The target of 149 can be defended, provided....

[Seen Sheen]

...fast bowlers don't experiment and bowl tightly on 4th stump channel on good length. Keep runs dry and maintain the pressure, the pitch eventually rewards you for consistency as a bowler and makes the ball do something which batsman has no answer for. 149 are a lot of runs and it becomes even bigger if their openers are dismissed within first 20 runs. On current form, they are their best two batsmen and if they are picked up early then the there is too much pressure on the likes of Amla, Du Plesis and Bavuma.

My secondary intention to make this thread was to counter the doom and gloom prevailing on the forum. So come on guys, chip in with your suggestions and build an atmosphere of positivity.

 

[Abdullah719]

I agree, it's possible. But it's extremely difficult because while SA's batsmen aren't doing that well, they can all (pretty much) bat and 1-2 decent partnerships will seal the deal.

The pessimism is due to the abject performances just when it looked like we could get into a strong position. Left a bad taste in the mouth.

 

[gazza619]

Needed one more pacer. Not impossible

 

[Seen Sheen]

I agree, it's possible. But it's extremely difficult because while SA's batsmen aren't doing that well, they can all (pretty much) bat and 1-2 decent partnerships will seal the deal.

The pessimism is due to the abject performances just when it looked like we could get into a strong position. Left a bad taste in the mouth.

I am probably as disappointed as anyone and I am sure the team itself will be as well. I hope they don't give up like the fans. Fight till the end. Sarfraz is under the pump big time but the fight is good for his ownself as well. If the team fights and manages to win then he earns breathing space as a player as well as the captain. So he and the team have all to play for to be honest. Sarfraz should be playing for his career. He should be the most motivated person out there.

 

[rhony]

provided...they believe they have nothing to lose. Attack, attack and attack more. This SA team's lead in the first innings was because of Steyn and Rabada. No funky captaincy with fielders on the boundaries and easy singles. Couple of early wickets and SA will be very nervous

 

[CadPakFan]

We have defended 144 in UAE, so I see how 148 can be defended.

 

[Buffet]

135-177 scores were defended 3 times by SA/Ind in the last series. Pakistan just need to not bowl many hit me balls.

 

[Seen Sheen]

135-177 scores were defended in 3 times by SA/Ind in the last series. Pakistan just need to not bowl many hit me balls.

Exactly, this is what I emphasized on in my post. Keep it tight and banging on a length just outside off stump. The pitch still has enough to cause some troubles. The SA batting lineup is low on confidence too so a couple of early wickets will definitely set the cat among the pigeons. Elgar and Markram hold the key to the chase.

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

It’s possible if the chasing side is Pakistan, not the defending one.

 

[Buffet]

Exactly, this is what I emphasized on in my post. Keep it tight and banging on a length just outside off stump. The pitch still has enough to cause some troubles. The SA batting lineup is low on confidence too so a couple of early wickets will definitely set the cat among the pigeons. Elgar and Markram hold the key to the chase.

Pakistan gifted 50-60 extra runs in first inning. Bowlers need to be very tight and keep it in channel. Wickets will come automatically.

 

[Sirris]

I was expecting the OP would say "... provided the fielders hold on to their chances."

 

[ali2220]

Abbas will be missed, had he be there it would have been possible.

 

[Seen Sheen]

I was expecting the OP would say "... provided the fielders hold on to their chances."

That's where you guys come into play. Chip in with your suggestions. And yes, we have to even turn half chances into dismissals with the score we have.

 

[aloo paratha]

I feel it will come a little close, but south Africa will still win by 3-4 wickets.

 

[Pakistanian]

South Africa, 86 all out.

You heard it here first.

 

[Pete Rose]

Rain and Yasir

 

[Mahee]

IMO, 149 is far too much for SA to chase ... Pakistan has world's best fast bowling attack and they should easily defend this score.

 

[Mahee]

SA is ridiculously weak in their batting department. Infact this is their worst ever batting line up.

 

[BaankeJi]

IMO, 149 is far too much for SA to chase ... Pakistan has world's best fast bowling attack and they should easily defend this score.

I kinda agree .

 

[ali2220]

IMO, 149 is far too much for SA to chase ... Pakistan has world's best fast bowling attack and they should easily defend this score.

Even with Abbas it isn't, and we are without him in this match.

 

[Mahee]

Even with Abbas it isn't, and we are without him in this match.

but you have Amir...he can win this match for you singlehandedly....he had done this many number of times in the past.

