Sign of things to come as South Africa prosper in warm up

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SHARJAH: Five top order South Africa batsmen warmed up for next week's first Test against Pakistan by scoring half centuries against Pakistan A on Tuesday.

Jacques Kallis (70), Alviro Petersen (58), AB de Villiers (58) Hashim Amla (50) and JP Duminy (50 not out) all were among runs in hot and humid conditions as South Africa progressed to 332-5 at the close on the first day of a three-day warmup match.

Only captain Graeme Smith, returning after a six-month layoff due to ankle surgery, missed out when he was out leg before wicket for 2 after being dropped in the slips on 1.

Petersen and Amla put on 105 runs for the second wicket before both retired to give the rest of the batsmen some work as none of the second-string Pakistan bowlers could trouble them.

De Villiers and Kallis also scored at a healthy run-rate of over four an over by adding 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Kallis hit four sixes and six fours before he gave a return catch to part-time offspinner Sohaib Maqsood.

Usman Qadir, son of Pakistan's former legspinner Abdul Qadir, got the other success of the day when de Villiers was caught by Pakistan A captain Umar Amin.

The Test series begins in Abu Dhabi on Monday with Dubai hosting the second Test from Oct. 23-27.

Scores: South Africa 332-5 (Jacques Kallis 70, Alviro Petersen 58, AB de Villiers 58, Hashim Amla 50, JP Duminy 50 not out; Sohaib Maqsood 1-17) vs. Pakistan A

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