By SS
October 21 2003

Pakistan wrapped up the 1st Test in Lahore on Day 5, beating South Africa by 8 wickets. It was an excellent team performance based on solid performances throughout the team and the sprit within the squad was clearly evident. Most experts say that test matches are won and lost in one session and this extraordinary match was no different. The morning of the fourth day ultimately provided the swing in the balance in favour of the home team. The South Africans were never going to recover after the loss of crucial batsman of the caliber of Gibbs and Kallis and in the end surrendered meekly.

South Africa were bullied into submission by an angry fast bowler who had been reported to the match referee by the opposition. A very silly mistake to make and one that I am sure the South Africans are regretting. They were also mesmerized and spun into a magical web by a young man who was most impressive. Many Pakistani fans have commented that Danishs wickets only come against Bangladesh, well I urge you to think again. Whilst it would be foolish of me to say that Danish will now go and become a world beater, instead I will say that we have found a true spinner of international class who caused every South African batsmen problems. He has been guilty of bowling one loose delivery per over, very much like Paul Adams, but his spell on day 4, when not 100% fit proved that he can not only attack, but he can create pressure by not giving away easy runs.

What will I remember from this test in Lahore. Well there are so many things, obviously Shoaib bowling consistently in the region of 150kph plus was an awesome sight. The mere fact that he made the South African hop around like bunnies on such a slow wicket deserves admiration and all the plaudits. I do not want to tempt fate, but I really believe that this is a mature, hard working and a Shoaib Akhtar who is playing for the team and not himself. Obviously Danish Kaneria who troubled all the South Africans who just could not read him. The best way to play spinners is out of the hand, instead the South Africans tried to play him off the pitch, which proved to be their downfall. Danish also deserves praise for the way he took over the attacking role when Shoaib limped off the field.

Taufeeq Umer batted beautifully. He is an aggressive young man who has great concentration and really enjoys his batting. He gives the impression that he wants to bat and bat and bat all day. Imran Farhat, what a stylish guy he is, great timing off both the front and back foot and a smart looking bandana to go with it. In both innings these young lefties lifted the spirit of the team with their century stands.

Asim Kamal deserves tremendous praise, the guy batted as though this was his 100th test, not his first. He looked at ease, relaxed and comfortable at the crease. His greatest asset in my opinion is that he plays each ball on merit and seems to have so much time to play the ball. Shoaib Malik was a surprise inclusion in the team and both his bowling and batting in this test were a revelation. He is generally regarded as a one day specialist, but I think his performance in this match may have proved to quite a few people that he can handle the longer version of the game.

Finally I would like to congratulate Yousuf Youhana on a fantastic job in this test. He is not 100% fit with a hamstring injury and probably only played because Inzamam was unfit. He handled his bowlers almost perfectly and attacked with great skill and knew when to defend and when to attack. His field placings were excellent and he is another one who silenced quite a few critics in this match.

Pakistan go to Faisalabad in great spirits, but as we have seen previously the South Africans come back strongly. This time though the Pakistanis will need to do their utmost not to let the opposition back into the series.