 

[ali2220]

but you have Amir...he can win this match for you singlehandedly....he had done this many number of times in the past.

He's overrated.

 

[Faisalabadimunda]

Pakistan are atleast 50 runs short... had the target been 200 then they had a chance ...
230 would have been in paks favour, but sorry 149 is to less especially as pak only has 2 proper bowlers -Amir and shaheen, if pak had abbas and yasir chipped in aswell then it would hav put pak as slight favs but atm easy proteas win.

 

[HuzaifaE]

Hassan needs to be far better if we are to stand a chance. South Africa bat deep, really just takes a bit of positive intent to knock this over, bar a special special burst of fast bowling.

 

[Abid Z]

Couple of early wickets, some tight bowling with attacking fields and this is an interesting chase. Far from a walk in the park for SAF

 

[Angrez Pakistani]

Would love to see QDK to open tomorrow and score a quick hundred. Hopefully that would end a few careers.

 

[Bilal7]

We won't defend this but I expect the team to bounce back strongly in the next test and win, InshAllah.

 

[ali2220]

We won't defend this but I expect the team to bounce back strongly in the next test and win, InshAllah.

But the team had actually bounced back when they were 100-1 in second innings, but then lost the opportunity.They are likely to do the same in the next test matches, we can't expect our bowlers to win matches on their own.

 

[QalandarFan]

Bowlers need to leave it all out on the field and the fielders need to be at their best and take every chance that comes there way! Even if we don't defend it I wanna see a fight put up by the boys!

 

[Bilal7]

SA is ridiculously weak in their batting department. Infact this is their worst ever batting line up.

Lolwut? They have Faf, Markram, Bavuma, Elgar and de Kock who are all good test batsmen. They also have Amla, who despite being over the hill, is one of the batsmen of this decade.

How did you come up with that claim?

 

[Bilal7]

But the team had actually bounced back when they were 100-1 in second innings, but then lost the opportunity.They are likely to do the same in the next test matches, we can't expect our bowlers to win matches on their own.

That collapse was just sad. Very disappointing.

 

[QalandarFan]

There have only been 8 totals higher than 149 in Test matches in the 4th innings at this ground.

http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;filter=advanced;ground=902;innings_number=4;orderby=team_score;template=results;type=team;view=innings

 

[shariqnoor]

Amir and Hasan need to become the second coming of Wasim and Waqar to defend this. Would be a miracle.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

135-177 scores were defended 3 times by SA/Ind in the last series. Pakistan just need to not bowl many hit me balls.

Targets were 200+ in every case.

You can't conclude that based on the total a team gets bowled out chasing.

144 is defendable tho but requires super super tight bowling.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

We won't defend this but I expect the team to bounce back strongly in the next test and win, InshAllah.

Lol, the next two games will be an even bigger hammering......

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

We won't defend this but I expect the team to bounce back strongly in the next test and win, InshAllah.

Why not?

For an optimistic guy, you seem so negative about this.

Pak has a decent chance tho odds a bit more in favour of SA.

 

[angrypathan]

Hassan Ali will bowl too many freebies

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Lolwut? They have Faf, Markram, Bavuma, Elgar and de Kock who are all good test batsmen. They also have Amla, who despite being over the hill, is one of the batsmen of this decade.

How did you come up with that claim?

4th innings pressure is different.

A good start and they can make it through but if they are 40/4 then it will be very very hard to win.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Can’t see it

Hasan is to wayward even if he is getting wickets

Shaheen is still a raw diamond that will give freebies

 

[Bilal7]

Why not?

For an optimistic guy, you seem so negative about this.

Pak has a decent chance tho odds a bit more in favour of SA.

150 is too low a score. Even at 40-4, all you need is a couple of 30 run partnerships which a team like South Africa can definitely come up with. If it was closer to 200, I would be more optimistic.

 

[Shandarchowka]

We need to go in with a positive mindset. Just keep it tight and keep pegging away. Wickets will come. I just hope our guys hold onto all catches presented to them. That is the KEY.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

150 is too low a score. Even at 40-4, all you need is a couple of 30 run partnerships which a team like South Africa can definitely come up with. If it was closer to 200, I would be more optimistic.

If a pitch acts too crazy, then collapse is round the corner. So a good start is imperative.

80-4 can easily turn into 100-7 at which point recovery is almost impossible in 4th innings unlike 3rd due to pressure component. Tail usually doesn't score lots of runs on a tough pitch under pressure.

