Cricket

Pakistan 378 lead South Africa 220 by 158 runs

The tail really went to town with a quickfire half century partnership for the last wicket just adding to SA's frustration. They had a lot of luck but Yasir made 38* off 37 balls with some big hits off Maharaj. The spinner was the most successful bowler with 3-90.

Only Azhar did anything at the top of the order and Pakistan were four down for nothing after day one. Yesterday Fawad's 109 with help from Rizwan 33 while Faheem's big hitting 64 in only 84 started the tail wagging. Further contributions from less likely sources Hasan Ali 21, debutant Nauman last out for 24 and Yasir himself.

An amazing stat at Karachi where 70 odd sides batting second have won compared to only seven batting first, it's looking a good toss to lose.

This is being covered by Sky tv's cricket channel.
 
In the first of two Pakistan Vs South Africa tests in Karachi - South Africa wiped out the sizeable first innings deficit of 158 runs for the loss of only Elgar (28), with Makram and Van der Dussen making 75 and 64 following on from a decent opening partnership of 48. They added 127 for the second wicket to reach 175-2 at the fall of Van der Dussen, effectively 17-2 with Yasir Shah claiming both wickets. At that point the test looked to be developing into a real nailbiter with South Africa bowling last and the pitch starting to turn, Maharaj would be in his element.

Unfortunately for the proteas the wheels fell off and they succumbed to the spin twins of Yasir and debutant Nauman (a fivefer on debut) who between them picked up 9 wickets in a sensational collapse. South Africa all out for 245 just 87 ahead and 88 the meagre target for Pakistan.

At the lunch break on day four -Pakistan only needed a further 66 runs with all second innings wickets still intact.

Live coverage on the sky cricket channel
 
A late third wicket with Maharaj trapping Babar Azam in front for the second time in the match but it's eight defeats in a row for the hapless South Africans - maybe they should think of sticking to the likes of Zimbabwe in future and hope they might fluke a win.

Fawad Alam hit the winning runs for a win by seven wickets and with a first innings century will surely be man of the match
 
Chris O'Connor said:
A late third wicket with Maharaj trapping Babar Azam in front for the second time in the match but it's eight defeats in a row for the hapless South Africans - maybe they should think of sticking to the likes of Zimbabwe in future and hope they might fluke a win.

Fawad Alam hit the winning runs for a win by seven wickets and with a first innings century will surely be man of the match
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Did RSA really lose to Sri Lanka as well mate? I thought they defeated them?
 
Chris O'Connor said:
Yeh got the facts badly confused there, just quoting the comms on TV possibly qualified it in some way - like away tests in the subcontinent or something like that

:D:D:D
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Yes no problems mate, sounded a bit off, as I remember them being miles ahead V Sri Lanka. I was thinking if they ended up not winning those games, they've got big problems!

They seem to be struggling to stop the leaking of talent going overseas don't they? There's a lad at Lancs, who's a top draw keeper-batsman and I dont think has played a game for them. Probably one of the sadder parts of the modern game really, that some former powerhouse countries have become weakened. I'm sure Laubaschagne in Australia is originally from SA, Wagner for NZ, we've obviously had our share as well.
 
catcherintherye said:
Yes no problems mate, sounded a bit off, as I remember them being miles ahead V Sri Lanka. I was thinking if they ended up not winning those games, they've got big problems!

They seem to be struggling to stop the leaking of talent going overseas don't they? There's a lad at Lancs, who's a top draw keeper-batsman and I dont think has played a game for them. Probably one of the sadder parts of the modern game really, that some former powerhouse countries have become weakened. I'm sure Laubaschagne in Australia is originally from SA, Wagner for NZ, we've obviously had our share as well.
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Most notably KP - Kevin Pietersen of course. - he was frustrated by the quota system at home denying him opportunities to break through and made the career defining decision to ask for a county trial over here.

I think the last century we had a few with the ban on South Africa through apartheid making a fair few turn out for others Tony Greig captained us in the 1970's before Kerry Packer came calling and both Alan Lamb and Robin Smith were fine batsmen
 
Chris O'Connor said:
Most notably KP - Kevin Pietersen of course. - he was frustrated by the quota system at home denying him opportunities to break through and made the career defining decision to ask for a county trial over here.

I think the last century we had a few with the ban on South Africa through apartheid making a fair few turn out for others Tony Greig captained us in the 1970's before Kerry Packer came calling and both Alan Lamb and Robin Smith were fine batsmen
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Yes all fair. I think it's more that the county game has lots playing in it. That Harmer for Essex looks a very useful spin bowler. You look at players like him, who probably get ignored by England as it takes a bit of time to get through the clearance, but who could probably make the SA team a lot more competitive. I mean just the 3 or 4 I've mentioned, Wagner, Harmer, Labuaschagne, and Rivas at Lancs would all improve that SA team in my opinion.
 
catcherintherye said:
Yes all fair. I think it's more that the county game has lots playing in it. That Harmer for Essex looks a very useful spin bowler. You look at players like him, who probably get ignored by England as it takes a bit of time to get through the clearance, but who could probably make the SA team a lot more competitive. I mean just the 3 or 4 I've mentioned, Wagner, Harmer, Labuaschagne, and Rivas at Lancs would all improve that SA team in my opinion.
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Found out what the qualification should have been for that eight in a row stat I misquoted.

South Africa have now lost their last eight away test matches - an incredibly poor record stretching all the way back to when they won the second test in a 4-1 series defeat in England in 2017, England therefore winning the third and fourth tests. Successive losses in Sri Lanka (2-0 from 2) and India (3-0 from 3) followed before losing the first in this current Pakistan series today.
 
catcherintherye said:
Yes all fair. I think it's more that the county game has lots playing in it. That Harmer for Essex looks a very useful spin bowler. You look at players like him, who probably get ignored by England as it takes a bit of time to get through the clearance, but who could probably make the SA team a lot more competitive. I mean just the 3 or 4 I've mentioned, Wagner, Harmer, Labuaschagne, and Rivas at Lancs would all improve that SA team in my opinion.
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ones that jumped ship and would take back ASAP would be Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott.. Harmer would deffo add depth especially as he’s a useful batsman..
Of all of them Rilee was the one I was most gutted to see go.. don’t blame any of them.. all treated badly
 
BornBlue76 said:
ones that jumped ship and would take back ASAP would be Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott.. Harmer would deffo add depth especially as he’s a useful batsman..
Of all of them Rilee was the one I was most gutted to see go.. don’t blame any of them.. all treated badly
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Yes I think all three would strengthen SA. I really rate Abbott and Harmer but, while I like him, not quite as convinced by Rilee when I've seen him for Hampshire - loads of talent but can give his wicket away on occasions.
 

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