan continue to dominate proceedings post Tea and the reverse swing has reversed their fortunes for good. South Africa are reeling now and need their lower order to partner Quinton de Kock if they want to get past the 300-run mark.

72.4

Hasan Ali to Kagiso Rabada, OUT! Another one bites the dust! Two in two overs for Hasan Ali. Another full delivery does the trick. This one also swings away from the left-hander. Rabada goes for a booming drive through the off side, the ball takes the outside edge and Sarfraz behind makes no mistake.

72.3

Hasan Ali to Kagiso Rabada, Similar delivery, Rabada guides it straight to the gully fielder.

72.2

Hasan Ali to Kagiso Rabada, Length delivery on off, Kagiso taps it towards point.

72.1

Hasan Ali to Kagiso Rabada, Back of a length delivery on off, Rabada tries to defend it from the crease but it goes past the outside edge of the bat.

over

72 | 8 Runs | HH: 257/7

71.6

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Drags it short this time on middle, de Kock gets into position early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Good end to the over for the Proteas.

71.5

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Length delivery on middle, Quinton tucks it to on side.

71.4

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on middle, the batsman drives it straight to the mid on fielder.

71.3

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, A touch short on middle, Quinton tucks it to the leg side.

71.2

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, FOUR! Good shot! Strays on his pads, de Kock flicks it through square leg and the ball races away to the boundary.

71.1

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on off, de Kock drives it straight to the mid off fielder.

over

71 | 0 Runs | HH: 249/7

70.6

Hasan Ali to Kagiso Rabada, Back of a length around off, Rabada defends it onto the ground.

Kagiso Rabada is the next man in for South Africa.

70.5

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, OUT! Three reds and Philander has been given the marching orders. Did not see that coming but excellent use of the technology from Pakistan. They haven't been great with the DRS in recent times but this time they have got it spot on. Sarfraz will be a delighted man and the good period of play after the Tea break continues for Pakistan. Good passage after the ball has started to reverse, I must say. Hasan Ali is amongst the wickets now. It is full and on middle, tails back in. Philander plants his front foot across but then tries to adjust to the movement and flick. He misses and it hits him on the pad. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. Sarfraz signals the 'T'. Replays show that the on-field call has to be overturned, we all thought it would be missing or at the most clipping the leg pole but it is hitting. Hmm... 300 now looks farfetched.

A huge appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Pakistan have reviewed it. Philander is the man in question. Seems to be slipping down leg.

70.4

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Good bowling from Ali. Just outside off stump. Tempting Philander to go after it. Vernon lets it go.

70.3

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

70.2

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, On middle, VP drives it straight to the bowler.

70.1

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, On the 5th stumps line, Philander shoulders arms to it.

70.1

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Fuller on off, Vernon pushes it towards point.

over

70 | 2 Runs | HH: 249/6

69.6

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on off, Quinton keeps it out.

69.5

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Length delivery on leg, de Kock tries to flick it but misses it and is hit high on the pads. The appeal is turned down.

69.4

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, In the channel outside off, Quinton shoulders arms to it.

69.3

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on off, QdK defends it with a straight bat.

69.2

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Wide outside off, Quinton lets it go.

69.1

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, A tad short outside off, de Kock cuts it through point for a couple of runs.

over

69 | 0 Runs | HH: 247/6

68.6

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Play and a miss! Back of a length delivery on off, Philander tries to punch it through point but misses it completely. Good end to the over for Ali.

68.5

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Fuller on middle, Vernon defends it off the front foot.

68.4

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, On the 5th stump line, left alone by Philander.

68.3

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, In the channel outside off, Vernon lets it go.

68.2

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Fuller on middle, VP tucks it straight to the mid-wicket fielder.

68.1

Hasan Ali to Vernon Philander, Starts his new spell with a length delivery on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.

Hasan Ali is on.

over

68 | 3 Runs | HH: 247/6

67.6

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length on off. De Kock chops it down towards point.

67.5

Faheem Ashraf to Quinton de Kock, Drifting on his pads, Quinton flicks it through square leg for a couple of runs.

Amir is now seen walking off the field. Faheem Ashraf will complete his over. Not good this for Pakistan, he was amidst a brilliant spell. They will hope it is not serious.

67.4

Mohammad Amir to Vernon Philander, Full on middle, Vernon works it to the leg side for a single. Amir is down on the ground as soon as he released the ball. He is in some discomfort here.

67.3

Mohammad Amir to Vernon Philander, Length delivery on middle, Philander watchfully defends it.

67.2

Mohammad Amir to Vernon Philander, Fuller on off, Vernon drives it straight to the mid off fielder.

67.1

Mohammad Amir to Vernon Philander, Back of a length on middle, Philander defends it off the back foot.

over

67 | 0 Runs | HH: 244/6

66.6

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Similar delivery, the batsman keeps it out.

66.5

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Fuller this time on off, de Kock pushes it towards point.

66.4

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Length delivery on middle, de Kock defends it from within the crease.

66.3

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, On a length and on off, the batsman defends it off the front foot.

66.2

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, A touch short on off, de Kock cuts it towards point.

66.1

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on middle, de Kock times it sweetly but straight to the bowler.

Vernon Philander is the next man in for the Proteas.

over

66 | 1 Runs | HH: 244/6

65.6

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, OUT! Amir gets another, he is on fire here. Let me repeat - Another batsman misses out on a milestone. This time it is the debutant who falls 9 short of a fifty. The indecision has cost him. Amir continuous to bowl it in the channel of uncertainty. Hamza first thinks of playing at it but then at the very end, tries to leave as it is angling away. It is though too late by then. The ball takes the bottom part of the bat and goes into the gloves of Sarfraz. South Africa have lost their way completely, from 229 for 3, they have slipped to 244 for 6. Pakistan into the lower order.

65.5

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, A touch fuller on middle, Hamza drives it straight to the mid off fielder.

65.4

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on middle, de Kock pushes it to mid on for a single.

65.3

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, Similar delivery, the batsman cuts it straight to the point fielder.

65.2

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, A touch short on off, de Kock chops it towards point.

65.1

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, Fuller this time from Amir on middle, de Kock watchfully defends it.

over

65 | 1 Runs | HH: 243/5

64.6

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

64.5

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Back of a length on off, Hamza defends it from within the crease.

64.4

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Fuller on middle, the batsman pushes it to mid on for a quick run.

64.3

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Length delivery on off, de Kock defends it with a straight bat.

64.2

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, Full on leg, the batsman tries to flick it but is hit high on the pads. Too high!

64.1

Mohammad Abbas to Quinton de Kock, On a length and on middle, de Kock defends it off the front foot.

over

64 | 4 Runs | HH: 242/5

63.6

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Similar delivery, same result.

63.5

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller outside off, Hamza drives it towards point.

63.4

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller on middle, Hamza defends it with a straight bat.

63.4

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, NO BALL! Amir oversteps. Drifting on his pads, the batsman tucks it around the corner for a single.

63.3

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, A tad short on off, de Kock punches it through point for a couple of runs.

63.2

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, Back of a length on off, de Kock defends it from within the crease.

63.1

Mohammad Amir to Quinton de Kock, Beaten! Back of a length on middle, the ball tails back in sharply after pitching. De Kock tries to defend it off the back foot but it goes between his bat and the pad.

over

63 | 0 Runs | HH: 238/5

62.6

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, A touch wide outside off, Hamza drives it towards the point fielder.

62.5

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller again on off, Hamza tries to defend it from the crease but gets an inside edge on it and then onto the pads.

