The Hindu : Umar hits century in Pakistan's strong reply

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Oct 19, 2003

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Sport - Cricket

Umar hits century in Pakistan's strong reply

South Africa 320,

Pakistan 275 for four

LAHORE Oct. 18. Opener Taufeeq Umar made an impeccable century as Pakistan made a solid reply on the second day of the first Test against South Africa on Saturday.

Umar hit 16 fours in his 111 to guide Pakistan to 275 for four at close in reply to South Africa's first innings score of 320.

South African skipper Graeme Smith might regret that he has fielded just one specialist spinner — Paul Adams (two for 70) — on a wicket that offered little to his four-pronged pace attack. Adams took a brilliant low diving catch off his own bowling which brought an end to Umar's brilliant effort which lasted six hours 22 minutes and 247 balls.

Openers Umar and Imran Farhat laid a solid foundation of 109 and scored boundaries at will. However, the 22-year-old Umar was lucky not to be bowled on 17 when he played on to Shaun Pollock's short delivery — the bails were not dislodged after the ball hit the stumps without much force.

Akhtar found guilty again

Meanwhile, Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar was banned for one Test and two one-day internationals for using abusive language against South Africa's Paul Adams.

The South African team management had filed a complaint to International Cricket Council's match referee, Clive Lloyd, against Shoaib after the first day's play.

``This incident was unnecessary and unacceptable,'' Lloyd said in a statement.

Akhtar breached the ICC's code of conduct and used offensive language against Adams towards the end of the first day's play when the South African tailender was batting. At a hearing with Lloyd, the Pakistan paceman was found guilty of using language that was obscene, offensive or generally insulting another player.

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