The first test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Dubai ended in a draw.

South Africa: 380 (Smith 100, Amla 80, Kallis 73, Petersen 67, Gul 3-100)
Pakistan: 248 (Hafeez 60, Azhar 56, Morkel 5-54)
South Africa: 318/2 dec(Amla 118*, Kallis 135*)
Pakistan: 343/3 (Younis 131*, Misbah 76*)
MATCH DRAWN

PAKISTAN SECOND INNINGS

Resuming on 109/2, the Pakistanis showed plenty of resolve in batting to save the test match after chasing an improbable 451 victory target.

The Proteas had their chances early, but three dropped chances cost them any chance of bringing new batsmen to the crease and with Younis Khan a rock at one end, Azhar Ali and Misbah Ul-Haq supported brilliantly to frustrate the South African bowlers.

CATCHES WIN MATCHES

Whilst both captains praised Younis Khan’s innings, it was the poor fielding display that cost the Proteas. Catches win matches, and if you drop 3 chances you will pay.

I also feel the South African pace bowlers, especially Morne Morkel don’t attack the stumps enough, and I would perfer to see Tsotsobe come in for Morkel.

SERIES DECIDER

It now leaves the series to be decided upon by the second and final test to take place in Abu Dhabi.

South Africa’s Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis put on a record unbroken stand of 242 to give the Proteas a strong chance of victoy in the first test.

South Africa: 380 (Smith 100, Amla 80, Kallis 73, Petersen 67, Gul 3-100)
Pakistan: 248 (Hafeez 60, Azhar 56, Morkel 5-54)
South Africa: 318/2 dec(Amla 118*, Kallis 135*)
Pakistan: 109/2 (Azhar 37*, Younis 11*)
South Africa lead by 341 runs



The Proteas need a remaining 8 wickets in 3 sessions to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

SOUTH AFRICAN SECOND INNINGS

Resuming on 139/2, Amla and Kallis batted superbly. They were largely untroubled, playing their natural game on a benign pitch and both being rewarded with unbeaten hundreds.

It was South Africa’s second-highest stand for any wicket against Pakistan.

Afterwards Kallis said, “I think Hashim and myself got ourselves to a good start, we were always ahead of the rate, we complemented each other well. It was tough scoring, the wicket is pretty slow, outfield is slow as well. We put away the bad balls that we got, and got to a total we were happy with.”

It left Pakistan with a daunting 451 for victory.

PAKISTAN SECOND INNINGS

Azhar Ali and Younis Khan remain the not out batsmen and will have to bat for a long perriod tomorrow if Pakistan have any hope of saving this test match.

They may be aided by an arm injury to Dale Steyn picked up from throwing a bal in from the boundary. It remains to be seen just how much this will hamper him.

As we’ve often come to expect however, don’t rule out a Pakistani batting collapse at any stage! South Africa are in the box seat for a victory and have the luxury of being able to attack all day on a wearing pitch.

Morne Morkel ripped through the lower end of the Pakistan batting lineup to leave South Africa strongly poised for victory in the first test in Dubai.

South Africa: 380 (Smith 100, Amla 80, Kallis 73, Petersen 67, Gul 3-100)
Pakistan: 248 (Hafeez 60, Azhar 56, Morkel 5-54)
South Africa: 139/2 (Amla 44*, Kallis, 32*)
South Africa lead by 271 runs

PAKISTAN FIRST INNINGS

A typical collapse took Pakistan from a fighting position, to finding themselves in a losing position once more.

They were cruising at 176/2, before the dismissal of Younis khan triggered a collapse of 72/7. (Interestingly, the previous day South Africa lost 7 for 73.)

Initally Johan Botha got the breakthroughs, backed up with some superb fielding from AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla who took a screamer at forward short leg. Then it was the pace duo of Steyn and Morne Morkel.

Morkel ripping through the Pakistan lower order to finish with 5 for 54. I’ve been critical of Morkel in the past for failing to get 5 wicket bags, and take enough wickets, let’s hope this is a turning point in his career for he bowled well.

SOUTH AFRICAN SECOND INNINGS

With only 1 real pace bowler (Younis Khan shared the new ball) in Umar Gul, Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen just had to get through the new ball spell to put the Proteas in a commanding position.

Whilst neither played convincingly well, a couple of tough LBW decisions put paid to their innings. Petersen fell at 47, and Smith at 76, before Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis steadied the ship to leave South Africa at 139/2.

THEIRS TO LOSE

The match is now South Africa’s to lose. If they can score another 200 in 2 sessions, it’ll give Pakistan just over 450 to chase, and the Proteas 4 sessions to get 10 wickets.

The South African top order dominated the Pakistan bowling attack on the first day of the test series to set South Africa up for a strong test match.

South Africa: 380 (Smith 100, Amla 80, Kallis 73, Petersen 67, Gul 3-100)
Pakistan: 144/2 (Azhar 12*, Younis 21*)
South Africa lead by 236 runs

The momementum in the match has swung as South Africa’s dominance was undone by Umar Gul and then the Pakistani top order took the game to the Proteas, leaving the match evenly poised.

SOUTH AFRICAN INNINGS

With an injury to Wahab Riaz who has been ruled out of the series, Pakistan were reduced to 1 paceman. Younis Khan turned his arm over to support Umar Gul who carried the Pakistan side superbly by himself.

All the Proteas had to do was see off his first spell and cash in, but a steady flow of wickets put the Proteas under pressure.

The entire middle order failed, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher. It put pressure on Jaques Kallis who eventually fell for 73, along with the South African resistance.

South Africa were eventually dismissed for 380, losing their last 8 wickets for 73.

PAKISTAN INNINGS

Pakistan continued their momentum shift as they tore into the South African new ball attack of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, scoring 88 runs off the first 22 overs.

With the Pakistani batsmen not afraid to play their shots, It required Jaques Kallis, Paul Harris and Johan Botha to put on the brakes, and the pressure allowed South Africa to snaffle two wickets before the close of play.

FAIRLY EVEN

After 2 days, the match is evenly poised with South Africa leading by 236 runs, and Pakistan hold 8 first wickets in hand.

The key will be the morning session, especially the wicket of Younis Khan. If South Africa can prise him out, and grab early wickets, they’ll be right back in it.

If Pakistan can build partnerships, they can cash in later in the day.

It should be a good battle.

The South African top order dominated the Pakistan bowling attack on the first day of the test series to set South Africa up for a strong test match.

South Africa: 311/3 (Smith 100, Amla 80, Petersen 67, Kallis 53*)


Graeme Smith led from the front as he and Alviro Petersen fought hard on a relatively benign track after having won the toss.

It was not always pretty, but it was effective, and Smith and Petersen were able to see off the Pakistan opening pair, Umar Gul bowling without any luck.

The opening pair put on 153, before both Petersen and Smith were out to half trackers, hitting them straight down the throat of the fielders. They’ll be disappointed they didn’t go on to big scores, but it set a great platform for South Africa’s kingpins, Hashim Amla and King Kallis.

They put on a stand of 117, before Amla was out wafting at a widish delivery just before the close of play for the day. He’ll be disappointed to have gotten out for 80 when a century was looming.

RECORDS

Graeme Smith became the highest run scorer as a captain (6664), surpassing Alan Border’s record (6623).

In posting his 13th Test ton on foreign soil, he moved into joint third position with compatriot Gary Kirsten and Australian legend Neil Harvey for that milestone among left-handers.

The leader is West Indies’ Brian Lara with 17, followed by Allan Border of Australia with 14.

“It wasn’t something that I really thought about before the game but obviously having seen it now, I’m extremely proud. If I think back to the beginning part of my career when I took over the captaincy at such a young age, it’s difficult to be put in the same bracket with the Pontings, Borders and Waugh’s, so many unbelievable names on that board” said Graeme Smith.

“From my perspective it’s an honour and something that I’m proud of and hopefully something that I can build on still in the future.”

Jacques Kallis moved into 5th position on the all time test match career runs list, overtaking Alan Border.

SET UP

The Proteas are now set for a massive first innings score, allowing them to put Pakistan under immense pressure. Much will depend on Kallis who has a poor record resuming his innings on a second day, but if he gets stuck in, he can score that elusive double hundred, and set the Proteas up.

Hashim Amla now has the highest ODI batting average from players of all the major cricket playing nations.

The Proteas, for the first time ever, have the world’s number 1 (AB de Villiers) and 2 (Hashim Amla) ranked ODI batsmen.

Amla also has the second highest ODI career batting average. Amla’s average (like his test stats) is on the increase, surprising given his temperment and technique are more ideally suited to test cricket.

Amla’s ODI average is now 57.67, still some way behind RN ten Doeschate of the Netherlands who averages 68.55!

However it is still considerably higher than Michael bevan’s 53.58 who is 3rd. There are only 2 others in the 50′s and the next highest is Zaheer Abbas with 47.62

With time on his side, could Amla be the player who breaks multiple records and ends up with the highest career average of the major cricket playing nations?I believe he could, he has a fantastic attitude, and can perform the anchor role every side needs very successfully, playing within his limitations with ease.

Unlike many non-subcontinental batsmen, he is also fortunate that he has the game to succeed in those countries, and bump up his average on batter-friendly pitches.

I belive we could see both his ODI and test averages increase in the next few years, and see him break many records!

India travel to South Africa for 3 test matches, 5 ODI’s and 1 T20 in what is a battle for the top spot in World Cricket.

Whilst India currently top the ICC test rankings and are currently regarded as the best side in the world, their form outside of India and the sub-continent will determine just how great their side can be regarded.