62.4

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Good delivery, that. On a length and on middle, Hamza watchfully defends it.

62.3

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller delivery tailing back in a bit, Hamza tries to defend it off the front foot but gets an inside edge on it and the ball rolls towards the leg side.

62.2

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Length delivery on middle, the batsman defends it from within the crease.

62.1

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller delivery outside off, Hamza drives it straight to the mid off fielder.

Quinton de Kock is out to bat.

over

62 | 1 Runs | HH: 238/5

61.6

Mohammad Amir to Temba Bavuma, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Amir gets his man. He probed and probed and probed and this time, has found the edge he was looking for. A well-deserved wicket for Amir and Bavuma's uncomfortable stay out in the middle has come to an end. Once again it is the late movement which causes the problem. Amir pitches it on a length around off, it shapes away. Bavuma this time plays inside the line. The ball kisses the outside edge and goes into the mitts of the keeper. Amir is ecstatic and Pakistan have got two quickly. They are right back into the contest.

61.5

Mohammad Amir to Temba Bavuma, This is perfect bowling! On a length again, this time though it has been defended solidly.

61.4

Mohammad Amir to Temba Bavuma, NEARLY! Three lovely deliveries from Amir but luck is just not going his way. Third consecutive ball which is pitched on a length. Bavuma plays outside the line, it hits the inner half, then hits the pad and rolls agonizingly close past the off pole.

61.3

Mohammad Amir to Temba Bavuma, BEAUTY! You can just hope that does not hit the edge! Back of a length around off, it pitches and shapes away. Bavuma is once again squared up as he tries to defend, this time he gets beaten.

61.2

Mohammad Amir to Temba Bavuma, Squared him up! Length again and on middle, it pitches and straightens. Bavuma tries to defend but gets squared up, he misses and it hits him high on the pads.

61.1

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Good running! This is worked to the right of mid on. The batsmen scamper across for a single.

over

61 | 8 Runs | HH: 237/4

60.6

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Two boundaries from the over along with a wicket. Drifts on his pads, Bavuma clips it off his pads through fine leg for a boundary.

60.5

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, On middle, Temba defends it off the front foot.

60.4

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! SHOT! Bavuma is off the mark with a sublime boundary. It was a touch full on middle, Bavuma leans forward and drives it firmly through the covers for a boundary.

60.3

Mohammad Abbas to Temba Bavuma, On a length and on middle, Bavuma tries to defend it off the front foot, but gets an inside edge and it hits him on the pads.

Temba Bavuma is the next man in for the Proteas.

60.2

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, OUT! Plumb in front! Reverse swing happening and Abbas has struck. Theunis departs one short of his fifty, not the first batsman in this innings to miss out on a milestone. Great nut by Abbas. He bowls a length delivery with the shine on the inside. It's around middle and off as de Bruyn tries to work it on the leg side. But due to the late inward movement, he misses the ball completely to get rapped on the pads. They appeal vociferously and this time the finger has gone up. Quite plumb. Theunis walks back without even thinking of reviewing the decision. End of the 75-run stand!

60.1

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, On a length on middle, de Bruyn defends it with a straight bat.

over

60 | 2 Runs | HH: 229/3

59.6

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Good length on off, Hamza once again is solid in defense.

59.5

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, On the middle stump, Hamza gets right behind the line and keeps it out.

59.4

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, BEATEN! Excellent use of the angle there. He lands it on off which means Hamza has to play at it. The ball slants away beating the outside edge by a whisker.

59.3

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Good length on off, Hamza comes forward and defends it.

59.2

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Again it is a little too straight, de Bruyn flicks it towards square leg for another run.

59.1

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, On the pads, it is worked towards fine leg and a run is taken.

Mohammad Amir to bowl from the other end.

over

59 | 1 Runs | HH: 227/3

58.6

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, NOT OUT! Umpire's call it is, Pakistan though do not lose their review. It is on a length on middle, Theunis tries to flick it but is late on it. The ball hits him on the front pad. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Sarfraz goes for the review. The replay shows it was just clipping the top of the stumps. Pakistan have started really well after Tea.

Review time! A screaming appeal by Abbas for an lbw. Not entertained. Sarfraz is convinced and takes the DRS. Looks a bit high. Let's wait and watch...

58.5

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Back of a length on middle, de Bruyn defends it from within the crease.

58.4

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

58.3

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller on middle, Hamza works it to the leg side for a single.

58.2

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, DROPPED! On a length and on middle, the ball jags back in sharply after pitching, Hamza tries to defend it but it hits the inside edge of the bat and the ball goes towards Sarfraz. He dives to his left and tries to catch it but cannot hold onto it. This could prove a costly drop as de Bruyn is looking in good touch.

58.1

Mohammad Abbas to Zubayr Hamza, Starts off with a length delivery on off, Hamza defends it off the back foot.

The players are out in the middle. Zubayr Hamza will take the strike. Mohammad Abbas will start the proceedings after Tea.

.... Day 1, Session 3 ....

Theunis de Bruyn in the company of debutant Zubayr Hamza has taken the Protea score beyond the 200-run mark and the pair is amidst a 72-run partnership. It has come in a quick time as well. Pakistan were very poor since the fall of Amla's wickets as they conceded runs at a brisk rate. They will have to come back strongly in the last session otherwise the home team will run away with the show. Do join us in a short while.

Another fine session of Test cricket! South Africa were pegged back early when Aiden Markram was strangled down the leg side but then Hashim Amla and Theunis de Bruyn formed an alliance for a short period. Once the former got dismissed after a superb catch by Asad Shafiq, Pakistan would have sensed an opportunity to get an upper hand on this Test match. But that was not meant to be.

over

58 | 7 Runs | HH: 226/3

57.6

Asad Shafiq to Theunis de Bruyn, A flatter delivery to end this session. De Bruyn pushes it back to the bowler. THAT WILL BE TEA ON DAY 1!

57.5

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, Deft! Hamza waits for it and then plays it very fine on the off side. The ball stops as it nears the fence and the batsmen take three.

57.4

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, On the stumps again, it is blocked out.

57.3

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, On middle, it is kept out.

57.2

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, FOUR! A half-tracker and Hamza is well-set to not put those away. He pulls it with disdain and into the square leg fence.

57.1

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

over

57 | 5 Runs | HH: 219/3

56.6

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Not in total control but a boundary nevertheless. Outside off, Hamza looks to cut it away but it goes off the outer half towards third man and meets the fence once again.

56.5

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Leg spinner outside off, the debutant reads it well and leaves it alone.

56.4

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Leg spinner outside off, Hamza gets behind it and sees it out.

56.3

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Wrong 'un on off, Hamza gets an inside edge on the on side.

56.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Loopy ball on off, carved away through point for one.

56.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Short ball on middle and leg, de Bruyn pulls but cannot get it past mid-wicket.

over

56 | 2 Runs | HH: 213/3

55.6

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, On the stumps, it is kept out off the front foot.

55.5

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, Flighted ball on off, Hamza keeps it out.

55.4

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, An action replay of the last delivery.

55.3

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, Works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

55.2

Asad Shafiq to Theunis de Bruyn, Flatter and on off, it is pushed towards mid off for a quick run.

55.1

Asad Shafiq to Zubayr Hamza, Tosses it up around off, the batsman lunges and blocks it towards point for a run.

Asad Shafiq is on now.

over

55 | 2 Runs | HH: 211/3

54.6

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Tosses it up outside off, de Bruyn drives it crisply but straight to the man at covers.

54.5

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

54.4

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, On off, it is kept out.

54.3

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Floats it up on off, de Bruyn drives it to covers.

