December 4, 2002	Wednesday	Ramazan 28,1423

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JOHANNESBURG, Dec 3: Mohammad Sami made an impressive all-round contribution with both bat and ball on Tuesday as Pakistan drew the opening match of their South African tour against a Nicky Oppenheimer XI in Randjesfontein.

Sami hit a valuable 35 runs in a ninth wicket partnership of 73 with Abdul Razzaq to rescue his side from the precarious position of 130-8 as the tourists eventually completed their 55-over innings on 229 for nine.

The paceman then took 4-52 as the home side reached 187-9 in the 48th over when bad light put an end to any hope of a result.

Razzaq had remained unbeaten on 63 in Pakistan’s innings but the day’s top scorer was Zander de Bruyn who was unbeaten on 83 for the hosts.

Pakistan have taken a 17-man squad to South Africa for the tour which features a five-match limited overs series beginning in Durban on Sunday as well as two Tests over Christmas and New Year.

“I know that 17 is probably too much,” said captain Waqar Younis.

“Bbut we’ll probably be able to select our final 15 for the World Cup from this group.”

Pakistan, coached by Englishman Richard Pybus, made a clean sweep during their Zimbabwean tour after being thrashed by Australia just prior to their African sojourn.

“We were a very young and inexperienced side when we took on Australia,” said Pybus, who has also coached South African provincial side Border.

“We are much stronger now. South Africa are the second best Test side in the world. It will be a tough tour.”