Irfan stars as Pakistan win tour game.
Pakistan bowler Mohammad Irfan made his case for selection in the second Test against South Africa has he picked up seven wickets against the emerging Cape Cobras in a tour match.
Pakistan, who were routed for 49 in the first Test, have a decision to make whether to include seven-foot Irfan. The left-arm quickie showed great control in a hostile spell of bowling the Cobras have seldom come across.
With Umar Gul, Junaid Khan and spinner Saeed Ajmal certain to start the next test it leaves Rahat Ali wondering whether he will get to add to his one cap.
Ali went wicketless in the first Test and must be worried this impressive Irfan performance will see him ousted in the next playing XI.
Of more concern to Pakistan is the fallibility of their top order against the moving ball. Having been shaken up by a fiery Dale Steyn they again struggled at the top of the innings having been reduced to 29-3.
Misbah-Ul-Haq once again steadied the rocking Pakistan ship but the form his top-order are showing must be slightly disconcerting for the calm Misbah.
Azhar Ali, one of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen of recent times, has noticeably struggled and may be looking over his shoulder if this lean run continues. Faisal Iqbal looked composed in the first innings under-pressure and offers an alternative.
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