54.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, The googly on off, TdB chops it to covers.

54.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Slightly short and on middle, de Bruyn goes back and somehow pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.

over

54 | 9 Runs | HH: 209/3

53.6

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, On off, Hamza gets behind it and blocks it out. Good over for the hosts. They have scored over 100 runs in this session, so far.

53.5

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Fuller again on middle, driven to mid on this time.

53.4

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, Follows it with a quick single. Great stuff. Full and on middle and leg, de Bruyn hits it towards mid on and gets to the other end quickly.

53.3

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Second boundary of the over and they are coming thick and fast. Outside off, de Bruyn punches this through cover-point. The fielder chases it but cannot pull it off.

53.2

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, Length and closer to the stumps de Bruyn watches it go through to the keeper.

53.1

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! SHOT! SA are scoring at ease at the moment. Wide outside off, de Bruyn flashes hard at it. Gets it past backward point and the ball races away to the fence. It also brings up the 50-run stand between these two.

over

53 | 5 Runs | HH: 200/3

52.6

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Very full and on off, de Bruyn jams it out towards covers.

52.5

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

52.4

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, On the flatter side, de Bruyn tries to punch it off the back foot but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

52.3

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

52.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Tosses it up on off, TdB blocks it out.

52.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Cut and it has been played nicely! Too many loose deliveries after the wicket of Amla. Short and outside off again, de Bruyn helps himself by cutting it through point. The ball races away.

over

52 | 5 Runs | HH: 195/3

51.6

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, On the shorter side around off, the batter stands tall and pushes it to covers.

51.5

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, FOUR! Up and over! Short and wide and it has been put away. Hamza hops and cuts it over point. The ball races away to the fence.

51.4

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, Slightly short and de Bruyn works it off his hips towards mid-wicket for a run.

51.3

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, Length delivery around off, de Bruyn lunges and keeps it out.

51.2

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, Hits the length around off, de Bruyn shuffles across and works it to mid on.

51.1

Hasan Ali to Theunis de Bruyn, On the shorter side around off, de Bruyn guides it to point.

over

51 | 1 Runs | HH: 190/3

50.6

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Floated one this time, full and around off, Hamza strides forward and defends it right under his watchful eyes.

50.5

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Too full and on off, pushed back to the bowler.

50.4

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Zubayr has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

50.3

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Loopy and full on off, Hamza drives but picks the cover fielder.

50.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Flatter and shorter outside off, hit firmly in front of square on the off side for a run.

50.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Full and flighted on middle, defended back to the bowler.

over

50 | 4 Runs | HH: 189/3

49.6

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, A huge appeal but not given! There was definitely a noise though. Another short ball and this is on the body. Hamza goes for the pull, there is a noise as the ball passes the gloves. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. Pakistan decide not to review. Not sure from where that sound came. Ultra Edge shows there was no spike, so a good decision in the end.

49.5

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Short again, gets it to bounce at a good height. Hamza hops and defends it onto the ground.

49.4

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Better! This is bowled right on the off pole, Hamza prods forward and keeps it out.

49.3

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Wide outside off again, the batter need not play at those.

49.2

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it.

49.1

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, FOUR! Raining boundaries here! This time it is a cracking pull shot from the debutant. It is a high bouncer, Hamza gets on top of the bounce and pulls it all along the ground to the square leg fence.

over

49 | 8 Runs | HH: 185/3

48.6

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! A boundary to start the over and one to end! Once again Shadab is guilty of bowling too short. De Bruyn goes back and pulls it right off the middle to the square leg fence.

48.5

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, On the shorter side outside off, de Bruyn cuts it to point. Shadab has been guilty of bowling either too full or too short in this over.

48.4

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Very full on off, de Bruyn pushes it back to the bowler.

48.3

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, A low full toss on off, de Bruyn uses his wrists and works it to mid-wicket.

48.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Gives it air and lands it on off, TdB pushes it to covers.

48.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Too short and it has been put away! Enough time for de Bruyn to go back and whip it through mid-wicket. It races away. He too joins the party, runs flowing here.

over

48 | 2 Runs | HH: 177/3

47.6

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Back of a length on off, Hamza lets the ball come to him and then guides it to gully.

47.5

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Now a short ball on middle, Hamza ducks under it quite easily. The new lad now looks at ease out there.

47.4

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Goes fuller this time on middle, the batsman strokes it back towards the bowler.

47.3

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Back of a length on off, Hamza defends it onto the ground.

47.2

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, Good length on off, Hamza defends it onto the ground.

47.1

Hasan Ali to Zubayr Hamza, A little too straight to begin with, it is worked around the corner for a couple. He moves onto 21.

Hasan Ali is back for another spell.

over

47 | 11 Runs | HH: 175/3

46.6

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, An extra slip fielder was brought in but Shadab bowls it very full, Hamza eases it down to long on for a single. Another productive over for South Africa. 20 have come from the last two.

46.5

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Now floats this up on off, Hamza puts in a long stride forward and defends it onto the ground.

46.4

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Nicely bowled and it is played even better! The googly outside off, it is slightly short. Hamza did not pick it, he first goes back to cut but the ball turns back in. Hamza then adjusts and guides it past the slip fielder. The fielder from point races after it, tries to stop it but can't do so. Hamza is managing to score quickly here.

46.3

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, SIX! He has picked the bones out of that one! What a hit! A hit-me ball by Shadab, short and on middle, Hamza rocks back quickly and then sends it sailing over the mid-wicket fence. That made a cracking sound of the bat and the result too was an excellent one for the debutant.

46.2

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Slower through the air on off, Hamza prods forward and keeps it out.

46.1

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.

over

46 | 9 Runs | HH: 164/3

45.6

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Three runs now! This was right off the middle, it is on his pads, easy for Hamza. He flicks it through mid-wicket, the ball stops as it nears the fence. Three taken. Good over this for South Africa. Not what Pakistan would have wanted after Shadab bowled a tight last one.

45.5

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, A little bit of Rohit Sharma in that forward defensive stroke. Length and coming in with the angle. Hamza lazily lunges and at the very end brings his bat down to keep it out.

45.4

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, FOUR! First boundary for Hamza! It is not of the middle but he won't care. Fuller goes Amir after the last one being short. Hamza lunges and tries to drive it ahead of his body, it takes the outside edge and goes through backward point for a run.

45.3

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Changes the angle and bowls the effort ball. It is short and on off, Hamza gets on top of the bounce and defends it down onto the ground.

45.2

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Another single as de Bruyn works it against the angle towards mid-wicket.

45.1

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, First run for Hamza in Test cricket. This should settle his nerves. He taps this towards covers and scampers across for a run. A round of applause for him by the crowd.

over

45 | 0 Runs | HH: 155/3

44.6

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, Gives it air on off, de Bruyn lunges and blocks it out. A maiden by Shadab, a good one.

44.5

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, The googly outside off, it turns back in, not enough though to make the batsman play.

44.4

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, On off, it is kept out.

44.3

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, On the shorter side, de Bruyn pushes it to covers.

44.2

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, TURN AND BOUNCE THERE! This is tossed up around off, it pitches and then turns away. De Bruyn first thinks of playing at it but then pulls out seeing the bounce and turn.

44.1

Shadab Khan to Theunis de Bruyn, The googly on off, de Bruyn goes back and pushes it to the bowler.

over

44 | 1 Runs | HH: 155/3

43.6

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Angling away from the batsman, outside off, left alone.

43.5

Mohammad Amir to Zubayr Hamza, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

43.4

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Full and outside off, de Bruyn tries to turn it on the leg side but gets a soft leading edge towards mid off. A single taken.

43.3

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

43.2

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, PITCHED OUTSIDE LEG! A length delivery which de Bruyn fails to work it on the leg side. He takes a blow on his pads and they put in an unsuccessful appeal. Sarfraz opts for the DRS but the replays show that it's pitching outside leg. End of discussion. Also, it's going over the stumps. Review lost.

Huge shout for an lbw! The umpire turns it down and Sarfraz Ahmed goes for the DRS after having a little chat with his bowler. Let's see....

43.1

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, De Bruyn has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

over

43 | 0 Runs | HH: 154/3

42.6

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, A googly this time, around middle and turning down, Hamza fails to work it around and is hit on the thigh pad. End of a wicket maiden by Shadab!

42.5

Shadab Khan to Zubayr Hamza, Full and flighted outside off, Hamza drives but finds the cover fielder.

Debutant's time to rock now! It's Zubayr Hamza in next.

42.4

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, OUT! What a catch! Asad Shafiq shows brilliant reflexes at first slip. Hashim Amla will have to go. Another set batsman is dismissed. Shadab delivers a short one outside off, Amla rocks back to slap it square of the wicket on the off side but it takes a fat outside edge and hurries behind to Shafiq. He stretches to his right and snaps it quickly. Hashim misses out on a half century and this is a good passage of play for Pakistan.

42.3

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Tossed up delivery outside off, once again left alone by Amla.

42.2

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Flighted outside off, left alone.

42.1

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Amla has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Theunis de Bruyn is looking very good and confident. It can be observed from the fact that he played two different types of shots to an identical delivery. One full ball outside off he tried to whip across the line while drove through the line when fed a similar ball again. Drinks time! Pakistan have picked up a wicket of Aiden Markram in the last hour but will have to build on it. Yet another partnership is blossoming now.

over

42 | 1 Runs | HH: 154/2

41.6

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

41.5

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Ouch! Sharp delivery that. A touch short on off, de Bruyn tries to leave it. The ball did not climb much as he was expecting. Hits Theunis on the chest.

41.4

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Fuller delivery on off, Theunis pushes it to mid on.

41.3

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, Good length delivery just outside off, de Bruyn shoulders arms to it.

41.2

Mohammad Amir to Theunis de Bruyn, On a length on off, Theunis defends it with a straight bat.

41.1

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Back of a length on off, Hashim taps it towards point for a single.

over

41 | 9 Runs | HH: 153/2

40.6

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! SHOT! Fuller on off, de Bruyn presses forward and times it sweetly through covers for yet another boundary in this over. Theunis has looked good in his short stay so far.

40.5

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, On a length on middle, de Bruyn defends it off the back foot and onto the ground.

40.4

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Similar delivery, Theunis shoulders arms to it.

40.3

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Fuller delivery outside off, the batsman lets it go.

40.2

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, On middle, de Bruyn drives it straight to the bowler.

40.1

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Back of a length on middle, Theunis defends it off the back foot.

40.1

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Overpitched from Faheem, Theunis leans forward and drives it firmly through covers for a boundary. It's also called a no ball for overstepping.

over

40 | 0 Runs | HH: 144/2

39.6

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Puts it on a length on off, Amla drives it straight to the fielder at covers.

39.5

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Once again length delivery outside off, Amla leaves it alone.

39.4

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Good length delivery on off, Amla this time drives it straight to the fielder at covers.

39.3

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Tempting Amla to drive by bowling it outside off. Hashim is calm and shoulders arms to it.

39.2

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Length delivery outside off, Amla doesn't disturb that one and lets it go.

Mohammad Amir is back on.

39.1

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on off, Amla blocks it away off his back foot.

over

39 | 5 Runs | HH: 144/2

38.6

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, A tad short on middle, Amla pulls it through square leg for a single.

38.5

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Outside off, Hashim lets it go.

38.4

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Fraction straight on middle, HA drives it straight to the mid on fielder.

38.3

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, A touch fuller on off, Amla defends it with a straight bat.

38.2

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, FOUR! Good improvisation. Length delivery on off, Amla at the last moment opens the face of the bat and guides it through the vacant third slip region and the ball goes towards the third man boundary.

38.1

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Fuller delivery on off, Amla defends it off the front foot.

over

38 | 4 Runs | HH: 139/2

37.6

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Theunis defends that one by getting right behind the line of the delivery. Good foot movement by de Bruyn.

37.5

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Slightly fuller this time and de Bruyn blocks it off his front foot.

37.4

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Once again length delivery this time on off and Theunis defends it away off his front foot.

37.3

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Length delivery on middle, blocked off the front foot by de Bruyn.

37.2

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, FOUR! Beautiful! Fuller delivery by Abbas on off, de Bruyn gets to the pitch of it and hits straight behind the bowler. Abbas had no chance to save that one. A perfect straight drive by TdB!

37.1

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Length delivery outside off, de Bruyn shoulders arms to it.

over

37 | 1 Runs | HH: 135/2

36.6

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Shortish and on off, punched off the back foot and it went on one bounce to the gully fielder.

36.5

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Good calling! A length ball outside off, de Bruyn gets across the stumps and pushes it back. He knows how softly he has hit that and hence wants a run. Amla is initially ball-watching but then he responds and they complete the single with ease.

36.4

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Fullish and on off, it's once again pushed back off the front foot by Theunis.

36.3

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Good length delivery outside off, left alone with ease this time.

36.2

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Lands it full and outside off, Theunis goes hard at it and hits it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

36.1

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Full and angling in around off, de Bruyn pushes it back and the bowler makes a good stop in his followthrough.

over

36 | 2 Runs | HH: 134/2

35.6

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Fuller length delivery on off, de Bruyn pushes it to covers and calls for a quick single. The fielder misses the stumps at the non-striker's end and Theunis gets off the mark. A direct hit would have been interesting.

35.5

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Length delivery on off, finds the outside edge of Theunis' defensive bat. Luckily he played it with soft hand.

35.4

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Dangerous! A slightly fuller delivery outside off. De Bruyn offers no stroke to it and the ball jags back in after pitching to rap him on the pads. The Pakistan fielders appeals but the umpire is not interested. Sarfraz opts not to ask for the review as he thinks it was high.

35.3

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Once again a length delivery on middle and off, de Bruyn blocks it off his front foot.

35.2

Mohammad Abbas to Theunis de Bruyn, Beauty! Bowls it on length and the ball moves away after pitching and misses the outside edge of de Bruyn's defensive bat by just a whisker.

35.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on off and middle, Amla flicks it towards the mid-wicket region for a single.

over

35 | 4 Runs | HH: 132/2

34.6

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Angling back into the batsman, de Bruyn flicks but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

34.5

Faheem Ashraf to Theunis de Bruyn, Gets on the front foot to a full ball and defends it to covers.

Theunis de Bruyn is in next.

34.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, OUT! Markram is walking! What a disappointing end to a promising knock! Aiden is absolutely gutted with himself. He is strangled down the leg side. A delivery angling down, Markram tries to flick but gets a thin inside edge behind. Sarfraz flies to his left and takes an outstanding catch. They are appealing and Aiden Markram is seen walking. A good gesture. End of a wonderful knock, he deserved a century though. Pakistan needed this breakthrough desperately. The 126-run stand is over and the tourists would like to build on this.

34.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

34.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Poor delivery by Ashraf and a great shot by Markram. Full length delivery on to the pads of Markram. He beautifully flicks it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary. Markram into his 90's and looks on course to score a big century.

