<p>South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock urged his team's batsmen to be mentally stronger if they stand a chance against Pakistan in the second and final Test at Rawalpindi on Thursday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-batting-coach-feels-pant-will-have-extremely-important-role-in-future-360041">Indian batting coach feels Pant will have 'important role' in future</a></p>

<p>Pakistan dominated the Proteas with both bat and bowl in the first Test at Karachi as they beat the visitors by 7 wickets on Friday. South African batsmen could not stand a chance against the spin duo of Yasir Shah and debutant Nauman Ali as they crumbled from 175 for one to 245 all out in the second innings in Karachi setting an easy target for the hosts.</p>

<p>"We were never really ahead in the game, 220 in the first innings on that wicket is not good enough, especially when you opt to bat first. We let ourselves down," De Kock told reporters.</p>

<p>"The first innings we gave them our wickets, second innings there were one or two good nuts. We have to go back (to training), prepare and come back mentally stronger."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/your-profile-picture-vs-the-full-picture-icc-trolls-pakistan-cricketer-hasan-ali-359935" hreflang="en">'Your profile picture vs the full picture': ICC trolls Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali</a></p>

<p>South Africa have passed 300 just three times in their last 25 innings on the sub-continent, and more recently have been prone to spectacular collapses.</p>

<p>"If we knew how to fix them (the collapses) we wouldn’t be doing them in the first place, but we have spoken about it and are trying to find a way to stop it," De Kock added.</p>

<p>"In our second innings (of this test) we saw the way Aiden (Markram) and Rassie (Van der Dussen) went about it, they took their time and kept the ball on the ground, soaked up the pressure and scored where they could.</p>

<p>"Our record in the sub-continent is not the greatest, but we have won a couple of series. It is just a matter of finding a way to win."</p>


South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock urged his team's batsmen to be mentally stronger if they stand a chance against Pakistan in the second and final Test at Rawalpindi on Thursday.

South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock urged his team's batsmen to be mentally stronger if they stand a chance against Pakistan in the second and final Test at Rawalpindi on Thursday. ALSO READ: Indian batting coach feels Pant will have 'important role' in future Pakistan dominated the Proteas with both bat and bowl in the first Test at Karachi as they beat the visitors by 7 wickets on Friday. South African batsmen could not stand a chance against the spin duo of Yasir Shah and debutant Nauman Ali as they crumbled from 175 for one to 245 all out in the second innings in Karachi setting an easy target for the hosts. "We were never really ahead in the game, 220 in the first innings on that wicket is not good enough, especially when you opt to bat first. We let ourselves down," De Kock told reporters. "The first innings we gave them our wickets, second innings there were one or two good nuts. We have to go back (to training), prepare and come back mentally stronger." ALSO READ: 'Your profile picture vs the full picture': ICC trolls Pakistan cricketer Hasan Ali South Africa have passed 300 just three times in their last 25 innings on the sub-continent, and more recently have been prone to spectacular collapses. "If we knew how to fix them (the collapses) we wouldn’t be doing them in the first place, but we have spoken about it and are trying to find a way to stop it," De Kock added. "In our second innings (of this test) we saw the way Aiden (Markram) and Rassie (Van der Dussen) went about it, they took their time and kept the ball on the ground, soaked up the pressure and scored where they could. "Our record in the sub-continent is not the greatest, but we have won a couple of series. It is just a matter of finding a way to win."

'We let ourselves down': De Kock urges Proteas batsmen to show more steel

<p>Nauman Ali made a spectacular debut with five wickets and fellow spinner Yasir Shah grabbed four to give Pakistan a seven-wicket victory in the first Test against South Africa in Karachi on Friday.</p>

<p>Nauman, making his Test bow at the age of 34, finished with 5-35 and Yasir took 4-79 as South Africa slumped to 245 all out in their second innings on the fourth day on a wearing National Stadium pitch that favoured spin bowlers.</p>

<p>Pakistan, needing 88 for victory, lost openers Abid Ali, Imran Butt and Babar Azam for a total of 52 runs before achieving the target in 22.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.</p>

<p>The second Test starts on February 4 in Rawalpindi.</p>

<p>Azhar Ali was 31 not out while Fawad Alam -- who hit a fighting hundred in the first innings -- hit the winning boundary.</p>

