Pakistan avoid defeat in second test as series peters out to a draw
SA 584/9 dec & 203/5 dec
PAK 434 & 153/3
Another splendid rearguard action led for the second time by Captain Misbah Ul Haq helps Pakistan draw the second test against the formidable South Africans at Abu Dhabi, the result means that the two test match series ends in a nil-nil
stalemate.
The result is a victory of sorts for Misbah and his men as they were definitely the underdogs at the start of the contest due to their depleted team that was bereft of some of their star players.
Misbah who played a gutsy knock for the third successive time in the series was a relieved man once the math was called off at the start of the last hour at the Zayed stadium.
He gave credit to his team for fighting their way through in tough conditions against a world class opposition.
“It was a team effort. Everyone chipped in. One thing we have lacked in past two-three years is consistency, we tried to perform consistently this time around, and that is why we have got this result. It's really a good boost for
the upcoming series. I think Azhar played really well right from his debut in England. Everyone played well, this is a good sign for Pakistan cricket. Six wickets on your debut is a terrific performance from Tanvir. Rehman is an experienced cricketer, and
he stepped up when required. Conditions will be difficult in New Zealand, but we will look to perform well there."
Misbah pointed out that the next assignment for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 that would be a big challenge especially if the ball jags around in the two test match series.
On the other hand the makeshift South African captain Jacques Kallis acknowledged that Pakistan played some fighting cricket and despite being the underdogs provided a stern test to his team, Kallis held the reins of the team after
captain Graeme Smith sat out the last day due to the recurrence of a fracture in his left hand.
Kallis said that the stalemate frustrated him and his team, “It has been a frustrating two Tests. We bowled in the right areas though. We have got a big series coming up against India, and should get favourable results. Smith will
take about three-four weeks to recover. This has been an important series for us at the start of the Test season. We are looking forward to facing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, thanks to all spectators and to the Pakistan team."
Meanwhile the Proteas batted for more than half an hour on the final day and pushed the target for Pakistan to 354.
Mark Boucher was the only South African wicket to fall on the last day; he was bowled for 15 runs by Umar Gul.
Ashwell Prince remained unbeaten on 47 runs, for Pakistan spinner Abdul Rehman took 3 wickets.
The response was positive from Pakistani openers with Mohammad Hafeez and Taufeeq Umar taking the attack to the opposition.
The two took their team to 66/0 at lunch, after the break the Pakistanis were in for a real shock as within three overs they lost three wickets without addition of a single run.
The first to go was Taufeeq who was dismissed lbw by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Johan-Botha-c67173 for 30 runs; Hafeez was sent packing by Paul Harris for 34 and two balls later Younis Khan who was the savior of the first test at Dubai fell lbw to Harris for a duck.
Reeling at 66/3 the pair of Misbah Ul Haq and Azhar Ali dropped anchor with a resolute piece of batting.
The two survived the lunch and tea session and were together when the match was called off, Azhar Ali remained unbeaten on 28 off 135 balls while Misbah remained defiant at the other end with a score of 58 complied off 140 balls.
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