34.1

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Length delivery on off, Markram blocks it off his front foot.

Faheem Ashraf is back on.

over

34 | 1 Runs | HH: 128/1

33.6

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, On middle and off, Amla defends this length ball from the crease.

33.5

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Abbas seems to be in love with short deliveries. Hurls across another one, an easy leave for Hashim as he ducks.

33.4

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Full and outside off, Amla uses his long approach and defends it to the off side. Very limited footwork.

33.3

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Short ball on middle, at 125 kph, Markram pulls it down to fine leg and jogs across for a run. Realizes late that the throw is coming at his end and hence hurries. It misses the stumps at the bowler's end but the mid off fielder has it backed up.

33.2

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Angles in a good length ball on middle, Markram closes the face of his bat as he flicks it towards mid-wicket.

33.1

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Play and a miss! Abbas digs in a short delivery around off, Markram tries to hook it across the line but it bounces a tad extra and goes over his bat.

over

33 | 4 Runs | HH: 127/1

32.6

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, FOUR! Wonderful! Ali overpitches that one and Amla is too class a batsman to miss out on that one. He beautifully drives it through covers for a boundary. There are only a handful of batsmen who look as good as Amla when on song.

32.5

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on middle and Hashim blocks it by getting right behind that one.

32.4

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Length delivery outside off, Amla shoulders arms to it. A bit of inswing movement after the ball hits the deck.

32.3

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Good length delivery outside off, Amla tries to drive it to mid on but finds the inside half of the bat and the ball goes to the fielder at mid on.

32.2

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Slightly short this time, finds the inside edge of Amla's bat and onto his pads.

32.1

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on off, Amla guides it to the fielder at gully.

over

32 | 2 Runs | HH: 123/1

31.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

31.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, A mishit! Aiden survives. Back of a length delivery on off at 125 kph, Markram hangs back inside the crease in an attempt to heave it across the line. But he fails to time his shot properly and it balloons in the air. Luckily for Markram, it flies over mid-wicket and lands safely in the deep. The batsmen take a couple.

31.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Slower cutter this time, at 105 kph. It lands full and moves back in, Markram plays it late from the crease and defends it down.

31.3

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Pitches it up and on off, Aiden drives it down the ground but straight to the mid off fielder.

31.2

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Angles in a gentle length ball on middle at 123 kph, Markram flicks it off his pads but finds the fielder on the leg side.

31.1

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good length ball on off, Markram stays inside the crease in defense.

over

31 | 8 Runs | HH: 121/1

30.6

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on off, Hashim defends it off his front foot. Good over for South Africa, 8 runs off that one.

30.5

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, FOUR! Action replay of the previous boundary. Once again Ali bowls a bit fuller and Hashim once again drives the ball wonderfully through covers for a four. It's a joy to watch when Amla is timing the ball as beautifully as he is today.

30.4

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Pulls back his length and Amla blocks it away by opening the face of the bat.

30.3

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, FOUR! Exquisite! Ali bowls it slightly fuller and Amla brings out his classic cover drive and finds the boundary. That's a textbook drive from Amla.

30.2

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Length delivery on middle, Hashim blocks it off his back foot.

30.1

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Amla defends it off the back foot by presenting the full face of the bat.

over

30 | 0 Runs | HH: 113/1

29.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Finishes off the over by bowling a length delivery on middle, Aiden blocks it off his front foot. A good over by Abbas.

29.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Fuller delivery on middle and leg and Markram drives it straight to the fielder at mid on.

29.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Back of a length delivery and Markram defends it off his back foot.

29.3

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Once again a fuller delivery and Aiden defends it off his front foot.

29.2

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Fuller on this occasion and Aiden blocks it beautifully off his front foot.

29.1

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Short of a length delivery by Abbas and Markram defends it off his back foot.

over

29 | 5 Runs | HH: 113/1

28.6

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Amla shoulders arms to the delivery bowled outside off.

28.5

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Amla blocks the fuller length delivery off his front foot.

28.4

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Fuller delivery on middle, Markram drives it through mid on for a single.

28.3

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Beautifully driven! Full delivery outside off, Markram gets on his front foot and beautifully drives it through covers for a boundary. He continues where he left off before lunch.

28.2

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Once again a length delivery on middle, Aiden blocks it off his back foot.

28.1

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, First ball after lunch and Hasan starts with a length delivery on middle. Markram defends it off his front foot.

Welcome back. The afternoon session is about to begin. The men concerned are out in the centre. Hasan Ali will bowl the first over after Lunch.

... DAY 1, SECOND SESSION ...

Fabulous session for South Africa. They have scored in excess of 100 for the loss of just one wicket. Dean Elgar chose to bat but he himself didn't last long. Post that, the pair of Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram joined forces and it's been easy going for the Proteas. There was some initial help from the surface but the Pakistani bowlers weren't hitting the right areas. Also, the pace of their speedsters was quite down to trouble the batsmen, especially on a pitch which ain't offering excessive movement. Markram has shown extraordinary form so far and will be eyeing a big score. Amla has taken his time but he too will like to get a big score under his belt. So far, Pakistan have looked clueless and it will be interesting to find out how they respond post Lunch. Do join us in a short while.

over

28 | 0 Runs | HH: 108/1

27.6

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Angles in a full ball on off, Hashim Amla strides forward and defends it with ease. That will be Lunch on Day 1.

27.5

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

27.4

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, A mistimed shot! Fullish and outside off, Amla reaches out for this one as he attempts to play the cover drive. But it takes the inner half of his blade and rolls back to the bowler.

27.3

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Pitches it up and lands it outside off, Amla is in no mood to chase it.

27.2

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Once again Amla moves across the stumps to a good length delivery and defends it on the on side.

27.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Good length ball just outside off, Amla shuffles across and defends it near his front pad.

over

27 | 1 Runs | HH: 108/1

26.6

Shadab Khan to Aiden Markram, A googly this time, full and on off, Amla defends it back with a vertical bat.

26.5

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, It's been driven superbly through the covers. One run added to the total.

26.4

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Loopy and full on off, Amla leans forward and defends it.

26.3

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Tossed up ball on off, Amla lunges and defense. There is a deep point and long off in place, a field set for poor bowling? Giving cover to Shadab for his short balls and full tosses. Hmm...

26.2

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Short and spinning away, Amla cuts but finds the point fielder.

26.1

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Full and flighted on off, Amla drives it back and the bowler dives to parry it towards short cover.

over

26 | 4 Runs | HH: 107/1

25.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Fullish and on off, Markram defends it off his front foot to mid off.

25.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Markram has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

25.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, FOUR! That's beautiful! Just walks into his on drive. A full ball on middle at 126 kph, Markram presents the full face of the bat and caresses it through mid on for a boundary. 100-run stand comes up!

25.3

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Slants in a full ball on middle and off, Aiden flicks it across the line but finds the mid-wicket fielder.

25.2

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Good length delivery in the corridor of uncertainty, Markram has nothing to do with it.

25.1

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Full and angling in around off, right on target, Markram is forward in defense.

Mohammad Abbas is back for one final burst before Lunch.

over

25 | 5 Runs | HH: 103/1

24.6

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Fuller again, a touch flatter through the air, landing around off, Hashim presses forward in defense. Shadab just rushed through his over, should take more time and think about his bowling.

24.5

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, Lunges to a full ball and defends it watchfully to the off side.

24.4

Shadab Khan to Hashim Amla, A loopy full ball outside off, Amla drives it to covers where Imam makes a diving stop this time.

24.3

Shadab Khan to Aiden Markram, Full toss again, it's been forced through covers for a run.

