Pakistan crash to all-time Test total low

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) –

Saeed Ajmal from Pakistan takes a run while facing South African bowler Vernon Philander on day two of the first Test match between South Africa and Pakistan, in Johannesburg on February 2, 2013. Pakistan crashed to their lowest Test total when they were bowled out for 49 by a South African pace barrage.

Pakistan crashed to their lowest Test total when they were bowled out for 49 by a South African pace barrage on the second day of the first Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday.

Dale Steyn took six for eight in 8.1 overs as Pakistan failed to match their previous low – 53 against Australia in Sharjah in 2002/03.

South Africa led by 204 runs on the first innings.

AB de Villiers equalled the South African wicketkeeping record by holding six catches as the Pakistan batsmen failed to cope with top quality bowling on a pitch with steep and sometimes variable bounce as well as some sideways movement.

Vernon Philander took two for 16 and Jacques Kallis two for 11.

Azhar Ali (13) and captain Misbah-ul-Haq were the only Pakistan batsmen to reach double figures.

It was the third time in two seasons that South Africa bowled out opponents for less than 50. Australia were bowled out for 47 in 2011/12 and New Zealand were dismissed for 45 earlier this season. Both matches were in Cape Town.