Clash of the fast men
On the eve of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa, Cricinfo provides a statistical preview
Both sides have struggled with their opening batsmen in recent years and both will have another combination taking guard in the middle. In the last 15 Tests, Pakistan have tried eight different pairs (and many more in Tests before that) and will have, in the absence of Imran Farhat and return of Salman Butt, another new one. South Africa have opened with six different pairs in the same number of Tests. Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs are likely to re-unite once again here and Smith thinks it could work. He said, "Herschelle and I had a top start when we began with several 300-plus partnerships. He is experienced and I have been around for a while so I am hopeful we'll do well."
Team | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest | 100s/50s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pakistan | 29 | 923 | 32.96 | 109 | 1/4 |
South Africa | 29 | 835 | 28.79 | 165 | 1/4 |
The fast men
Whatever the nature of the wicket, fast bowlers are likely to feature heavily in this battle, as befits two countries traditionally rich in fast bowling talent. Here are the men expected to feature in Karachi.
Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy rate | SR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mohammad Asif | 9 | 49 | 20.12 | 3.09 | 39.06 |
Makhaya Ntini | 75 | 308 | 27.48 | 3.20 | 51.38 |
Umar Gul | 14 | 61 | 30.62 | 3.56 | 51.49 |
Dale Steyn | 11 | 42 | 31.54 | 3.89 | 48.57 |
Clash of the titans
Given the frailties of both teams' opening combinations, don't be surprised if it boils down to the middle-order.
Head to head
South Africa enjoy a comfortable upper hand in Tests between the two, winning seven of the 14 they have played. South Africa won 2-1 the last time they played in South Africa but Pakistan won their last series in Pakistan 1-0. If nothing else, a close battle is expected.
Record | Matches | Pakistan won | South Africa won | Drawn |
---|---|---|---|---|
Overall | 14 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
In Pakistan | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Faras Ghani and Mathew Varghese are editorial assistants with Cricinfo