24.2

Shadab Khan to Aiden Markram, Flatter and on off, defended off the back foot.

24.1

Shadab Khan to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Starts with a low full toss on off, Markram drills his drive through the line and Imam at extra cover fails to stop the racing ball. Seems to have hurt his fingers there as it reaches the fence in a flash. Good start against spin for South Africa. 100 up for them!

Time for some leg spin! Shadab Khan has been introduced into the attack. A slip in place.

over

24 | 7 Runs | HH: 98/1

23.6

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Aahhh...finds the fielder again, this is frustrating as a batsman. Short and wide outside off, Amla rocks back and cuts it firmly but finds the fielder.

23.5

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Well fielded, Shadab! Saves a certain boundary. Amla plays a delightful cover drive to a full ball but fails to find the gap. Will be disappointed.

23.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Markram is looking so good there. A length ball angling into the batsman, Aiden just presents a straight bat and pushes it wide of mid on. Hasan Ali chases it down and they take three runs. This is now the best partnership between this pair in Tests.

23.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, FOUR! The point fielder experiences a bad bounce. Fullish and outside off, Markram leans into the square drive and middles his shot pretty nicely. Imam tries to stop it but fails and it screams away to the fence.

23.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, On a length again, Markram goes on the back foot and plays it down to point.

23.1

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Good length ball on off, shaping back in, Markram stays back and defends it to the off side. This one stayed low but Aiden always had his eyes on the ball.

over

23 | 5 Runs | HH: 91/1

22.6

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, The line again is straight and Amla taps it down to square leg. The non-striker wants a run but Hashim isn't interested.

22.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A length ball on middle, Markram helps it just wide of wide mid on and steals a single. The fielder there misfields slightly as he attacks the ball.

22.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Strides forward again, to a length ball this time as he defends it down safely.

22.3

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Elegant! Amir delivers it full and outside off, Markram leans into the drive and creams it with all the elegance in the world for a boundary at covers.

Mohammad Amir loses his footings and pulls out of his delivery stride at the last moment. Scratches the popping crease before heading back to his bowling mark.

22.2

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Full this time, on middle and off, Aiden sticks inside the crease and defends it again.

22.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Hits the bat hard. On a good length around middle, Markram offers a straight bat in defense.

over

22 | 2 Runs | HH: 86/1

21.6

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Serves it on a fuller length outside off, it's been left alone by Hashim to complete the over. Nothing happening for Pakistan and this is just the second hour of this Test match. Ominous signs.

21.5

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Fuller in length and outside off, Aiden pushes it to the left of the cover fielder. Shan Masood tries to stop it but fumbles slightly as he turns and the batsmen take a single.

21.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Pitches it up and around off, Markram lunges and defends it with soft hands.

21.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, A touch short and around off, Aiden is on the back foot as he taps it down on the off side.

21.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Fullish and outside off, skidding off the surface, Markram takes his front leg forward and then makes a leave.

21.1

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Shortish on off, Amla punches it in the gap at covers. The point fielder runs across to his right to stop the ball and they cross.

over

21 | 5 Runs | HH: 84/1

20.6

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Lands it on a length around middle, Markram defends it by covering the line.

20.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, FOUR! No margin for error on this pitch! Fractionally short and around leg, Markram picks it off his pads and flicks it past the square leg umpire for a boundary. Timing and placement, both top notch.

Aiden Markram pulls out at the last second. Maybe, some sightscreen issue. Amir will have to reload.

20.4

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

20.3

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, A touch short and on off, Amla defends it easily off his back foot.

20.2

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Closer to the off stump this time. On a good length, Amla stays on the back foot again as he defends it to the off side.

20.1

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Slants across a length delivery outside off, a comfortable leave for Hashim who just sticks back inside the crease and sees it through.

over

20 | 6 Runs | HH: 79/1

19.6

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Nice punch off the back foot. A good length delivery on off, Aiden pierces the gap at covers and collects a couple of runs. Easy going. This partnership is worth 73 now.

19.5

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, A length ball outside off, Aiden gets forward and defends it to the off side.

19.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Shortish and on middle, Markram gets back and plays it down to mid on.

19.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, The batsman defends it from within the crease.

19.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Lovely shot! Just a push off the front foot but it has been timed superbly. Ashraf serves it on a fuller length outside off, Markram strides forward and strokes it through extra cover. Brings up his 5th Test fifty, just loves playing at this ground, he averages in the 60s at Jo'burg.

19.1

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Fractionally short and on off, Markram goes on the back foot and punches it back to the bowler.

over

19 | 1 Runs | HH: 73/1

18.6

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Nice delivery. Angling across Amla, around off and holding its line. The batsman takes a stride forward to cover his stumps and then shoulders arms.

18.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Inside edge again. Fullish and on middle, Markram attempts to flick it in front of square leg but it gathers the inside edge and runs through backward square leg for a run.

18.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Gets behind the line of the delivery and defends it on the leg side.

18.3

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Full and on middle, defended back off his front foot.

18.2

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Good length ball on middle and off, Markram goes on his toes as he plays it down to mid-wicket.

18.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Full in length around leg, Markram plays it straight off his pads towards mid on.

Mohammad Amir is back on.

over

18 | 5 Runs | HH: 72/1

17.6

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Great stop, Imam! Fullish and outside off, Amla plays a full-blooded square drive but Imam stationed at point dives full length to his left to stop the racing ball. Superb effort, something Sarfraz likes to see from his boys.

17.5

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Full and outside off, Amla defends it by getting forward.

17.4

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Amla has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

17.3

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Nearly carries to third slip. Ashraf serves it on a length around off, Amla pushes inside the line with gentle hands again and this time it takes the outside edge. It though dies down quickly in front of Shadab.

17.2

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

17.1

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, Good length ball on off, defended back.

17.1

Faheem Ashraf to Hashim Amla, FOUR! Soft hands! A length ball outside off, Amla decides to stay back and pushes at it with an angled bat. He places it through the gap between gully and slips as it races away. It's also called a no ball for overstepping. Looking at the replays, it's a bit touch and go.

over

17 | 9 Runs | HH: 67/1

16.6

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! My goodness, that's a great shot! This one is neither short nor full, Markram stays back and plays a short-arm jab through mid-wicket. A kind of shot that's difficult to play but the batsmen love to execute it.

16.5

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.

16.4

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Stays back-footed to a short ball and punches it down to cover-point.

16.3

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Good shot! Hasan angles in a length ball and Amla just pushes it back with a straight bat. It races behind and by the time the mid off fielder pulls it back, they take three runs.

16.2

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Not in control. Fuller and on middle, Markram tries to flick but it takes the inner half of his willow and travels to deep mid-wicket. There is a fielder stationed there already and hence only a run results.

16.1

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Fuller length ball on middle, it's clipped through backward square leg for a run.

over

16 | 0 Runs | HH: 58/1

15.6

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Similar good length on that fifth stump line. Markram looks to leave it but it late in getting his bat high. The ball takes the bottom edge of the bat and dies down. Maiden from Ashraf and two good overs back-to-back.

15.5

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Length outside off, left alone by Markram.

15.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, A tad fuller this outside off, Markram pushes it to the off side.

15.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, An appeal which dies down. Good length ball on off, moves a bit away after pitching. Markram looks to play it with a straight bat but misses. Hits his back leg and Pakistan appeal. Nothing from the umpire.

15.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, This one is a bit back. On a good length on top of off, Adien stands tall and bunts it down.

15.1

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Full and in line of the stumps, Markram gets behind it and blocks it well.

over

15 | 4 Runs | HH: 58/1

14.6

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, On a length and outside off, left alone by Amla to end the over.