<p>It was only Pakistan's fifth victory against South Africa in 27 Tests.</p>

<p>Anrich Nortje bowled Abid in the first over after lunch and then had Butt caught behind to finish with figures of 2-24.</p>

<p>Azam, on his Test captaincy debut, was dismissed leg before by Keshav Maharaj.</p>

<p>"The credit goes to the players," said Azam. "Our bowling was outstanding on a slow pitch and the way Yasir and Nauman bowled, it helped us get wickets.</p>

<p>"When we lost four early wickets Fawad and Azhar put on a good partnership as they showed their experience. It gave us a boost and a very crucial lead."</p>

<p>Azam's counterpart Quinton de Kock, who endured a miserable 50th Test of his career, rued South Africa's first innings collapse.</p>

<p>"I think our first innings cost us the game," said de Kock. "That was a big reason for our loss."</p>

<p>It is South Africa's first tour of Pakistan in 14 years, after a deadly attack on Sri Lanka's team in 2009 halted visits by foreign sides.</p>

<p>De Kock dismissed suggestions that South Africa took too long to adjust to the conditions.</p>

<p>"We practised enough here but I think we were a bit soft in the first innings," he said.</p>

<p>In a spinners' battle on a brownish wicket, Nauman recorded figures of 7-73 and Yasir 7-133. In contrast, South Africa's spin bowlers managed just four wickets.</p>

<p>Pakistan had taken a crucial 158-run first innings lead thanks to a fighting century from Fawad and half centuries from Faheem Ashraf and Azhar.</p>

<p>The writing was on the wall as South Africa lost nightwatchman Maharaj on the first ball of the day, bowled for two by pacer Hasan Ali.</p>

<p>De Kock followed his 15 in the first innings with just two runs as he was caught off a lazy push off Yasir.</p>

<p>Temba Bavuma, who scored 40, added 42 for the seventh wicket with George Linde before being the last man out as Nauman took the last four wickets in a rapid 22 balls.</p>

<p>Having earlier removed Aiden Markram, who was caught by Abid Ali, Nauman dismissed Linde for 11, Kagiso Rabada for a single run, and Anrich Nortje for a duck, before trapping Bavuma lbw.</p>

<p>His impressive performance made him just the 12th Pakistani bowler to take five wickets in an innings on his debut.</p>


Nauman Ali made a spectacular debut with five wickets and fellow spinner Yasir Shah grabbed four to give Pakistan a seven-wicket victory in the first Test against South Africa in Karachi on Friday.

Nauman Ali made a spectacular debut with five wickets and fellow spinner Yasir Shah grabbed four to give Pakistan a seven-wicket victory in the first Test against South Africa in Karachi on Friday. Nauman, making his Test bow at the age of 34, finished with 5-35 and Yasir took 4-79 as South Africa slumped to 245 all out in their second innings on the fourth day on a wearing National Stadium pitch that favoured spin bowlers. Pakistan, needing 88 for victory, lost openers Abid Ali, Imran Butt and Babar Azam for a total of 52 runs before achieving the target in 22.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second Test starts on February 4 in Rawalpindi. Azhar Ali was 31 not out while Fawad Alam -- who hit a fighting hundred in the first innings -- hit the winning boundary. It was only Pakistan's fifth victory against South Africa in 27 Tests. Anrich Nortje bowled Abid in the first over after lunch and then had Butt caught behind to finish with figures of 2-24. Azam, on his Test captaincy debut, was dismissed leg before by Keshav Maharaj. "The credit goes to the players," said Azam. "Our bowling was outstanding on a slow pitch and the way Yasir and Nauman bowled, it helped us get wickets. "When we lost four early wickets Fawad and Azhar put on a good partnership as they showed their experience. It gave us a boost and a very crucial lead." Azam's counterpart Quinton de Kock, who endured a miserable 50th Test of his career, rued South Africa's first innings collapse. "I think our first innings cost us the game," said de Kock. "That was a big reason for our loss." It is South Africa's first tour of Pakistan in 14 years, after a deadly attack on Sri Lanka's team in 2009 halted visits by foreign sides. De Kock dismissed suggestions that South Africa took too long to adjust to the conditions. "We practised enough here but I think we were a bit soft in the first innings," he said. In a spinners' battle on a brownish wicket, Nauman recorded figures of 7-73 and Yasir 7-133. In contrast, South Africa's spin bowlers managed just four wickets. Pakistan had taken a crucial 158-run first innings lead thanks to a fighting century from Fawad and half centuries from Faheem Ashraf and Azhar. The writing was on the wall as South Africa lost nightwatchman Maharaj on the first ball of the day, bowled for two by pacer Hasan Ali. De Kock followed his 15 in the first innings with just two runs as he was caught off a lazy push off Yasir. Temba Bavuma, who scored 40, added 42 for the seventh wicket with George Linde before being the last man out as Nauman took the last four wickets in a rapid 22 balls. Having earlier removed Aiden Markram, who was caught by Abid Ali, Nauman dismissed Linde for 11, Kagiso Rabada for a single run, and Anrich Nortje for a duck, before trapping Bavuma lbw. His impressive performance made him just the 12th Pakistani bowler to take five wickets in an innings on his debut.

