PORT ELIZABETH, Jan 21: Mohammad Asif knew he was in for a long, tough day so he knuckled down and kept his approach simple as he and Danish Kaneria bowled Pakistan into a potential winning position against South Africa on Sunday.

Asif took five for 76 as South Africa were bowled out for 331 in their second innings. Needing 191 to win, Pakistan were eight for no wicket at the close.

With Shoaib Akhtar not taking the field because of a hamstring injury, Pakistan only had three front-line bowlers and opening bowler Asif had to send down a punishing 39 overs.

“It was difficult but it was something I had to do,” he shrugged. “I have bowled that many overs in domestic cricket before.”

Asif said that because of a heavy workload and a pitch that was keeping low he concentrated on accuracy.

“That is why I was trying to keep hitting the stumps and not bowl any wides,” he said.

Asif was not prepared to claim a victory that would level the three-match series. He thought his team had a good chance but said it could be difficult if the South Africans bowled well.—AFP