South Africa take 411-run lead against Pakistan on Day Two

Johannesburg: Feb 2, 2013

South Africa extended their lead to 411 runs against Pakistan on Day Two of the first Test match at Johannesburg on Saturday.

After bowling out Pakistan for 49, their lowest total in Test cricket, South Africa scored 207 runs for the loss of just three wickets.

Pakistan began the day at six for no loss. However, Dale Steyn wrecked havoc picking up six wickets for just eight runs.

It was another triumph for South Africa's barrage of fast bowlers and the third time in less than two seasons that the world's number one Test team had bowled out opponents for less than 50.

Australia were routed out for 47 in 2011/12 and New Zealand were dismissed for 45 earlier this season. Both matches were in Cape Town.

AB de Villiers equalled the South African wicketkeeping record by holding six catches and there were three catches in the slips as the Pakistan batsmen failed to cope with top quality bowling on a pitch with steep and sometimes variable bounce as well as some sideways movement.

Vernon Philander took two for 16 and Jacques Kallis two for 11.

Azhar Ali (13) and captain Misbah-ul-Haq (12) were the only Pakistan batsmen to reach double figures.

Steyn was outstanding, bowling at high pace and making the ball move away disconcertingly from the right-handed batsmen. He started Pakistan's collapse by taking three wickets in 14 balls at the start of the day and followed up with three more in 12 deliveries to wrap up the innings soon after lunch.

Steyn struck with his fifth ball of the day after Pakistan resumed at six for no wicket, having Mohammad Hafeez caught behind for six, edging an out-swinger.

In his next over Steyn trapped new cap Nasir Jamshed leg before wicket when the left-hander went back on his stumps against a full delivery.

Jamshed, who had survived in the previous over when Philander unsuccessfully sought a review of umpire Bruce Oxenford's not out decision, was himself the victim of a failed review after being given out by umpire Billy Bowden.

Five balls later Steyn claimed the key wicket of Younis Khan, caught at first slip when he edged a perfect out-swinger.

Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq survived for more than an hour before Kallis claimed two wickets in three balls, having both batsmen caught behind.

Misbah was given out on review after Bowden turned down an appeal, although hot spot evidence showed only the faintest, momentary touch.

Philander, after bowling four maiden overs at the start of play, came back to dismiss Asad Shafiq and Umar Gul within three balls as Pakistan lurched to lunch at 40 for seven.

Steyn struck twice in the first over after lunch but Junaid Khan edged and slogged two boundaries off Philander before Steyn had Rahat Ali caught at third slip.

Graeme Smith, leading his side in his 100th Test as captain scored a half-century in the second innings. In the company of Alviro Petersen, Smith added 82 runs for the first wicket. However, soon three wickets fell in quick succession.

The hosts took the attack to Mohammad Hafeez, who had picked up four wickets in the first innings, scoring at more than run-a-ball of his bowling.

Hashim Amla was unbeaten on 50, his 25th Test half-century. AB de Villiers was also at the crease giving Amla company with an unbeaten 63.

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 253 on Day One after winning the toss and electing to bat.  Jacques Kallis top-scored for the hosts with a steady 50. Amla added an unbeaten stand of 108 runs with de Villiers for the fourth wicket.

(with inputs from AFP)

Brief Scores: South Africa 253 & 207 for 3 (AB de Villiers 63*, Graeme Smith 52, Hashim Amla 50*; Umar Gul 2 for 25) lead Pakistan 49 (Azhar Ali 13, Misbah-ul-Haq 12; Dale Steyn 6 for 8) by 411 runs

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