Pakistan v South Africa - A wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan

The Proteas started as the favourites against Pakistan for the first Test at Dubai. Without a doubt, they were the better side than their counterparts a as because not only they had the players to topple any team in the world but they were also oozing with enough confidence and team spirit.

At the other end, recent controversies simply had dented Pakistan’s mojo a lot. They were a side low in confidence and adequate team spirit.

But you can’t just write-off Pakistan that easily.

On the final day, Pakistan needed something special from their batsmen to counter the brilliant South African bowlers. They were in need of a brave heart to save the day for them and Younis Khan proved to be that brave heart.

In the early morning Younis was well supported by the gritty Azhar Ali and after Azhar’s departure, Younis batted the whole day with his captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Their stand of 186 ensured a safe and a hard fought draw. Younis was dropped three times but fortune favours the brave.

Younis Khan in the first session was cautious and watchful. But after the interval he flexed his muscles to essay some wonderful strokes. He leapt down the wicket to smite a floated offspinner from Botha high over long-on and followed that up with a powerful sweep to long leg.

Steyn returned with the old ball and was immediately slapped for two fours, through mid-off and deep cover. That prompted Smith to take the new ball - already overdue - and an eventful over was completed when Younis thrust his bat out at a ball he might have left and a thick edge burst through Kallis's hands at third slip to leave the fast bowler absolutely livid.

It appeared a fourth chance had been pouched when a delivery from Morkel ricocheted off Younis's pad and Amla plucked it out of the air at short leg, but Asoka de Silva decided there had been no inside edge and was vindicated by replays. Younis retaliated by scorching an imperious drive on the up through cover, and as the heat of the afternoon began to take its toll tempers frayed on both sides.

Morkel opted for a round-the-wicket line of attack once again and after a series of bouncers engaged in some heated banter with Younis. Both Misbah and Umpire Daryl Harper stepped in to appeal for calm, Harper warning Morkel for running on the pitch.  Younis flowed past his hundred with 12 runs in a single Botha over. When Younis raised his bat in delight it seemed that he was asking Ijaz Butt of why was he being left in the cold for so long?

It was a wonderful Eid gift from Younis Khan.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar