South Africa on top after Day one by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Ground:	Dubai Sports City Stadium, Dubai
Scorecard:	Pakistan v South Africa
Player:	GC Smith, HM Amla
Event:	South Africa in United Arab Emirates 2010/11

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DateLine: 12th November 2010

 

South African opener and skipper Graeme Smith struck a fighting century to put South Africa on track for a big total against Pakistan attack on the opening day of the first Test.

 

Smith shared a 153-run opening stand with Alviro Petersen before Hashim Amla built on the good work to help South Africa reach 311-3 at close. Jacques Kallis, who shared a 117-run third wicket stand with Amla, was unbeaten on a well-played 53 with nighwatchman Paul Harris unbeaten on nought.

 

The South African batsmen were always in complete control as the Pakistani bowlers failed to spark any sort of fear. Smith was initially a little shaky as he survived close shouts but soon was batting at his fluent best. He got to a landmark century but failed to convert it into a humongous as he fell on the very next delivery, hooking paceman Wahab Riaz straight into the hands of Taufiq Umer standing at deep square-leg.

 

Petersen was initially ruled not out by Daryl Harper when on nine after television replays showed he had edged paceman Umar Gul to debutant wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal, hit eight boundaries. He was the first to go when Younis Khan took a brilliant catch at short mid-wicket. Amla and Kallis punished the bowlers without any trouble, before Amla fell caught behind to Adnan with just three overs to finish. Amla hit seven boundaries during his 152-ball innings.