Rizwan century puts Pakistan in strong position against SA

Pakistan find themselves in a comfortable spot after setting a mammoth target of 370 runs and then removing South Africa’s opener Dean Elgar as the teams headed for tea on day four of the second Test between the two sides at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The Proteas face an uphill battle on a deteriorating track as they ended the session on 37 runs for the loss of one wicket needing 333 runs for victory with the post-tea session and day five remaining.

Elgar started South Africa’s chase with a positive approach but soon succumbed to the bowling of pacer Shaheen Shah, caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, after scoring just 17 runs off 24 deliveries.

Opener Aiden Markram (14 runs off 34 deliveries), on the other hand, has been cautious in his approach and will continue the Proteas’ fight for survival alongside batsman Rassie van der Dussen (4 runs off 4 deliveries) after the tea break.

Earlier, Pakistan had enjoyed a great first session on day four on the back of a sensational rear-guard inning from wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan who guided his side to a lead of 288 runs with a score of 217 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

The solid Rizwan was joined by tailender Nauman Ali and the duo wreaked havoc on the South African attack with a monumental partnership of 97 runs off 150 deliveries.

The duo took the wind out of the bowling attack and scoring became easy as runs came all around the ground. Nauman Ali eventually fell to pacer Kagiso Rabada after scoring 45 runs off 78 deliveries.

Tailender Shaheen Shah could not stick around for a long period and was bowled by all-rounder George Linde, who completed a maiden five-wicket haul.

The highlight of the session however was an unbeaten and emphatic 115-run knock off 204 deliveries by Mohammad Rizwan which led Pakistan to an impressive position in the second Test with a score of 298 all-out.

Linde starred with the ball for South Africa with five wickets while Keshav Maharaj picked up 3 wickets. Pacer Kagiso Rabada contributed to the wickets tally as well with two wickets.