Steyn blows Pak away

Johannesburg: A consummate bowling performance by Pakistan on Day I of the first Test against South Africa suggested they were capable of challenging the top-ranked team in the world.

On Saturday, they were bowled out for 49 and left facing the prospect of a heavy defeat. Fast bowler Dale Steyn was once again the inspiration for South Africa, taking six wickets for just eight runs to give the Proteas a first-innings lead of 204. By close on day two South Africa advanced to 207 for three and an overall lead of 411 runs.

Steyn's figures represented the third cheapest six-wicket haul in the history of the five-day game. Jermaine Lawson of West Indies, took six for three against Bangladesh in 2002, to claim the cheapest six-wicket haul.

The No. 1 bowler in the world produced two blistering spells of outswing, taking three wickets in each as Pakistan's batsmen were unable to match his quality on a helpful pitch.

Having claimed the first three Pakistani wickets in his first two overs of the day, Steyn returned after lunch to claim the last three without conceding a further run.

With the match barely into its fifth session, South Africa captain Graeme Smith opted not to enforce the follow-on, and instead looked to add to the home side's considerable lead.

In his 100th Test as captain, Smith scored 52 in the second innings, before Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers went to stumps unbeaten on 50 and 63 respectively.

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