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Johannesburg, January 11
Vernon Philander took two wickets in as many balls to leave Pakistan on 17/2 at the end of the first day of the third Test after they had rallied earlier and bowled hosts South Africa out for 262. Philander removed Shan Masood for two runs and then had Azhar Ali out first ball to bring to nine the number of wickets in a dramatic final session on what was supposed to be a docile wicket at the Wanderers.
South Africa, with a foundation of 90 runs from Aiden Markram and handy contributions from Hashim Amla, Theunis de Bruyn and debutant Zubayr Hamza, were 226/3 at tea but collapsed after and lost seven wickets for a paltry 33 runs as Pakistan’s bowlers found reverse swing to seize the initiative. But hopes of then capping a fine comeback with a solid start to their innings was spoilt by Philander. Faheem Ashraf, one of three changes to the Pakistan side after losing the first two Tests, took 3/57 as South Africa crumbled after tea.
The hosts were 132/1 as Markram and Amla put together a 126-run partnership in an attacking start after stand-in skipper Dean Elgar had won the toss and elected to bat. Amla provided solid back-up and looked to be set for a big score himself before he was out for 41. De Bruyn was on 48 at tea but added just one run before his departure set off the avalanche of wickets with Hamza, after looking confident on debut, getting a small nick behind for 41.
Then followed a steady procession of wickets before Pakistan came out to bat with 30 minutes left in the day. Opener Imam-ul-Haq (10) and nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas (0*) were at the crease. — Reuters
Brief Scores: South Africa: 262 (Markram 90, T de Bruyn 49; Ashraf 3/57); Pakistan: 17/2 (Imam-ul-Haq 10, Mohammad Abbas 0*, V Philander 2/1)
Sohail trashes black magic theory
Karachi: Pakistan batsman Haris Sohail Friday rubbished reports that he was under a spell of black magic, saying he returned midway through the South Africa tour due to a knee injury. “Such reports have also disturbed my family a lot. I have faced a knee injury problem again and that is why I had to miss the Test series in South Africa,” Sohail said. A section of the Pakistan media had claimed that the return of Sohail was linked to supernatural encounters. PTI
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