SA skippers ensure massive lead
South Africa dominated day two of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai, losing just one wicket as Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers put on an unbeaten 326 runs together to end the day on 460 for four.
South Africa dominated day two of the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai, losing just one wicket as Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers put on an unbeaten 326 runs together to end the day on 460 for four.
Smith racked up his fifth Test double century, ending the day on 227 not out and passing 9000 Test runs, while De Villiers was on 157, having recorded his 17th Test century. The lead was a hefty 361 at the close of play.
The Proteas started the day on 128 for three, with Smith on 67 and Dale Steyn the nightwatchman on three. The fast bowler was the only wicket to fall on the day, dismissed for seven by Mohammad Irfan.
From there it was all about the SA skippers as they went at more than three to the over for the whole day. Smith, putting the doubters in the back of his mind after failing in the first Test, looked svelte after losing 10kg's during his recovery from ankle surgery.
De Villiers was his usual athletic self, looking much prettier in terms of technique than Smith, but both showing more substance than style in the face of numerous appeals by Pakistan. The hosts used up all their reviews for nought.
Both batsmen struck 16 fours each, while De Villiers also added a six to his tally, the only one of the innings. The batsmen both suffered from cramps in the afternoon heat, but a few drinks breaks under an umbrella soon had them right.
The Pakistan bowlers suffered at the hands of the veteran batsmen, as Saeed Ajmal looked toothless on day two after removing two wickets the day before. He went for 132 runs in 43 overs, while Zulfiqur Babar also conceded a century.
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