Nauman and Yasir shine as Pakistan beat South Africa

<p>Pakistan's spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the space of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback on the third day of the first Test in Karachi on Thursday.</p>

<p>When it looked like South Africa would end the day at parity after wiping out Pakistan's big 158-run first innings lead, Yasir struck twice and Nauman once to leave the tourists on 187-4 at close.</p>

<p>Nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj was unbeaten on two and skipper Quinton de Kock was yet to score, as South Africa now lead by 29 runs with six second innings wickets in hand.</p>

<p>Earlier, Pakistan scored 378 to take a crucial lead over South Africa's first innings total of 220.</p>

<p>Opener Aiden Markram, who scored a polished 74 for his 8th fifty, added 127 for the second wickets with Rassie van der Dussen who scored a solid 64.</p>

<p>But Yasir, with figures of 3-53, changed the scenario by dismissing Dussen caught and then trapped Faf Du Plessis leg-before for ten, while Nauman had Markram caught by a close-in fielder to trigger a three wicket collapse in 33 balls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Markram, dropped on 27 by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam off spinner Yasir, also had a leg-before decision overturned on four.</p>

<p>Dussen also had a leg-before decision overturned on 56. Markram hit ten boundaries and Dussen five.</p>

<p>Both Yasir and Nauman will be major threats for South Africa on a fourth day National stadium pitch which produced 14 wickets on day one, four on the second and six on the third.</p>

<p>South Africa were off to a confident start with Markram and Dean Elgar defying Pakistan's attack, and were 37 without loss at lunch.</p>

<p>Elgar, in visible discomfort after being hit on the left hand by a rising delivery from pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, was caught by diving wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off Yasir for 29.</p>

<p>In the morning Pakistan's tail added 70 runs to frustrate South Africa, who were looking for quick wickets.</p>

<p>South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada bowled Hasan Ali for 21 to reach 200 wickets in his 44th Test.</p>

<p>Rabada, 25, is the eighth South African to take 200 or more Test wickets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan were 323-9 at that point, but Yasir and Nauman added 55 valuable runs for the final wicket.</p>

<p>Yasir, who scored a Test century in Australia in 2019, hit a six and four fours in his 38 not out, while debutant Nauman scored three boundaries before falling for 24.</p>

<p>Rabada with 3-70 and spinner Maharaj, who took 3-90, were the pick of the South African bowlers.</p>


Pakistan's spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the space of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback on the third day of the first Test in Karachi on Thursday.

