Re: South Africa vs. Pakistan - 2nd Test - 19-23 Jan at Port Elizabeth
After the euphoria of bowling SA out for a paltry 124, it's even steven as I see it. A lead of 50-75 won't matter that much to SA. Unless Inzi can churn out another 100-120 runs with the tail-enders (a tough ask but not entirely impossible), SA would feel they are very much in with a chance of winning this game and the series. A target of even 200 might prove too much for our batsmen as they would be under immense pressure in the second innings with SA going all out for a series victory. It was vitally important for that reason alone that Pakistan batted well and took a big first innings lead. With Inzi still to bat we can all still hope for a decent first innings lead. Both Akhtar and Sami can use the long handle to good effect and their support would be crucial.
On a positive note, Pakistan won't be batting last on a crumbling 5th day test pitch as this test in all likelihood will finish on day 4 but to make this really count in their favour Inzi and the boyz have some work to do tomorrow morning. I don't think Pakistan would want to chase anything more than 150 in the second innings.