Khan, Shafiq fight back against South Africa

Cape Town, Feb 14 (AFP) Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq staged a fightback after Pakistan lost their first four wickets for 33 runs on the first day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands on Thursday. Pakistan were 133 for four at tea with Khan on 54 not out and Shafiq unbeaten on 50. The pair added an undefeated 100 for the fifth wicket, blunting South Africa's pace attack after Pakistan's top order were blown away. It was slow going at times, with Khan and Shafiq adding only 14 runs in the first 13 overs after lunch. The 50 partnership was posted off 151 balls, but their second 50 was scored off 88 deliveries and it was a valuable partnership, with memories of Pakistan's dismissal for 49 in the first innings of the first Test in Johannesburg still fresh in the minds. Morne Morkel took two wickets, while Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn claimed one each after South African captain, Graeme Smith, captaining his country for the 100th time, sent the tourists in to bat. Smith proved correct in his assessment of partly cloudy conditions, following early morning rain, and a pitch with a tinge of green that offered good bounce. Opening batsmen Mohammad Hafeez and Nasir Jamshed started cautiously, scoring just 10 runs before the left-handed Jamshed was caught behind off Philander for three. He had survived a chance to Faf du Plessis at gully off the previous delivery. Hafeez edged Steyn to first slip after making 17 before the tall Morkel took two wickets in an over, having Azhar Ali caught behind attempting an extravagant drive and then seeing Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq caught at short leg off a sharply rising delivery. Khan raised his fifty off 133 balls when he pulled left-arm spinner Robin Peterson for a six, while Shafiq reached the mark off 115 balls. (AFP) AT AT 02142008 NNNN