Younis, Shafiq steady Pakistan ship

Published Feb 14, 2013

Share

Cape Town – Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq shared an unbeaten century partnership to rescue Pakistan and take them to tea at 133/4 on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, in Cape Town, on Thursday.

After the South African seam attack proved unplayable with the new ball before lunch, the edges failed to carry on the slower wicket and the bowlers struggled through the afternoon session without taking a wicket.

Both Younis and Shafiq reached their half-centuries with the latter reaching the milestone of 1 000 Test runs in his 18th Test.

Earlier, Vernon Philander made the initial breakthrough after Nasir Jamshed (3) was caught behind, by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.

Mohammad Hafeez, forced into a defensive shot, got a thick outside edge to Dale Steyn, which went low to Graeme Smith at first slip.

Morne Morkel then got into the action, striking twice in one over.

Azhar Ali (4) got an outside edge straight into De Villiers’ gloves and four balls later, captain Misbah-ul-Huq, was back in the dressing room for a duck. Misbah was unable to get his bat out of the way in time and gloved one to Dean Elgar at short leg.

At tea, Younis was on 54 not out and Shafiq on 50. – Sapa

Related Topics: