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Fawad’s ton rescues Pakistan in Karachi


Bangladeshpost
Published : 27 Jan 2021 08:23 PM

ICC

Fawad Alam ensured Pakistan bounced back strikingly on the second day in Karachi, his third Test century helping the home side end the day at 308/8, a lead of 88, against South Africa.

Alam’s century formed the bedrock of Pakistan’s efforts on the second day, as he put on sizeable partnerships with Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf to ensure Pakistan dug themselves out of the hole they found themselves in at the end of the first day. It also meant Pakistan extended Kagiso Rabada’s wait for his 200th Test wicket, to another day at least.

Pakistan were in trouble overnight, having been reduced to 27/4 late on the opening day with their best batsman, Babar Azam, back in the dressing room. The South African bowlers had their tails up, and had they managed a couple of wickets in the morning session, Pakistan might well have crumbled.

Alam and Ali put on a fine 94-run partnership, ensuring the South African bowlers had no joy in the opening session. Their partnership, which lasted the best part of 40 overs, took the sting out of South Africa. When Maharaj eventually got the breakthrough, Ali attempting a cut and sending it through to the ‘keeper, Pakistan weren’t too affected.

Late in the day, after Pakistan had attained the lead and extended it, Alam and Ashraf fell in quick succession. Despite that, Pakistan had scored a dominant 130 runs in the final session alone, and the ball is now firmly in Pakistan’s court.