Twitter Reactions: Olivier-fifer puts South Africa ahead in Johannesburg

Pakistan lost a couple of crucial wickets after South Africa posted 262. At the close of play on the second day of the third Test at the Wanderers, the visitors find themselves in a precarious position. Albeit their bowlers did an excellent job yet again, the batsmen couldn’t lend them appropriate support. The Proteas, on the contrary, despite encountering a few stutters, ended the day with a substantial lead of 212 runs.

Olivier runs through Pakistan batting

Imam-ul-Haq and nightwatchman Mohammad Abbas were the overnight batsmen and they put on 47 for the third wicket after which Duanne Olivier got rid of the latter. Three balls later, Asad Shafiq perished to the speedster for a three-ball duck. Imam and Babar Azam added 38 more runs before Vernon Philander dismissed Imam, who scored 43 patient runs from 105 deliveries with four boundaries.

Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed then joined Babar in the middle and the duo cobbled together a stand of 78 runs. The captain trod the attacking route and brought up his fifty in 38 balls. Unfortunately, both perished in a space of four balls. While Sarfraz became Kagiso Rabada’s victim, Babar fell prey to Olivier, who picked up another five-wicket haul. The visitors were bowled out for 185, conceding a lead of 77 runs.

South Africa in a decent position

In the second innings, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram started briskly with a stand of 24 from 25 balls. Mohammad Amir struck first blood as he nipped out Elgar for five. Markram smacked four boundaries to score 21, but Mohammad Abbas accounted for his wicket. A few overs later, Faheem Ashraf got rid of Theuinis de Bruyn. Two deliveries later, debutant Zubayr Hamza became Ashraf’s second victim.

Temba Bavuma looked solid having scored 23 runs from 42 balls until leg-spinner Shadab Khan got the better of him in the 29th over. Thereafter, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock put their heads down and made sure that the home team finish proceedings without any more hiccup. De Kock was the more aggressive partner as he scored 34 from 35 with Amla on 42. The Proteas scored 135 in 37 overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted

#RamizRaja says "ASAD SHAFIQ & AZHAR ALI" are not in good form. Hence both should be put to bat on #5 & #6 resp. Make Babar bat one-down as he's having good scores

Imagine th two who were considered to be replacements of MisYou are now suggested to bat at safe numbers🏏👏🏼#SAvPAK

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 12, 2019

This is the worst test series i have ever witnessed #PAKvSA #SAvPAK

— Mariam Jamali (@Mariam_Jamali) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla plays well under pressure.

He has Been crucial in our 2nd innings of the match off late.

Quinny playing a good hand as usual.

Amla 42*
Quinton 34*

SA lead by 212 at close of day 2 at Wanderers.#SAvPAK #SAvsPak

— Cricket Crazy Saffa 🇿🇦 (@Dhashnie) January 12, 2019

I love how Hashim Amla plays the ball very late.

— Khanya Flavour 💜💚💙 (@khanyanorman) January 12, 2019

Dear Hashim Amla could u plz get out now..? Believe me 150+ target is very big for us🌚 ainvai hud ko thkka rhy😑 #SAvPAK

— pizzi 🇵🇰 (@why_pizzi) January 12, 2019

In Tests in South Africa, Hashim Amla averages 53.5 facing left arm seamers from over the wicket. The average drops to 35.3 while facing them from round the wicket. #SAvPAK

— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla has looked solid and secure in this series with a false shot percentage of 11.2% – the lowest among all the players. The average false shot percentage in the series is almost double the number at 20.5%. #SAvPAK

— The Cricket Prof. (@CricProf) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla doesn't hit the ball; he just caresses it to boundary. A great timer of the cricket ball. So lovely to watch. A purist's delight.
He's looking in ominous touch. He invariably plays well on lively, quick pitches showing his class and pedigree. What a player! #SAvPAK

— 🇮🇳Angry Bachchan🇮🇳 (@Anachronist_) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla how I've missed you 😭😭😭😭😭🙏

— 21 Savage & Quavo Stan Account (@LulamaFCB_) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla is cricketing perfection! #SAvsPAK

— Cassandra Bianca (@cassandrabianca) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla is batting exactly like Dhoni batted earlier 😆😆#AUSvIND #SAvPAK

— 🇮🇳 Anuradha 🇮🇳 (@AnuRadha9082) January 12, 2019

Hashim Amla is the key for the Proteas. As long as he is there, I am completely convinced the team will set 230+ #ProteaFire #savpak

— Tshepo Tshotetsi (@TshepoTshotetsi) January 12, 2019

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