De Villiers’ dismissal crucial

Published October 9, 2007

LAHORE, Oct 8: South African vice-captain Ashwell Prince has said that the balance of the second Test had tilted to some extent in Pakistan’s favour after the last-over dismissal of the well-set A.B. de Villiers on the first day of the match here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

Prince, who was well set for a big knock after making 63, lost his composure, and while trying to hit Abdul Rehman hard, he was clean bowled.

During a press conference, Prince pointed out that as Pakistan had taken the second new ball, de Villiers could defy the fast bowlers to help his team earn an imposing first-innings total.

Prince lauded Mohammad Asif’s bowling while describing him as unplayable at times.

On the Gaddafi Stadium pitch Prince said it was a bit different from what he found in Karachi, however added that there was not much in the track for the bowlers.

“The (Lahore) pitch has bounce, giving hope to South African bowlers to get Pakistan bowled out quickly,” he said.

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