Ajmal makes double strike for Pakistan

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal dismissed both opening batsmen as South Africa started their reply to Pakistan’s first innings on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Friday.

South Africa were 65 for two at tea after dismissing Pakistan for 338.

It was a productive day for Ajmal, who helped fellow tailender Tanvir Ahmed put on 64 for the ninth wicket to take Pakistan comfortably past the 300 mark.

Their eventual total had seemed unlikely when Vernon Philander took three wickets in his first three overs to reduce the tourists to 268 for eight. Ajmal came on to bowl after 11 overs had been bowled in South Africa’s innings.

He struck with his ninth delivery when South African captain Graeme Smith missed a sweep.

Umpire Steve Davis turned down Ajmal’s appeal for leg before wicket but the Pakistanis sought a review which showed the ball had pitched in line and would have hit the stumps.

Two overs later Ajmal had Alviro Petersen smartly caught at short leg by Azhar Ali, who dived to his right to hold a sharp chance. At tea, Ajmal had taken two for 20. AFP