Markram, van der Dussen show resistance as South Africa eye victory

Pak vs SA: Second Test - Day 4 - STUMPS - Match Report - Rawalpindi - Feb 7

February 07, 2021
Markram, van der Dussen show resistance as South Africa eye victory / Photo: ICC

A 94-run unbeaten second-wicket partnership between opener Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen brought South Africa back in the game on day four of second Test against Pakistan. 

Finishing the day 127 for one, Proteas were the happier team at stumps as they lost no wickets in the last session with Markram (59) and van der Dussen (48) present at crease. 

The visiting team require another 243 to win the second and final Test against Pakistan while the hosts will aim for the nine wickets on the final day. 

Shaheen Shah Afridi got Pakistan its first breakthrough an over prior to the tea break after dismissing opener Dean Elgar for 17. 

South Africa were 37 for one at the end of the second session on Sunday, requiring another 333 runs to win against the home side with Markram (14) and van der Dussen (4) staying on pitch to resume the batting in the last session. 

Pakistan stayed defiant in their second innings on Sunday after losing early wickets a day earlier to set a 370-run target in the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi.

Wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan's century helped the home team dominate over the guests on day four. The batsman scored his maiden international century in red-ball cricket at a crucial stage and remained unbeaten on 115. 

Rizwan was supported well from the other end of the wicket, especially by Nauman Ali, who scored 45 runs. The two contributed a vital 97-run partnership for the ninth wicket in Pakistan's second innings score. 

Meanwhile, George Linde was pick of the bowlers for the visiting side as the left-armer picked his maiden five-wicket haul. 

On the other end, Keshav Maharaj grabbed three wickets while Kagiso Rabada got the other two. 

 Earlier at lunch, Pakistan was leading by 288 runs with Rizwan (73) staying on crease alongside Nauman Ali (10) while the home team stood at 217 for eight.

The green shirts were off to a good start in the morning of day four as a 53-run stand between Rizwan and Yasir Shah extended the team's lead against South Africa.

Pakistan were 196 for eight after 74 overs with a 267-run lead against Proteas in the first session. 

Rizwan, who scored  his seventh international half-century, was joined by Nauman Ali shortly after Shah departed for 23 an over earlier.

George Linde helped the visiting team get the much-needed breakthrough after dismissing Shah while Maharaj got the wicket of Hasan Ali earlier in the morning.

On Saturday, Pakistan were in danger with 76 for five at one stage, however, a 52-run stand between Rizwan and Faheem added some stability to the team's second innings score.

The home team were 126 for six at stumps on day three with a 200-run lead over the guests. 

Read: Rizwan, Faheem help stretch Pakistan lead following quick wickets loss

The writer is a sports sub-editor at Geo digital group.

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