I feel Pakistan has a much better chance than you are giving them.

They might not win but they are surely not out of the game as you are making them out to be

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

If a pitch acts too crazy, then collapse is round the corner. So a good start is imperative.

80-4 can easily turn into 100-7 at which point recovery is almost impossible in 4th innings unlike 3rd due to pressure component. Tail usually doesn't score lots of runs on a tough pitch under pressure.

I feel Pakistan has a much better chance than you are giving them.

They might not win but they are surely not out of the game as you are making them out to be

Watch South Africa Waltz to this Target with an eight-wicket victory.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

Watch South Africa Waltz to this Target with an eight-wicket victory.

Possible. But if the pitch hasn't eased out, then it would be due to some super horrible bowling by Pak.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

South Africa, 86 all out.

You heard it here first.

Agreed. The world's best bowling attack should have no problem defending this.

 

[QalandarFan]

If a pitch acts too crazy, then collapse is round the corner. So a good start is imperative.

80-4 can easily turn into 100-7 at which point recovery is almost impossible in 4th innings unlike 3rd due to pressure component. Tail usually doesn't score lots of runs on a tough pitch under pressure.

I feel Pakistan has a much better chance than you are giving them.

They might not win but they are surely not out of the game as you are making them out to be

I agree, some people on here being way to negative. 149 runs is not a good target to set, but with bowling line-up we have on this pitch, it sure won't be easy for South Africa.

 

[Madplayer]

Look its not impossible. But you gotta be sure about your approach here. Like OP mentioned, you cant afford to experiment.


1) Predictably, SA approach would be to attack from the get go and take the wheels from under Pakistan. A quick fire 50 runs from their openers will demoralize Pakistan. However, Pakistan need not panic and end up trying different things. This will be the moment to bowl tight test match lines and pick up some wickets.

2) Stay on off stump. Give nothing away on the leg stump. A strategy in SA is to shuffle across and play on the leg side. Place field accordingly because Runs are like gold dust. Regular singles will kill you.

3) SA bat deep so that is a challenge. You cannot relax if you get 3-4 quick wickets. Be relentless.

 

[Akki malhotra]

If its close match then i expect pakistan to win it. But but but pakistan cant afford to drop even a single catch

 

[umerz]

If they are 50 for 4 only then. I think they are going to chase this down with 4/5 wickets in hand

 

[ExpressPacer]

Look its not impossible. But you gotta be sure about your approach here. Like OP mentioned, you cant afford to experiment.


1) Predictably, SA approach would be to attack from the get go and take the wheels from under Pakistan. A quick fire 50 runs from their openers will demoralize Pakistan. However, Pakistan need not panic and end up trying different things. This will be the moment to bowl tight test match lines and pick up some wickets.

2) Stay on off stump. Give nothing away on the leg stump. A strategy in SA is to shuffle across and play on the leg side. Place field accordingly because Runs are like gold dust. Regular singles will kill you.

3) SA bat deep so that is a challenge. You cannot relax if you get 3-4 quick wickets. Be relentless.

I agree with what you're saying but the fact of the matter is, Hasan Ali bowls at least one juicy, hit-me delivery every over, and those release all the pressure. He is wayward and he doesn't have control over it.

Shaheen often bowls too full and doesn't hit the deck hard which works for South Africa because half volleys make for crisp cover, on and straight drives.

Mind you, both Ali and Shaheen are great bowlers. They're wicket-taking bowlers, irrespective of the situation. But that's where the problem lies, on their day, they'll get you 40-4, but on the batsman's day, they'll leak 3 boundaries an over each. They're young and with young bowlers, control is the last thing expect. A four man attack with Abbass and Amir here would have actually put the benefit in our favour.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Its very hard to keep batsmen from scoring at a good rate on this pitch , good length bowling is the best way to get wickets on this pitch. I hope they don't start with bowling half volleys.

 

[Buffet]

150 is too low a score. Even at 40-4, all you need is a couple of 30 run partnerships which a team like South Africa can definitely come up with. If it was closer to 200, I would be more optimistic.

SA - IND series had three scores in the range of 135- 177 defended. 150 is not too low in this pitch. Just need to bowl tight. Pakistan has a realistic shot at defending it. SA batting line up is weak and tail don't really add many runs in 4th inning successful chase. Sure, 200 would have been better and likely sealed the game for Pakistan, but 150 gives enough chance to Pakistan.

