Day 2 Post

1) If it isn't swinging around corners, this is the most resolute, dependable, mentally tough and relentless batting unit out there nowadays. Point that Kepler raised. If it isn't doing much, we are a tough side to bowl out and know how to keep them in the field for long with batsmen like Azhar, Younis, Misbah, Asad

2) We are track to do something extraordinary, a test win and possibly a comprehensive one outside Asia against a higher ranked side who are the best in the rankings and the best on paper. A series win was always going to be way too much to ask for, but a test win here would have been bigger than series wins in the UAE and Asia. It doesn't get harder than this at test level. Test Match Win Number 10 coming for Misbah, but still a bit to do. The series is still ON

3) They've recovered exceptionally well from the 49 all out. Last 2 innings have lasted for more than 100 overs/3 sessions and we've had 4 50+ partnerships and 2 100+ ones. Given the attack they are playing against, this takes some doing. Only the top 3 are left to make a score of note now.

4) Tanvir Ahmed and Saeed Ajmal having the Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann effect 

Refreshing to see the lower order wagging

Heavily frustrating for the Saffers

This could turn out to be a match winning partnership, both in the context of the game and affecting the SA batters mentally

Tanvir also got 50 odd in his last test back in May 2011

5) 1995 was the last time we beat a number 1 side in their backyard in a test match
6) Highest score EVER for Pakistan in South Africa

7) Pakistan have posted 330 or more in the first innings 12/19 times under Misbah. Generally, solid and dependable batting.

8) don't want to get too far ahead, but win this and the likes of Younis, Misbah and Ajmal will be playing the biggest test they will ever play if we go to Centurion 1-1

9) Anyone else backing Ajmal for a magic 10? Pakistan's most valuable player, Pakistan's most feared player

10) Mike Haysman after Johannesburg 'Pakistan will not win a test on this tour'