Ontong Leads Fightback to Hold Pakistanis to Draw

EAST LONDON: The touring Pakistanis were held to a draw when bad light brought an early end to their four-day match against a South African Invitation XI at Buffalo Park on Monday.
The Invitation XI, set 323 to win, were 190 for five in their second innings when the match was called off. Home team captain Justin Ontong made an unbeaten 51 after his side had seemed in danger of defeat when he went in to bat with his team on 101 for four.
Opening bowlers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan both struck early in the second innings. The tall Mohammad Irfan took two wickets and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed one.
Earlier, the Invitation XI opening bowler Kyle Abbott took three quick wickets - one with the old ball and two with the second new ball - before the tourists declared on 250 for nine. They lost four wickets for ten runs on Monday.
The Pakistanis travel to Johannesburg on Tuesday to prepare for the first Test against South Africa starting at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday. (AFP)

AFP