 

[Buffet]

I agree with what you're saying but the fact of the matter is, Hasan Ali bowls at least one juicy, hit-me delivery every over, and those release all the pressure. He is wayward and he doesn't have control over it.

Shaheen often bowls too full and doesn't hit the deck hard which works for South Africa because half volleys make for crisp cover, on and straight drives.

Mind you, both Ali and Shaheen are great bowlers. They're wicket-taking bowlers, irrespective of the situation. But that's where the problem lies, on their day, they'll get you 40-4, but on the batsman's day, they'll leak 3 boundaries an over each. They're young and with young bowlers, control is the last thing expect. A four man attack with Abbass and Amir here would have actually put the benefit in our favour.

Cutting down those deliveries will be the key.

 

[aukhan]

Our bowlers can defend this mediocre total and save our incompetent batsman and captain from humiliation.

If we manage to defend this total than all the credit should go to the bowlers only.

 

[Amirforpresident]

If we degene this Total and win this match, will that mean that Asad and Sarfraz will keep their places

 

[ExpressPacer]

Cutting down those deliveries will be the key.

When you bowl the length Hasan Ali bowls, your line is destined to go off at least once an over, if not more. He's no McGrath. Even McGrath's successor Hazlewood would struggle to bowl a consistent line and length for the entirety of an over.

And this is exactly why we've seen Hasan Ali get wickets all through the last 2 years while Amir struggled. He bowls a wicket-taking line and length albeit a dangerous one; a couple of centimetres wrong and the ball races towards the cover boundary.

 

[wrongun]

There's 2 ways to win and many, many ways to lose (anyone can drop a catch or two, bowl badly, captain poorly, a single excellent innings, 2 good partnerships etc).

The 2 ways to win- an atg bowling performance from an individual, and others do their job.

A collectively remarkable performance, 3 bowlers excel, fielders chime in, exceptional captaincy.

2 batters, 11 fielders. 2 ways to win. A million ways to lose. Let's see.

 

[ads101]

If it were Pakistan chasing 150 people would have said SA are favourites. And while this is home, SA only scored 40 more runs than us in their 1st innings. And the 4th innings by a country mile tends to be the hardest innings to bat in.

There are plenty of times where it comes to this point and match is lost, a team is defending 50 or so runs total or trying to chase 400 plus. Or one team has already won by an innings. Pretty happy in SA of all places, 1st test despite being shot out for sub 200 both innings, we have a logical shot of winning here. I'll take that. It's definitely possible to win here, and it's not an unreasonable stretch at all. I'd go so far to say it's 40:60 to us.

 

[Madplayer]

I agree with what you're saying but the fact of the matter is, Hasan Ali bowls at least one juicy, hit-me delivery every over, and those release all the pressure. He is wayward and he doesn't have control over it.

Shaheen often bowls too full and doesn't hit the deck hard which works for South Africa because half volleys make for crisp cover, on and straight drives.

Mind you, both Ali and Shaheen are great bowlers. They're wicket-taking bowlers, irrespective of the situation. But that's where the problem lies, on their day, they'll get you 40-4, but on the batsman's day, they'll leak 3 boundaries an over each. They're young and with young bowlers, control is the last thing expect. A four man attack with Abbass and Amir here would have actually put the benefit in our favour.

Yes. But at least they can try.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

One of the worst bowling performances ever.

SA are losing wickets in a bunch even with 10 runs to go.

This team was there for the taking.

 

[aukhan]

Early breakthrough would have turned things around.

 

[Abdullah]

One of the worst bowling performances ever.

SA are losing wickets in a bunch even with 10 runs to go.

This team was there for the taking.

We had a good first hour and it should have been 16-3.
Our heads dropped a bit after that.
We should have won this game and that hurts. It's happening too much. We are getting well on top and then losing games

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

We had a good first hour and it should have been 16-3.
Our heads dropped a bit after that.
We should have won this game and that hurts. It's happening too much. We are getting well on top and then losing games

Yeah Pak started great.

 

[Buffet]

We had a good first hour and it should have been 16-3.
Our heads dropped a bit after that.
We should have won this game and that hurts. It's happening too much. We are getting well on top and then losing games

Shouldn't have. It was poor effort in 2nd go. SA has a fragile batting line up and Pakistan had to consistently attack. In these pitches, you can quickly get 3-4 wickets.