Olivier takes 5/51 as SA surge ahead
JOHANNESBURG: Duanne Olivier took his third five-wicket haul of the series before Pakistan’s bowlers fought back on the second day of the third and final Test against South Africa on Saturday.
Olivier grabbed took five wickets for 51 as South Africa gained a first innings lead of 77 at the Wanderers Stadium.
But the hosts were unable to forge a position of dominance, struggling to 135 for five at the close, an overall lead of 212.
Hashim Amla made a patient 42 not out off 90 balls against tight, disciplined bowling, while Quinton de Kock lifted the scoring rate late in the day by scoring 34 not out off 35 balls.
The wickets were shared between four bowlers with medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf taking two for 19 -- with both his wickets coming in his first over -- to reduce South Africa to 45/4.
Fast bowler Olivier was twice involved in breakthroughs as Pakistan were bowled out for 185 in their first innings.
He ended an hour of frustra-
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tion for South Africa when he took two wickets in four balls immediately after the morning drinks break, ending the stubborn resistance of nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas, who batted for 88 minutes and faced 51 balls in scoring 11.
Three balls later, Asad Shafiq ducked a bouncer but was caught behind off his glove.
Abbas and opening batsman Imam-ul-haq, who went on to make 43, were both dropped twice during the first hour of play. South Africa also missed two run-out opportunities.
Pakistan were 91 for five when Imam was caught at second slip off Vernon Philander but Babar Azam (49) and captain Sarfraz Ahmed (50) put on 78 off only 61 balls for the sixth wicket.
Brief scores: South Africa 262 and 135-5 (H Amla 42*, Q de Kock 34*, F Ashraf 2-19 vs Pakistan 185 (Imam 43, B Azam 49, S Ahmed 50; V. Philander 3-43, K. Rabada 2-41, D. Olivier 5-51)