Cricket Update

SAF goes 1-0 up against Pakistan

The first Test match between the SAF n Pakistan gives the former an edge over the latter in a hard fought battle. The pitch that keeps on deteriorating asked too much from the Proteas in their second innings to win the game. But a solid unbeaten stand between Amla n Kallis made it all look very easy.

Deciding to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan looked forward to post some decent score on board. But apart from Hameed's 65, Younis's 68 n Inzy's 42, no other batsmen showed any fight as Ntini takes five-for. South Africans survived the early threats as Smith continues to disappoint. It was left to Amla n star of series agains India, Prince to build the inning as they made 71 n 138 respectively. Gibbs pounced on the opportunity and contributed 94. On day 3, they were already 104 runs ahead of Pakistan with Asif provided the only positive display with his 5/89

Not wanting to loose this one, the Pakistan started their second inning positively as they trailed by only 1 run at the end of day 3. Knowing it wud be crucial two sessions on day 4, Proteas managed to get major breakthroughs. Inzy did the same mistake what Dravid n Sachin did in last test. As he was seen more keen on spending more n more time on wicket without caring much of scoring rate. Consequently from 103/2, Pakistan crawled its way to 199/7. But the tailenders had some other plans in their mind. They exploited the attacking field put up by Smith and suddenly the runs started coming in 4s n 6s as they take the total past 300.

Asking South African to score 199 for victory, Inzy was looking forward to some good fight from his bowlers especially Kaneria who could have exploited the rough on the pitch to his benefits. But it was only Asif who provided the breakthrough by taking De Villiers n nightwatchman Harris, with the seasonal bowler Hameed getting rid of Smith in last over of day 4. But this could hardly prevent Amla n Kallis as they successfully chased the target, despite of rain threats that ruined the first session on day 5. The other positive to come out for Proteas from this match was Paul Harris who no doubt proved to be a better spinner than Kaneria by exploiting the rough and never for once he disappointed his captain by not taking the wickets whenever asked to.

Pakistan First Innings: 313 all out (Younis 68, Hameed 65, Ntini 5/83)
SAF First Innings: 417 all out (Prince 138, Gibbs 94, Amla 71, Asif 5/89)
Pakistan Second Innings: 302 all out (Farhat 68, Nazir 40, Harris 4/46)
SAF Second Innings: 199/3 (Amla 64*, Kallis 60*, Asif 2/56)

Gibbs banned for two tests

In an uncanny event that happens during the first Test Match between SAF n Pak saw Gibbs guilty for making abusive comments about a section of the crowd. He was justifyingly punished for the same in account of which he will miss the remainder of the series. Immediately after this, the South African board (CSA) called for a disciplinary hearing and has asked Gibbs to report to commisstioner at the earliest opportunity. Though news has just poured in from CSA that Gibbs will appeal against this ban, in an event of which this hearing is being postponed till the ICC appeal process is completed.