Pakistan gain the momentum

What a performance from a fired-up Pakistan team on a playing surface that could not have more suited to their style of play. South Africa now know that this team can beat anyone in the world on a day that they run hot.

After being outplayed in Durban in the first match, all credit should go to Pybus and his management team who turned the defeat around and got the Pakistani's to believe and trust in their own ability and to back themselves. The call to keep Elahi and to let Razzaq bat at three could not have been an easy decision and it paid huge dividends. The fact that this was a do-or-die affair and they came through it should start the moulding process and get the momentum going. Another vital psychological step forward was the fact that Shoaib didn't play and yet they still came up trumps.

For South Africa the bowlers were totally incapable of coming up with any sort of game plan to change the course of the match. No lateral movement meant that the length became critical and they were found wanting. Ntini cannot change his pace effectively and this surface exposed that. It meant that it had a knock-on effect on the rest of the attack. It isn't every day that Pollock travels at more than six an over without a wicket. The Protea skipper just couldn't settle into any sort of pattern and subsequently spent the innings plugging the holes from either end.

The momentum is now firmly with the visiting team and going into a game in two day's time doesn't leave Eric Simons, the Proteas coach, much time to turn it around. The playing surface at Buffalo Park is likely to suite the Pakistan cricketers. Also, coach Pybus knows the pitch well--it is hometown!

The burning question in South Africa is what team should now be selected. With World Cup places still up for grabs, Dippenaar could be a likely option in place of McKenzie. However, just maybe they will keep the same team and see whether the fibre and spirit within the squad is strong enough to handle a loss and come back immediately. Clearly, the pressure now is on the senior players to raise their game and regain the confidence of the support base. Something that will be easier said than done.