Dubai, Nov. 12: Graeme Smith struck a fighting century to put South Africa on track for a big total against a hapless Pakistan attack on the opening day of the first Test here on Friday.
Smith hit eight boundaries in his 152-ball 100 and shared a 153-run opening stand with Alviro Petersen (67) before Hashim Amla (80) built on the good work to help South Africa, who won the toss and batted, reached 311-3 at close.
It was his 22nd Test century and 19th as captain of the Proteas. Jacques Kallis, who shared a 117-run third wicket stand with Amla, was unbeaten on a well-played 53 with nighwatchman Paul Harris unbeaten on nought as South Africa piled on the runs at will on a flat Dubai Stadium pitch.
The Dubai Stadium became Test cricket’s 102nd venue, but failed to attract more than 1,000 people in a ground where people have mostly watched one-day cricket since it was built last year. Kallis has so far hit five boundaries during his 106-ball patient knock.
During the innings, Smith also created a new record for most Test runs as captain with 6664 in 79 matches, overhauling Australian Alan Border’s 6623 in 93 Tests as captain. “I am proud of the record,” said Smith after the day’s play.
Brief scores: South Africa 311 for 3 (Graeme Smith 100, Hashim Amla 80) vs Pakistan.