14.5

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Sarfraz ain't happy! Ali angles in a full ball on middle, Aiden closes the face of the bat and bunts it towards mid on. The fielder there is a bit lazy in reacting as the batsmen pinch a single. The Pakistan skipper screams in anguish.

14.4

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Beauty by Hasan! He hurls across a fuller length ball outside off at 140 kph and it nips back in after landing. Markram tries to drive through the line but is beaten on the inside edge. There is certainly some spice in the surface and Pakistan have failed to utilize it so far.

14.3

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under it at the last moment.

14.2

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Back of a length delivery on off, Amla camps back and punches it in front of square on the off side. Three added to the total as the fielder pulls it back just before the rope. 50-run stand comes up.

14.1

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Appeal for an lbw! Not given. A good length ball on off, shaping back in with extra bounce, Amla fails to keep it out and is hit on the flap of the front pad. Looked high as the umpire shook his head.

Drinks break. Done with the first hour of this Test match and South Africa have already moved to 54 for the loss of Dean Elgar's wicket. Apart from that moment in the second over, the Protea batsmen have looked at ease, especially Aiden Markram. He has raced to 39 and is batting with a strike rate of 75 at the moment. Hashim Amla has been more watchful though. For Pakistan, their pacers have been largely ineffective as they have not hit the right areas consistently. They need pull up their socks quickly and get it right in the next hour.

over

14 | 4 Runs | HH: 54/1

13.6

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Uses his crease this time, the bowler. Goes wide of the crease as he lets in a length ball on off, Markram blocks it safely.

13.5

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Full and on off, angling in at 135 kph, Aiden is forward in defense.

13.4

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Markram shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

13.3

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Around off, punched off the back foot to covers this time.

13.2

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, FOUR! That's aerial and inches away from the diving gully fielder. Back of a length ball around off, Markram goes back to punch it through covers but it catches the outside edge speeds away to the fence. Amla walks up to his partner and probably has a word of advice for Markram.

13.1

Faheem Ashraf to Aiden Markram, Good length ball just outside off, at 130 kph, Markram stays back and taps it down to gully.

Faheem Ashraf is introduced into the attack.

over

13 | 5 Runs | HH: 50/1

12.6

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, FOUR! It appears Hasan Ali is more concerned about his foot landing in the danger area than where his ball is landing. It's nice and full outside off, this time Amla accepts the invitation and crunches his drive through covers. 50 up for South Africa.

12.5

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Fullish and on off, Amla drives it down the ground but straight to mid off. It's a conscious effort by Hasan Ali to stay away from the danger area.

12.4

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, Good length ball targeting the top of off stump, Amla punches it from the crease but finds the cover fielder.

12.3

Hasan Ali to Hashim Amla, An inviting delivery outside off, Amla declines the offer of playing a drive off the front foot. He just remains back and allows it through to Sarfraz.

12.2

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Lands it on a length and just outside off, Aiden stays back inside the crease and gently plays it down in the gap at covers. A single is pinched. All too easy for South Africa currently.

12.1

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Pitches it up and around off, Markram defends it back by showing the full face of his bat.

over

12 | 0 Runs | HH: 45/1

11.6

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Abbas puts it on a full length on off, Amla is half-forward in his defense.

11.5

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Good length ball on off, this time Amla blocks it from the crease to the off side.

11.4

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Full and on off, shaping back in, Amla allows it to come back in and then dead-bats it. Abbas' plan is to keep it full and around off and let Hashim play as many balls as possible by getting forward.

11.3

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Amla has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

11.2

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Angles in a fuller length ball outside off, Amla is watchful in his defense once more.

11.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, A length ball around off, Hashim is watchful in his defense. The way Markram is batting, it must be taking the pressure away from Amla. He can spend some time in the middle without thinking too much about scoring runs. Settle down first and then make merry.

over

11 | 13 Runs | HH: 45/1

10.6

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, That's the length. Hasan needs to hit this area more. Drops it on a good length around off and gets it to shape back in. Markram fails to defend but is hit high on the pads. Some inside edge also.

10.6

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Wide called for height! A bouncer has gone all wrong. It travels well over the head of the batsman.

10.5

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! This is T20 stuff! Hasan digs in a short delivery, Markram trusts the bounce, fetches it from outside off and powers his pull shot to the deep mid-wicket fence. Early struggle for Pakistan. 12 from the over, so far.

10.4

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, A hint of inward shape from a length outside off, Aiden defends it near his front pad.

10.3

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Fuller and on off, driven back to the bowler.

10.2

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! And again. Back of a length delivery outside off, once again Markram is quick to ride the bounce as he punches it past point for a boundary.

10.1

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Shot! A touch short and outside off, Markram gets on top of the bounce and punches it sweetly behind point for a boundary. Good start to the over.

over

10 | 2 Runs | HH: 32/1

9.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, A length ball on off, cutting back in, Markram inside edges his attempted shot and it goes behind square leg for a run. We're done with the first 10 overs of the match and there hasn't been too much on offer for the bowlers. There is movement for the new ball but nothing very dangerous. Apart from losing Dean Elgar, South Africa have largely looked unperturbed.

9.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Full and angling in around off, a little bit of swing there, Markram presents a straight bat in defense. Good contest going on. Just putting it there and waiting for the batsman to err in his shot selection.

9.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.

9.3

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, This one is on the pads and Amla has easily flicked it in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.

9.2

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Pitches it up and outside off, Amla is on the front foot as he defends it to the off side. Hashim doesn't look too comfortable whenever he is drawn forward.

9.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Full and angling in around off, straightening a bit after pitching, Amla defends it from the outer half of his bat to point.

over

9 | 4 Runs | HH: 30/1

8.6

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Aiden has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

8.5

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Quality shot from a promising young man. Hasan Ali pitches it up and outside off, Markram confidently gets on the front foot and nails his cover drive for a boundary.

8.4

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, A length ball on middle, straighter in line again, Markram pushes it towards wide mid on.

8.3

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, Fuller in length on middle at 135 kph, Markram gets forward and works it off his pads to the leg side. Not in the gap though at mid-wicket.

8.2

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

8.1

Hasan Ali to Aiden Markram, In the channel outside off, Markram leaves it easily.

Hasan Ali has the ball in his hand.

over

8 | 11 Runs | HH: 26/1

7.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Stays back and plays it down in the gap at covers for a quick single. 11 from the over, South Africa going on nicely.

7.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Back of a length delivery around off, nipping back in and staying low too, Markram tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

7.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, FOUR! A short delivery at a gentle pace isn't a good idea but it almost worked. Abbas just wanted to surprise the batsman by altering his length. He puts it around off and Aiden immediately goes for the pull shot. Fails to middle it and ends up top edging it behind to fine leg for a boundary.

7.3

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Edgy! Full and outside off, moving away a bit, Markram tries to defend but it takes a soft outside edge and rolls past gully for a couple.

7.2

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Cracking shot! Abbas overpitches outside off at 124 kph, Markram takes a big stride forward and drives it delightfully through covers for a boundary. The pace is too gentle here from Abbas, allowing the batsman to adjust.

7.1

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Full and on off, angling in at 127 kph, Markram draws forward ind defense.

over

7 | 3 Runs | HH: 15/1

6.6

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, Good length delivery angling away from the batsman, it's outside off and Hashim lets it through to the keeper.

6.5

Mohammad Amir to Hashim Amla, A real teaser around off, Amla makes a good leave. Looking a bit tentative whenever he has to press forward.

