Pakistan make double strike

JOHANNESBURG: Pakistan opening bowlers Junaid Khan and Umar Gul struck in successive overs to negate a solid start by South Africa on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday.

South Africa were 68 for two at lunch after Graeme Smith, captaining a team for the 100th time in Test matches, won the toss and decided to bat in what were always likely to be challenging conditions on a pitch with pace and bounce.

Smith and Alviro Petersen saw off the initial bursts by Junaid and Gul but a switch of ends for both bowlers brought the wickets of both opening batsman.

The left-armed Junaid had an impressive opening spell during which he conceded only four runs in six overs. He was rested for just 20 minutes before being brought back to replace new cap Rahat Ali, who struggled to find consistency.

Junaid squared up Petersen and had him caught at third slip for 20 with the total on 46. Four balls later, without addition to the score, Smith was caught behind for 24 when he tried to work Gul to the leg side.

Junaid and Gul did most of the bowling for the Pakistanis, sending down ten each on a morning when only 25 overs were bowled. Junaid took one for 16 and Gul one for 28.