Preview of Second Test Between Pakistan and South Africa - - Thorough Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats of Both Sides

With the start of the second test between Pakistan and South Africa; the Sheikh Zayed Stadium at Abu Dhabi would become the 103rd venue in the world to host a test match.

 Certainly Pakistan will be the more optimistic side going into the second test match against South Africa starting at Abu Dhabi starting from tomorrow (Saturday, 20^th November 2010). They surprised, literally, even themselves by managing to draw the game at Dubai, thanks to a wonderful, even luckier, stand between Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq. This should give the besieged Pakistan side a lot of confidence going into the all important series decider against a pretty strong South African side.

Pakistan – S.W.O.T Analysis:

Review of 1^st Test – Pakistan Point of View:

Bad luck in the shape of controversies, scandals and allegations chased Pakistan cricket; whenever everything seems to be going well for a short span of time. In the consequences of the Zulqarnain Haider episode, Pakistan went into the opening test as underdog, but in the end came out of the 1^st test with more than their reputations in tact. Special praise must be given to the returning men - Younis Khan and Misbah - without their efforts; Pakistan would have suffered another depressing defeat.

Strength – Solid Openers and Veteran Middle-order:

In the recent past, batting has always been Pakistan's weaker point than ever before, but their new opening combination of Taufeeq Umar and Muhammad Hafeez did put on a couple of solid opening stands. Muhammad Hafeez, performed well in the ODI series too and has continued his good run in the first test, with just lacking to build up impressive three figures.  With the return of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-haq, there is a fresh sigh of reliability to this Pakistani batting line-up. Pakistan team was unlucky to miss out the services of Muhammad Yousuf for present test series. He was ruled out due to an injury, but his absence was not felt as the other batsmen clicked quiet effectively.

Azhar Ali, a bright star of Pakistan cricket, got talent and temperament for longer innings in the test matches. He showed his talent in the opening game. His twin half-centuries upset the South Africans bowling attack from running through the middle-order. Umar Akmal’s poor form with the bat is a big question for his presence in the team. He neither showed the will nor the skill to stay at the crease in the longer versions of the game. Umar Akmal gets out playing an irresponsible shot on many occasions like Shahid Afridi. He has to perform in the second test to prove his existence rational in the test arena. He got the talent, but to me, his overconfidence made life difficult for him on different instances.

Weakness - Bowling Vulnerability:  

Unavailability of duo Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif already posing big threats to pace bowling attack of Pakistan cricket and now with promising Wahab Riaz ruled out due to injury; unexpectedly the fast bowling area of Pakistan look rather vulnerable. 

With Shoaib Akhtar’s preference of shorter versions of the game, Umar Gul is only to carry the burden of the pace bowling attack. Mohammad Sami or Sohail Tanvir could be the possible replacement for Wahab Riaz. In the spin bowling; it is another opportunity for Saeed Ajmal to show that he can shine at test cricket after a poor show at Dubai.

Opportunity – Victory or Draw:

A victory in the second test, actually the series win, will surely boost the confidence of the team and give supporters something to cheer up. But for that most unlikely win, Pakistan should occupy the field with a positive frame of mind, keeping in view their respective strengths and weaknesses. Even another draw, against a stronger outfit of South Africa, will be enough to extract the best from the current series after losing the ODI series.

Threat – Unpredictable Attitude:

Pakistan has always been an unpredictable side in the world of cricket. They can be the best and the worst with their unpredictability. On their day they can ruin the best side and can be ruined from the under-dogs the very next day. 

South Africa – S.W.O.T Analysis:

Review of 1^st Test – South African Point of View:

A result-less 1^st test at Dubai could be taken as a disappointing outcome from a South African view point. South African bowling attack could not be synchronized with the effectiveness of their batting that lead to an unwanted draw.  

Strength - Batting Consistency:

The South African batting looks to be sound and safe with all the batsmen among the runs. Hashim Amla is currently going through one of the best phases of his career and he made it count with two huge scores. He was thoroughly supported by Smith in the 1st innings and then by Kallis in the 2nd innings. 

South Africa's batting line-up runs deep with Botha coming in at 9 and if they continue to make runs, then they will put the burden on the bowlers to give them a win.

Weakness – Ineffective Bowling: 

Dale Steyn’s return from injury was totally unimpressive and he looked quite out of rhythm, picking up only 2 wickets in the test. He dropped the ball on the right place, at times only; but mostly he was vivid and missed line & length. That was abnormal with the standards set by him and other South African pace bowlers.

 
Morne Morkel looked the most impressive and threatening of the South African bowlers with his five wickets in the test. He managed to generate alarming and steep bounce from the placid Dubai wicket; bowling a consistent line to maintain the pressure. He caused quite a few moments of discomfort to the batsmen. Harris bowled tidily, chalking up maiden overs, but never looked like picking up a wicket. That he bowled from over the wicket to the right-handers; a negative line at best, did not help matters either.

Opportunity – Victory to Clean Sweep:

As a strong side South Africa definitely would love to sweep the series with a victory in the second test. South Africa only have a few minor things to work on before the second game and if Steyn and Morkel would manage to fire optimally, then they would be well on their way to another series win.

Threat – Bad Finishing Record:

Even regarded as one of the strongest sides, South Africa had never been the finest finisher. Their inability to finish the test matches positively should worry them and this has been the third time in recent times (against England twice last winter) that they have had to settle for a draw on the final day.