Harmer Dominates Lahore as Pakistan Batter Claims First Duck in 3 Years

In a gripping contest at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan’s opener Imam-ul-Haq faced a dramatic downfall in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa. Having scored an impressive 93 runs in the first innings, he was dismissed for a duck, marking his first duck in a home Test in nearly three years.

Harmer’s Impact on the Match

South African spinner Simon Harmer played a crucial role in Imam’s departure. The experienced bowler, known for his sharp deliveries, dismissed Imam while he attempted to attack, leading to his stumping. This marked Imam-ul-Haq’s second duck in Test matches in Pakistan, showcasing his dominance at home until this unexpected turn.

Imam’s Record and Performance

Prior to this match, Imam had proven himself a reliable scorer, accumulating 907 runs at an average of 60.46 on home soil. He was selected for the Test series over the younger Saim Ayub due to his strong performance in familiar conditions. In the first innings, he and Salman Ali Agha shared the responsibility of building a respectable total of 378 runs.

Shan Masood Also Falls

Following Imam’s dismissal, Harmer continued to pressure the Pakistani lineup by taking the wicket of Test captain Shan Masood, who scored only seven runs. This early breakthrough was instrumental for South Africa, as they quickly reduced Pakistan to 36 for two before lunch on day three.

Looking Ahead

• Next, the focus shifts to Babar Azam, Pakistan’s leading batsman.
• Pakistan holds a 145-run lead but requires a significant performance to set a daunting target.
• South Africa aims to capitalize on their early breakthroughs to secure a victory.

This match highlights the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where even seasoned players can face unexpected challenges. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on how Pakistan’s batting lineup responds to the pressure from South Africa’s formidable bowling attack.