http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 firmly in control of Dubai test
LUNCH Day 4
SA 380 & 248/2 Pak 248
The South Africans have strengthened their position further on day four of the first Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 at the Dubai International stadium. The first ever Test match at the venue is now firmly in South Africa’s control as they look to set Pakistan a huge fourth innings target.
Resuming at the overnight second innings score of 139 for two wickets, the pair of Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla, took the fight to the Pakistanis who were down and out for most part of the morning session, where they rarely troubled the batsmen.
Kallis and Amla, who both scored fifties in the first innings, carried on their good work as they continued to frustrate the deflated Pakistanis, who have not been in the game after conceding a 132-run first innings lead.
After a herculean effort on day two, which saw them strangle the Proteas, the inept Pakistani batting line-up succumbed under self-imposed pressure and the relentless accuracy of the South African bowlers, to throw away a great 105-run opening stand.
They were bowled out for paltry 248-runs, and now have their back against the walls as they bid to avoid going down 1-0 in the two-match Test series.
The South African pair Amla and Kallis added 100-runs during the first session of the fourth day, as the helpless Pakistani bowlers toiled aimlessly on a wicket that was not assisting them at all.
The spinning duo of Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman had no answers to the South African assault. Ajmal, who has had a lean trot lately continued to suffer at the hands of Kallis, who struck him for a six and two fours in one over.
Jacques Kallis has brought his rich Test experience to full use, as he reached 90 not out at lunch. The right hander has struck two sixes and seven fours in his knock so far.
Hashim Amla meanwhile, has been in fluent touch and is unbeaten on 85.
The two batsmen have added 173 runs for the third wicket, and look set to take the match out of the reach of the fragile Pakistani batting line-up.
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