PAK vs SA: Five most memorable Test matches between Pakistan and South Africa
Pakistan versus South Africa has always been an interesting rivalry, thanks to some breathtaking all-rounders and fast bowlers produced by these husky nations. Now with South Africa (visitors) all set to take on Pakistan (hosts) after more than 16 years, let us check some of their interesting encounters from the past.
5) Second Test 1998, Durban
The first Test of this zestful series ended in a draw. The second Test became voluntary known for Pakistan’s sturdy talent (Shoaib Akther and Azhar Mahmood). With Pakistan batting first on a two-paced wicket, the visitors could only manage 259 despite Azhar Mahmood’s hundred (132). In response, South Africa got bowled for an inferior score of 231 thanks to Shoaib Akthar’s (5/43). Now regardless of having an intimidating opening stand (101), Pakistan got tumbled for 226, losing nine wickets for 67 runs. With spin getting ravening to and fro, South Africa got devoured by a match-winning spell of Mushtaq Ahmed (6/78) making Pakistan win the match by 29 runs.
4) Third Test 1997, Faisalabad
The first two drawn Tests of this series were a testament to why South Africans were the best travellers. Into the third Test, the visitors first amassed a total of 239 in their first innings. In response, Pakistan combated South Africa’s formidable bowling attack by taking a lead of 69 runs. With South Africa getting tumbled for a score of 214, again thanks to the duo of Saqlain Mushtaq and Mushtaq Ahmed aggregating seven wickets between them, the hosts merely had to chase a target of 145. But a match-winning spell by Shaun Pollock (5/37) gave visitors a momentous win by a margin of 53 runs.
3) Second Test 2007, Port Elizabeth
While the overall series did demonstrate the ebb and flow of both teams, Pakistan made the second Test as an invigorating event. Firstly, they restricted South Africa to a score of 124 and then imperialized a first-innings lead of 141 runs all thanks to skipper Inzamam’s unbeaten 92. On the flip side, South Africa showed some relentless composure by amassing a score of 331 in their second innings. With 191 being required to win against a terrifying bowling attack of South Africa, there began a nervy Pakistan run-chase. However, with their batting being in high-spirits, the target was quite neatly achieved.
2) Second Test 2003, Faisalabad
Although the Test match’s result was a draw, a prodigious Day-5 gave some serious business to both the teams. By winning the toss, South Africa batted for almost 100 overs by acclaiming a score of 278. Being 137 for 1, Pakistan did look to post a sizable first innings score but got restricted to 348. With an integral lead of 70 runs, South Africa post a galvanizing total of 371 in their second innings including a strenuous 118 by Gary Kirsten. With 441 runs under South Africa’s belt, visitors felt short of a win thanks to some robust resilience shown by Pakistan’s batting order.
1) Third Test 2007, Cape Town
While this Test match was completely known for its low scoring occurrence, every single run looked to have its acute cause on the scoreboard. By winning the toss, the visitors got bundled to a score of 157 thanks to some impeccable bowling by Ntini and Kallis each fetching four wickets. In remarks, then came South Africa’s underwhelming reply by swaying themselves to a score of 183. With an indebted lead of 26 runs, Pakistan were yet again cramped, this time Steyn being the wrecker-in-chief (3/47). Regardless of chasing a menial target of 160 runs, South Africa did lose their five wickets but ended up winning the game.