They have never won a series in South Africa, their batsmen often struggling to come to terms with the bouncier pitches.

The series promises to be an epic battle, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Indian batting order can cope with the pace and bounce, and whether their bowling attck can trouble a settled Proteas batting lineup.

Having Gary Kirsten as coach, with in depth knowledge of South African conditions, and their players will definitely help the Indians.

However I don’t believe India are that good away from home. Sehwag has often struggled against extra bounce, and if he goes early, much depends on Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman to save the Indians.

With the ball I don’t think their attack will be strong enough with not enough pacemen to utilise South African conditions. Their spinners are accurate, but not the genuine threats that will worry the Proteas who are generally quite good players of spin bowling (Shane Warne excepted).

The Proteas have a strong batting lineup with Smith, Amla, Kallis, de Villiers and Duminy all in good touch.

With the ball, Dale Steyn will be well rested and raring to reclaim more wickets, and should be well backed up by Parnell, (M) Morkel and Kallis.

It promises to be a mouth-watering contest, but overall, in home conditions, the Proteas should fancy their chances.

SOUTH AFRICA v INDIA, South Africa (Dec/Jan 2010/11):

South Africa travel to Dubai, to take on the Pakistanis in 2 T20′s, 5 one dayers, and 2 test matches.

The venue is Dubai due to the security risk of playing in Pakistan.

The Pakistanis have been troubled off the field in recent times with suspensions and match fixing allegations, but one can never discount them, especially in conditions similar to the sub-continent.

SOUTH AFRICA v PAKISTAN, Dubai (Oct/Nov 2010):

Over the last 12-18 months, Hashim Amla has shown just how good he can be and made the number 3 or opening spot his own in the Proteas batting lineup.

I first saw Amla play at the 2002 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, where as captain he led his team to the final. From that moment I knew he’d play for the Proteas and be a damn fine player.

It has taken Amla some time, amongst sometimes limited opportunities to make his mark on the international stage.

In 46 test matches he has scored 3383 runs, and boasts a test batting average of 45.10 with a top score of 253 not out, having also scored 10 centuries.

In 32 ODI’s, he has scored 1615 runs, with an average of 57.67 and a strike rate of 91.5 with 5 centuries.

The stats don’t tell the full story however, as Amla struggled in the initial stages of his international career, and has blossomed in the last couple of years.

Like most players of origin from the sub-continent, Amla doesn’t get very far forward at times, especially early in his innings and can be vulnerable to the swinging delivery. However once he gets his eye in, his timing is impeccable and he utilises his wrist to score freely square of the wicket on both sides of the field.

More than his technique however, it is his temperament that makes me think Amla will be one of the games greats. He is uncomplicated, and exhibits great patience and perseverance.

He remains unflustered by previous deliveries, able to concentrate on the next delivery and get on with the job at hand. He is cool, calm and collected, not even able to be perturbed by Aussie sledging!

I have no doubt Amla will score a mile more runs. His average will improve in test cricket, and he’ll score many more centuries in all forms of the game.

The Proteas ensured a clean sweep in the 3 match one day series against Zimbabwe with a record breaking win in the last match.

With a slightly depleted side giving some newcomers a chance to show what they are capable of, the Proteas will be pleased to get the 3-0 result, and secure a record breaking 272 run victory in the final match to signal they are on the right path ahead of next year’s World Cup.

The Proteas showed their batting is strong, with Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers both scoring 2 centuries in the series, and JP duminy 1.

A possible criticism is that Graeme Smith failed to post a decent score in his 3 innings. Other than that the batting looks solid, and it will serve the Proteas well that 3 sizeable totals were scored, including 2 innings over 350 when setting a score.

The bowling got better as the series evolved, possibly lacking the real strike power without Dale Steyn, and the control and variety that will be needed on the sub-continent for the World Cup.

However with 2 further series before the World Cup, it gives the Proteas time to work on their problem areas and fine tune their strategy.

I am sure that with the return of Jaques Kallis and Dale Steyn, this side will go to another level, as they get the chance to prove with a series against Pakistan looming.

Results – South Africa v Zimbabwe ODI’s October 2010

1st ODI: South Africa v Zimbabwe at Bloemfontein – Oct 15, 2010

South Africa 351/6 (50 ov); Zimbabwe 287/6 (50 ov)

South Africa won by 64 runs


2nd ODI: South Africa v Zimbabwe at Potchefstroom – Oct 17, 2010

Zimbabwe 268 (48.2 ov); South Africa 273/2 (39 ov)

South Africa won by 8 wickets (with 66 balls remaining)


3rd ODI: South Africa v Zimbabwe at Benoni – Oct 22, 2010

South Africa 399/6 (50 ov); Zimbabwe 127 (29 ov)

South Africa won by 272 runs