6.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Nearly a catch at short leg! Good length delivery on middle, too straight in line, Markram rotates his wrists and flicks it uppishly past Shan Masood. It speeds away and Abbas also sprints across to his left from fine leg. Uses his boot to keep it out just before the rope and the umpire finds it a clean effort after consulting it upstairs. Three added to the total.

6.3

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.

6.2

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A bit like the last delivery, this time Markram gets on top of the bounce and plays it down to short leg. Shan Masood keeps his eyes on the ball and collects it on one bounce. Good quality to possess for a bat-pad position.

6.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Extra bounce on this occasion. Jumping onto the batsman from a shortish length on middle. Markram tries to play it out but fails and takes a blow on his body, near the stomach area.

over

6 | 0 Runs | HH: 12/1

5.6

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, A length ball on off, Hashim walks across the stumps in his stance and defends it on the leg side.

5.5

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Puts it on a fuller length on off, Amla gets forward and across before blocking it with a dead straight bat. Not shuffling across too much like he used to, has worked on his technique it appears.

5.4

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, An easier leave on this occasion. Full and outside off, trying to tempt the batsman into a drive, Amla is patient enough to allow it through.

5.3

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Good leave. Abbas takes a length ball into the batsman with the angle and then it straightens after landing just outside off. Amla covers his stumps by shuffling across and then shoulders arms.

5.2

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Nice and full around off, Amla gets forward and quietly defends it near his front pad.

5.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, On a length and outside off, Amla gets forward with a tentative front foot movement and then defends it to the off side.

over

5 | 0 Runs | HH: 12/1

4.6

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Good line from Amir. Keeps it full and around off, Markram also is quite confident in his front foot defense.

4.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Fails to work it around the corner. This one is served on his pads, Markram tries tucking it on the leg side but fails to middle his shot.

4.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Identical to the last delivery, this time Aiden pushes his weight on the back leg and pats it down towards point.

4.3

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Just ahead of a length this time, angling across the right-hander, it's around off and Markram is on the front foot in his defense.

4.2

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A length ball on middle and off, Markram gets on the back foot and defends it towards the bowler.

4.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Bouncer around leg, Markram ducks underneath it.

over

4 | 4 Runs | HH: 12/1

3.6

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Gentle hands. Goes back to a length ball and taps it down in the gap at covers for a quick single.

3.5

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, Markram has played that off the front foot and into the ground.

3.4

Mohammad Abbas to Aiden Markram, On a length around off, Markram stays back to play it down towards point.

3.3

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, This one is fuller and on the pads, Amla turns it off his pads behind square leg for one.

3.2

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Amla has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

3.1

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Shortish on off, punched to sweeper cover for a brace. Amla is off the mark.

over

3 | 2 Runs | HH: 8/1

2.6

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Fuller length ball moving back into the batsman, Markram defends it to end the over.

2.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Chance goes down begging! In and out of short leg's hands! Shan Masood is the culprit. Good length ball on middle, Aiden plays the flick shot but fails to keep it down. Also, he has played it straight to Masood who reacts late. It hits him on the right hand (near the elbow), ricochets on his body and then goes down. Nervy period for Aiden.

2.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A length ball on middle and off, Markram firmly gets behind the line and defends.

2.3

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A touch short around off, Markram rocks back inside the crease and punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

2.2

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Full and wide outside off, Aiden shoulders arms.

2.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Goes back to get on top of the bounce of a length delivery and plays it down to covers.

over

2 | 4 Runs | HH: 6/1

1.6

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Another front foot defense by Amla, a watchful one by him to end a successful over for Pakistan.

1.5

Mohammad Abbas to Hashim Amla, Right on the money for the new batsman. Slants in a length ball on off, Amla is on the front foot in defense.

Hashim Amla walks in next at number 3.

1.4

Mohammad Abbas to Dean Elgar, OUT! There you go! Excellent delivery by Abbas and he has hunted down the stand-in skipper. Angles across a good length delivery outside off, Elgar has his feet glued to the crease as he hangs his bat out tentatively. It catches a thin outside edge and goes into the safe gloves of Sarfraz. Usually, Dean is a very patient batsman but his patience lasted only two balls, left the previous ones and edged the third. Early success for Pakistan and it's a big one too.

1.3

Mohammad Abbas to Dean Elgar, Outside off, left alone.

1.2

Mohammad Abbas to Dean Elgar, Lets the ball go outside his off stump.

1.1

Mohammad Abbas to Dean Elgar, FOUR! Full and outside off, Elgar gets forward to reach out for it and then drives it down through mid off for the first boundary of this Test match.

Mohammad Abbas to operate from the other end.

over

1 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/0

0.6

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, On a length and around off, Markram gets forward and pushes it with an angled bat to point.

0.5

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Left alone. This time Amir takes a length delivery away with the angle. It's around off and Markram leaves it on merit.

0.4

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, A hint of inward swing this time into the right-hander, Markram stays back and defends it in front of short leg.

0.3

Mohammad Amir to Dean Elgar, Gets full and outside off, Dean gets forward and pushes it gently in the gap at covers for a run.

0.2

Mohammad Amir to Dean Elgar, Angles away a length delivery outside off, Elgar watches the line closely and makes a leave.

0.1

Mohammad Amir to Aiden Markram, Starts with a good length delivery on middle, a hint of shape and bounce, Markram fails to work it around and it goes off his pads towards backward square leg. They cross.

Time to get underway! The players are on the field. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram (who passed his fitness test) are the Protea openers. Mohammad Amir to kick off proceedings with the new cherry. All set, here we go...

A milestone for the 23-year old Zubayr Hamza. He becomes the 100th Test player for South Africa since readmission. He's a very promising young batsman who averages a shade above 49 in the First Class cricket.

Toss - Dean Elgar wins the toss and SOUTH AFRICA WILL BAT! As expected, Zubayr Hamza takes Faf du Plessis' place in the playing XI while the rest of the team remains the same. Pakistan, on the other hand, have made as many as three changes. Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali come in for Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman.

Welcome one and all for the third Test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg. The hosts only took 6 days and around 30 minutes to take an unassailable lead in the series and now it's time to talk about playing for pride for the visiting team. The weakness in their batting is quite evident while their bowlers didn't perform to full potential in the last game. Will they take inspiration from their Asian rival's performance in Australia and avoid a whitewash? Only time will tell. For South Africa, Faf du Plessis will be missing as he's serving a one-match ban and Dean Elgar will be leading the hosts in his absence. It's unlikely there will be any other change for them. Stay tuned for more updates...

South Africa

Aiden Markram

Bat/Bow

Dean Elgar

CAP/Bat/Bow

Hashim Amla

Bat/Bow

Theunis de Bruyn

Bat/Bow

Temba Bavuma

Bat/Bow

Zubayr Hamza

Bat/Bow

Quinton de Kock

KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Vernon Philander

Bat/Bow

Kagiso Rabada

Bat/Bow

Dale Steyn

Bat/Bow

Duanne Olivier

Bat/Bow

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq

Bat/Bow

Shan Masood

Bat/Bow

Azhar Ali

Bat/Bow

Asad Shafiq

Bat/Bow

Babar Azam

Bat/Bow

Sarfraz Ahmed

CAP/KEEPER/Bat/Bow

Shadab Khan

Bat/Bow

Faheem Ashraf

Bat/Bow

Mohammad Amir

Bat/Bow

Hasan Ali

Bat/Bow

Mohammad Abbas

Bat/Bow

South Africa vs Pakistan, Pakistan in South Africa 3 Test Series 2018/19, 3rd Test - Full Squad