CAPE TOWN: Duanne Olivier led another fast bowling assault on Pakistan’s batsmen as South Africa took control on the first day of the second Test at Newlands on Thursday. Olivier took four for 48 as Pakistan were bowled out for 177 after being sent in on a hard, green-tinged pitch.
Aiden Markram struck an assured 78 as South Africa reached 123 for two at the close.
Olivier followed up a match-winning performance in the first Test in Centurion, while Dale Steyn took three for 48.
Captain Sarfraz Ahmed hit 56 and Shan Masood made 44 to lift an otherwise poor Pakistan batting performance.
South Africa’s decision to pick an all-pace attack paid dividends with all four fast bowlers picking up wickets, with most of the Pakistan batsmen looking vulnerable against fast, short-pitched deliveries.
As at Centurion, where he had match figures of 11 for 96, Olivier lived up to the “enforcer” tag given him by captain Faf du Plessis, regularly landing the ball in his own half of the pitch and making it rear up toward the batsmen.
Unlike Centurion, the pitch itself was not a major factor in Pakistan’s collapse. It was hard and there was some green grass on the surface but the bounce was largely true and there was no exaggerated sideways movement.
The only ball that misbehaved markedly was the last of the day when part-time seamer Shan Masood bowled Markram with a ball which nipped back and kept low.
Azhar Ali, Pakistan’s most experienced batsman, fell to a short ball from Olivier for the third time in a row, fending tamely to first slip. Five of his teammates also were dismissed by short deliveries.
Pakistan’s batting was put into perspective when Markram and Dean Elgar put on 56 for the first wicket at almost five runs an over.
Mohammad Amir put a brake on the scoring by having Elgar caught behind during a second spell in which he conceded only eight runs in five overs but Markram and Hashim Amla steadily built a second wicket stand of 67 off 109 balls.
Markram, who had not reached 20 in his previous six Test innings, struck the ball firmly in reaching a half-century off 64 balls with 11 fours. He added another three fours and a straight six off leg-spinner Yasir Shah before being surprised by Masood at the end of the day after a 96-ball innings.
Sarfraz provided the brightest interlude for Pakistan after coming in with his team in danger of a total collapse at 54 for five. Looking to counter-attack at every opportunity, Sarfraz put on 60 for the sixth wicket with Shan Masood (44) and 42 for the seventh wicket with Mohammad Amir (22 not out).
Sarfraz hit nine fours in an 81-ball innings. Masood faced 71 deliveries and hit five fours and a hooked six off Kagiso Rabada.
Duanne Olivier dominates once again to put South Africa in control of second Test against Pakistan
Duanne Olivier dominates once again to put South Africa in control of second Test against Pakistan
- Tall pace ace in the wickets again to leave Pakistan struggling at Newlands.
- Hosts 123 for two at the close having bowled Pakistan out for 177.
Macron congratulates Mohammed Ben Sulayem on reelection as FIA’s president
- French president gives assurance of his determination to continue strengthening historic partnership
DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, also known as the FIA, has been congratulated on his reelection to the post by French President Emmanuel Macron, who also gave an assurance of his determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
In a letter to Ben Sulayem, Macron said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your reelection as president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), following the vote held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Dec. 12.
“In this regard, and further to our recent meeting at the Elysee Palace alongside other representatives of the automotive world, please be assured of my determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
“Wishing you every success in this new term of office, please accept ... the assurance of my highest regards.”
The meeting at the Elysee Palace in November highlighted shared priorities of the FIA and France across motorsport, road safety, mobility, and the protection of young people online.
France holds a unique place in the federation’s history with the FIA’s headquarters situated in Paris, and this was further highlighted during the meeting as the FIA confirmed the renewal of its commitment to France as one of its key centres of excellence.
Speaking at length, the leaders celebrated France’s pivotal role in global motorsport, from historic events such as the Paris–Rouen Trial in 1894 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators and generates significant impact, supporting over 1,000 full-time jobs and contributing about $190 million to the French economy.
Macron and Ben Sulayem also discussed France’s representation in the FIA Formula One Championship, the French talent competing across the FIA World Championships, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport, and support for the facilitation of visas for global FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris.
Macron and Ben Sulayem were joined by Yann de Pontbriand — president of the Automobile Club de France, one of the FIA’s original members and the world’s first automobile club, which was founded in 1895 — and Pierre Gosselin, president of the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile.
The parties discussed the central role clubs play alongside the FIA in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport, alongside France’s historic contribution to the sectors.
Macron and Ben Sulayem exchanged views on initiatives to make mobility safer, more affordable, and more sustainable, such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a first-of-its-kind global benchmark developed to measure and compare driver risk using cutting-edge AI technology.
Protecting young drivers and promoting respect online was another key topic. The leaders discussed the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign, which aligns closely with France’s policies on social media safety for children.