Pakistan's spinners Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali grabbed three wickets in the space of ten runs to halt South Africa's fightback on the third day of the first Test in Karachi on Thursday. When it looked like South Africa would end the day at parity after wiping out Pakistan's big 158-run first innings lead, Yasir struck twice and Nauman once to leave the tourists on 187-4 at close. Nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj was unbeaten on two and skipper Quinton de Kock was yet to score, as South Africa now lead by 29 runs with six second innings wickets in hand. Earlier, Pakistan scored 378 to take a crucial lead over South Africa's first innings total of 220. Opener Aiden Markram, who scored a polished 74 for his 8th fifty, added 127 for the second wickets with Rassie van der Dussen who scored a solid 64. But Yasir, with figures of 3-53, changed the scenario by dismissing Dussen caught and then trapped Faf Du Plessis leg-before for ten, while Nauman had Markram caught by a close-in fielder to trigger a three wicket collapse in 33 balls. Markram, dropped on 27 by Pakistan skipper Babar Azam off spinner Yasir, also had a leg-before decision overturned on four. Dussen also had a leg-before decision overturned on 56. Markram hit ten boundaries and Dussen five. Both Yasir and Nauman will be major threats for South Africa on a fourth day National stadium pitch which produced 14 wickets on day one, four on the second and six on the third. South Africa were off to a confident start with Markram and Dean Elgar defying Pakistan's attack, and were 37 without loss at lunch. Elgar, in visible discomfort after being hit on the left hand by a rising delivery from pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, was caught by diving wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off Yasir for 29. In the morning Pakistan's tail added 70 runs to frustrate South Africa, who were looking for quick wickets. South Africa's pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada bowled Hasan Ali for 21 to reach 200 wickets in his 44th Test. Rabada, 25, is the eighth South African to take 200 or more Test wickets. Pakistan were 323-9 at that point, but Yasir and Nauman added 55 valuable runs for the final wicket. Yasir, who scored a Test century in Australia in 2019, hit a six and four fours in his 38 not out, while debutant Nauman scored three boundaries before falling for 24. Rabada with 3-70 and spinner Maharaj, who took 3-90, were the pick of the South African bowlers.

Yasir helps Pakistan foil South Africa fight in first Test

<p>Fawad Alam's top-class century in his first match at home rescued Pakistan after a poor start on Day 2 in the Test match against South Africa. The Pakistan batsman was not picked by his side for 10 years, however, upon his return, the 35-year-old smashed two centuries for his team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-came-from-virat-indian-batting-coach-reveals-the-reason-behind-pants-promotion-in-batting-order-359661" hreflang="en">'It came from Virat': Indian batting coach reveals the reason behind Pant's promotion in the batting order</a></p>

<p>Pakistan, who were once 33/4, were rescued by Fawad and Azhar's partnership. Fawad went on to score gritty 100 helping the home side take lead against the Proteas. The netizens were overjoyed by the veteran's scoring form and congratulated him for the century.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">-Remember if you want to shine like a Sun, first burn like a Sun. 💥<br />
Now thats like a top class performance with pure talent.<br />
Fawad Alam proving himself.🔥💚<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/NJk2jtmZSK">pic.twitter.com/NJk2jtmZSK</a></p>
— Its_me_Osama (@Mr_Pragmatist_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mr_Pragmatist_/status/1354386890934407168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another fantastic 💯 by fawad alam.<br />
Well done. What an innings 🔥🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvsSA</a></p>
— Amer (@_amermalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/_amermalik/status/1354386432887050241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fawad Alam to South Africa's team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Uv9pjDh13C">pic.twitter.com/Uv9pjDh13C</a></p>
— 💫 Ghulab Ja-moon 🌠 (@usmanhaidarr_) <a href="https://twitter.com/usmanhaidarr_/status/1354385454896963585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fawad Alam is the first Pakistani to convert each of his first 3 Test 50s into 100s.<br />
<br />
George Headley holds the world record having converted his first 6 50s into 100s.</p>
— Andrew Samson (@AWSStats) <a href="https://twitter.com/AWSStats/status/1354386543587319810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A year ago, Fawad Alam was hosting short TV interviews with PSL players on behalf of a brand we've already forgotten about because he wasn't picked for anything. Not Test. Not ODI. Not PSL.<br />
<br />
Now he's a national hero and I couldn't be prouder of my mate. Never give up<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakvSA</a></p>
— Fawadennis Alam (@DennisCricket_) <a href="https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1354380450043551747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What a gratifying story. Every time I see Fawad Alam score runs, my heart rejoices. 10 years denied him will never be returned, but all we can do is celebrate these apogee moments with him. Well played; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Fawadever?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Fawadever</a>👏👏👏.</p>
— Ian bishop (@irbishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/irbishi/status/1354385971417018368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is Fawad Alam's 8th Test match.<br />
It should be his 80th Test match.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1354376385654108164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Alam also became the first Pakistan batsman to convert his first three Test 50s into 100s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took two wickets for just eight runs as he led a South African fightback against Pakistan in their first Test in Karachi Tuesday.</p>

<p>Pakistan were in trouble at 33 for four at the close of play, having bowled out the visitors for 220 -- their second-lowest total in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two-match series marks the first tour by South Africa to Pakistan in 14 years, a positive step for the revival of international cricket in the host country.</p>

<p>A deadly attack on Sri Lanka's team in 2009 froze international tours to Pakistan before their gradual resumption in recent years.</p>

<p>Pakistan, currently, have a lead of 50 runs over South Africa with four wickets in hand and 10 overs remaining before stumps. &nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Fawad Alam's top-class century in his first match at home rescued Pakistan after a poor start on Day 2 in the Test match against South Africa. The Pakistan batsman was not picked by his side for 10 years, however, upon his return, the 35-year-old smashed two centuries for his team.

Fawad Alam's top-class century in his first match at home rescued Pakistan after a poor start on Day 2 in the Test match against South Africa. The Pakistan batsman was not picked by his side for 10 years, however, upon his return, the 35-year-old smashed two centuries for his team. ALSO READ: 'It came from Virat': Indian batting coach reveals the reason behind Pant's promotion in the batting order Pakistan, who were once 33/4, were rescued by Fawad and Azhar's partnership. Fawad went on to score gritty 100 helping the home side take lead against the Proteas. The netizens were overjoyed by the veteran's scoring form and congratulated him for the century. -Remember if you want to shine like a Sun, first burn like a Sun. 💥 Now thats like a top class performance with pure talent. Fawad Alam proving himself.🔥💚#PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/NJk2jtmZSK — Its_me_Osama (@Mr_Pragmatist_) January 27, 2021 × Another fantastic 💯 by fawad alam. Well done. What an innings 🔥🔥🔥#PAKvsSA — Amer (@_amermalik) January 27, 2021 × Fawad Alam to South Africa's team. #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/Uv9pjDh13C — 💫 Ghulab Ja-moon 🌠 (@usmanhaidarr_) January 27, 2021 × Fawad Alam is the first Pakistani to convert each of his first 3 Test 50s into 100s. George Headley holds the world record having converted his first 6 50s into 100s. — Andrew Samson (@AWSStats) January 27, 2021 × A year ago, Fawad Alam was hosting short TV interviews with PSL players on behalf of a brand we've already forgotten about because he wasn't picked for anything. Not Test. Not ODI. Not PSL. Now he's a national hero and I couldn't be prouder of my mate. Never give up#PakvSA — Fawadennis Alam (@DennisCricket_) January 27, 2021 × What a gratifying story. Every time I see Fawad Alam score runs, my heart rejoices. 10 years denied him will never be returned, but all we can do is celebrate these apogee moments with him. Well played; #Fawadever👏👏👏. — Ian bishop (@irbishi) January 27, 2021 × This is Fawad Alam's 8th Test match. It should be his 80th Test match.#PAKvSA #Cricket — Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) January 27, 2021 × Alam also became the first Pakistan batsman to convert his first three Test 50s into 100s. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada took two wickets for just eight runs as he led a South African fightback against Pakistan in their first Test in Karachi Tuesday. Pakistan were in trouble at 33 for four at the close of play, having bowled out the visitors for 220 -- their second-lowest total in the country. The two-match series marks the first tour by South Africa to Pakistan in 14 years, a positive step for the revival of international cricket in the host country. A deadly attack on Sri Lanka's team in 2009 froze international tours to Pakistan before their gradual resumption in recent years. Pakistan, currently, have a lead of 50 runs over South Africa with four wickets in hand and 10 overs remaining before stumps.

