Azhar, Misbah And Shafiq Lead Strong Pakistan Reply

Azhar, Misbah And Shafiq Lead Strong Pakistan Reply

Azhar Ali scored a Test-best 90 as Pakistan closed on 317 for six against South Africa

©Action Images / Andrew Couldridge Livepic

South Africa 584-9 (de Villiers 278no, Kallis 105)
Pakistan 317-6 (Azhar Ali 90, Misbah-ul-Haq 77no)
Second Test, Abu Dhabi, day three
Scorecard

Three players scored half-centuries as Pakistan batted strongly to close day three of the second and final Test against South Africa on 317 for six.

Azhar Ali (90), Misbah-ul-Haq (77 not out) and Asad Shafiq (61) led the way as Pakistan replied to South Africa's score of 584 for nine declared.

Azhar missed out on a maiden century when he was caught by Graeme Smith off Dale Steyn while Shafiq marked his debut with a half-century.

Misbah then hit nine fours and a six to lead by example while Steyn returned figures of three for 78 to leave Pakistan trailing by 267 runs when play ended early due to bad light.

AB de Villiers scored a new South African record of 278 not out during his side's innings after Pakistan had won the toss and chosen to bowl first.

© Cricket World 2010