South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st Test at Dubai, Nov 12 2010 - Match Result

Oh Dear. They've called it off. Handshakes all around and the captains have decided to end it. South Africa didn't expect to cause a miracle in the last few overs, nor did Pakistan want to risk going for the remaining runs. Excellent effort from these two, Younis and Misbah, playing their first Test after a long time, who have helped Pakistan to safety. They were under pressure when Azhar Ali fell and though Younis was lucky, dropped by Boucher early in his innings, and so was Misbah, dropped at short leg by Amla, they batted with determination to defy expectations in this first Test. South Africa will be rueing the missed chances and given the inexperience further down the order, the story could have been different had those chances been snapped. We'll get you the presentation details in a bit.

Zeeshan Ali: ""Aray nahi yaar", this is what I heard in chorus in my office. Good to see people following Test match."

Andrew: "Absolute Shocker!!!"

A letdown for many fans as the feedback indicates.

Doc: "Yesterday everyone was saying Smith declared too late. As a South African supporter all I can say is, good thing he trusted his judgement. Maybe we should leave the playing up to the players on the field..."

Younis Khan is Man of the Match for his match-saving ton:" There wasn't much pressure. We just had to bat positively and play according to the merit of the ball. Azhar Ali played well in both innings, his future looks good. We counterattacked and South Africa went on the back foot a little. Tomorrow is Id in Pakistan and we wanted to just gift the people in Pakistan by drawing this Test if not win it."

Smith: "We knew it would be hard work. The wicket got slower and slower and it was difficult to get people out. Credit to Younis and Misbah. On a wicket like this, you've got to take those chances. After playing a lot of ODI cricket, to come out and play so well in the Test is a great thing. I would like to wish the Pakistanis and everyone a happy Id. Hopefully the wicket in Abu Dhabi will have a little more life in it. It's been a fantastic crowd". I wonder if there was some sarcasm in that last sentence. The attendance may well have been a 1000-1500 for the entire game.

Misbah: "The team did a wonderful job after being under pressure. The guys bowled very well on the second day and brought us back in the game, and Younis and Azhar Ali did well. The Team is on the right path. We just wanted to play normal cricket, everyone just said you just play your normal game. The pressure has relieved a bit."

Thanks for tuning in folks and sending us your feedback. It's been fun bringing you the coverage for this Test and do join us again for the second Test in Abu Dhabi which starts on November 20. Until then, on behalf of Sid R and Nitin Sundar my co-commentators, and Sanjay Murari from the scoring desk, this is Sid Talya signing off. Oh and before I log off, keep an eye out for the final bulletin by Liam Brickhill. He's updating it as I type. Ok then, adios and Id Mubarak.

Marshall: "Very disappointing from Pakistan not to go for it. It is very gettable, batting clearly isn't that difficult and they have wickets in hand! Test wins are a big deal!"

Dustin: "Regarding Harris' bowling, you keep mentioning the ball turned from outside leg. Donâ?Tt you mean it seamed in? Harris has never turned the ball in his life. He must be loving those cracks outside leg!" HAHA, didn't you see the ball that got rid of Azhar Ali?

Time for Botha

Ibrahim Moiz: "Don't be so sure Sid. I'm sure you'll remember from Younus and Misbah's approach that they block balls on merit and out of the blue launch boundary. They've played very cleverly, if they can take this to about 65-70 needed off ten overs it's anybody's game--Umar Akmal and Abdur Rehman can hit a long ball, and if either one of the incumbents does get out attacking Pakistan can decide to hold out a draw"

Warren from Spain: "Why hasn't Smith used Kallis more? Only four overs... he is a specialist in breaking partnerships, plus his experience could have helped get another wicket or two on this track which asks the bowlers to change their lengths and swing the ball around more than usual."