'Never give up': Netizens react to Fawad Alam's gritty 100 against South Africa

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f9f703f3-95b9-4bb2-b0a9-73fceafdbbc3}{111}" paraid="417228595" >Pakistan and South Africa are locking horns in the first Test of the two-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi with the Proteas visiting the country for the first time in 14 years, after international cricket in Pakistan was suspended due to terror attacks on the Sri Lankan side in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f9f703f3-95b9-4bb2-b0a9-73fceafdbbc3}{119}" paraid="1606084253" >While South Africa are batting first in the first Test against Pakistan, head coach Mark Boucher said that coronavirus restrictions and strict security protocols will make the tour challenging for South Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{088961c5-6bd0-4c68-bd65-33046f3331b1}{169}" paraid="385041616" >While Pakistan have hosted several limited-overs series in the previous six years, Test cricket resumed in the country in late 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{088961c5-6bd0-4c68-bd65-33046f3331b1}{169}" paraid="385041616" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-england-upset-team-india-in-test-series-mahela-jayawardene-opines-359264" hreflang="en">Can England upset Team India in Test series? Mahela Jayawardene opines</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b1031564-6c48-4c4f-a7b7-35684b9e2ab5}{142}" paraid="1885022860" >"It is challenging from a management perspective – especially when you are in a place like Pakistan where you can't get outside," Boucher told a virtual press conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d21ec8fc-c835-4b15-874a-6e3e5889bb85}{102}" paraid="1142349874" >A massive security detail made up of police and paramilitary personnel is guarding the team at their hotel and the stadium, forcing the squad to spend a lot of time in their rooms.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d21ec8fc-c835-4b15-874a-6e3e5889bb85}{134}" paraid="825487328" >"Personally, I don't think it's sustainable from a financial and just a headspace point of view for players, for staff, for management," Boucher said of the coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d21ec8fc-c835-4b15-874a-6e3e5889bb85}{134}" paraid="825487328" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-final-postponed-new-dates-revealed-359240" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship final postponed, new dates revealed!</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d21ec8fc-c835-4b15-874a-6e3e5889bb85}{150}" paraid="1100361866" >"I think it's been necessary to get the game of cricket up and running. I think everyone understands that. But it doesn't make it easier."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{d21ec8fc-c835-4b15-874a-6e3e5889bb85}{158}" paraid="742203394" >Boucher, as a player, had toured Pakistan in 1997, 2003 and 2007 and ended up with a world record 555 dismissals as a wicket-keeper in 147 Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{623420be-f929-4427-96c1-afc821359d75}{59}" paraid="885794170" >Notably, most of the Proteas elite players will be back home after the completion of the Test series in Rawalpindi in a bid to prepare for the upcoming series against Australia whereas a second-string side will play the&nbsp;three-match&nbsp;T20I series against Pakistan starting from February 11 in Lahore.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan and South Africa are locking horns in the first Test of the two-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi with the Proteas visiting the country for the first time in 14 years, after international cricket in Pakistan was suspended due to terror attacks on the Sri Lankan side in 2009.

Pakistan and South Africa are locking horns in the first Test of the two-match series at the National Stadium in Karachi with the Proteas visiting the country for the first time in 14 years, after international cricket in Pakistan was suspended due to terror attacks on the Sri Lankan side in 2009. While South Africa are batting first in the first Test against Pakistan, head coach Mark Boucher said that coronavirus restrictions and strict security protocols will make the tour challenging for South Africa. While Pakistan have hosted several limited-overs series in the previous six years, Test cricket resumed in the country in late 2019. ALSO READ: Can England upset Team India in Test series? Mahela Jayawardene opines "It is challenging from a management perspective – especially when you are in a place like Pakistan where you can't get outside," Boucher told a virtual press conference. A massive security detail made up of police and paramilitary personnel is guarding the team at their hotel and the stadium, forcing the squad to spend a lot of time in their rooms. "Personally, I don't think it's sustainable from a financial and just a headspace point of view for players, for staff, for management," Boucher said of the coronavirus restrictions. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship final postponed, new dates revealed! "I think it's been necessary to get the game of cricket up and running. I think everyone understands that. But it doesn't make it easier." Boucher, as a player, had toured Pakistan in 1997, 2003 and 2007 and ended up with a world record 555 dismissals as a wicket-keeper in 147 Tests. Notably, most of the Proteas elite players will be back home after the completion of the Test series in Rawalpindi in a bid to prepare for the upcoming series against Australia whereas a second-string side will play the three-match T20I series against Pakistan starting from February 11 in Lahore.

Security, COVID-19 restrictions make Pakistan's tour tough, says South Africa's Mark Boucher

pak-vs-sa-1st-test

Pak Vs Sa 1st Test, News on Pak Vs Sa 1st Test, stories on Pak Vs Sa 1st Test, articles on Pak Vs Sa 1st Test, Pak Vs Sa 1st Test stories at Wion, Pak Vs Sa 1st Test news, Pak Vs Sa 1st Test latest news

pak vs-sa-1st-test

'We let ourselves down': De Kock urges Proteas batsmen to show more steel

Nauman and Yasir shine as Pakistan beat South Africa

Yasir helps Pakistan foil South Africa fight in first Test

'Never give up': Netizens react to Fawad Alam's gritty 100 against South Africa

Security, COVID-19 restrictions make Pakistan's tour tough, says South Africa's Mark Boucher