Olivier gives Pakistan tough time, again

Cape Town, January 3 

Opener Aiden Markram made a return to form as he scored 78 to help South Africa into a strong position on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands. Markram's contribution put South Africa on 123/2 wickets at close, 54 runs behind after bowling out Pakistan for 177 at tea. The 24-year-old Markram was bowled on the last ball of the day by Shan Masood. 

Hashim Amla, who is unbeaten on 24, will resume on Friday with captain Faf du Plessis, who went out for a pair in the first Test. Duanne Olivier added to his 11 wickets in the first Test with four more as du Plessis' decision to put Pakistan into bat, and go with a seam-only attack on a quick wicket, was vindicated. Pakistan were teetering at 75/5 at lunch and lost five more wickets before tea despite 56 from captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who went out to an injudicious uppercut shot just when a fightback looked on the cards. Masood made 44 with Olivier's figures of 4/48 bookended by veteran Dale Steyn, who took the first wicket of the day and the last two for 3/48. — Reuters 

Brief scores: Pakistan: 177 (Sarfraz 56, Olivier 4/48); South Africa: 123/2 (Markram 78, Amla 24*)