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1st duck after 2022! Simon Harmer breaks Imam-ul-Haq's purple patch in home Tests

Debashis Sarangi

Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck [Source: AFP]Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck [Source: AFP]

After slamming a majestic 93-run knock in the first innings, Pakistan's experienced opener Imam-ul-Haq failed to replicate a similar success in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa. The riveting contest, which is being played at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, witnessed Imam's fall from grace, as he registered a duck in a home Test for the first time in almost three years. 

Imam's prolific home run halted by Harmer in PAK vs SA 1st Test

Hailed for his gritty batting, Imam-ul-Haq was preferred over the dynamic Saim Ayub for Pakistan's Test series against South Africa. Imam, who has middling numbers in away Tests, has been a force to reckon with the bat for Pakistan on home soil, amassing 907 runs at a magnificent average of 60.46. 

So, Pakistan's decision to include him in their squad for the Proteas challenge initially reaped rewards, with the batter scoring the joint-most runs alongside Salman Ali Agha in the first innings. 

However, Imam couldn't live up to the expectations in the second innings, with ace South African spinner Simon Harmer sending him back to the pavilion for a duck. As Imam tried to dominate Harmer by dancing down the track, the latter's good-length delivery sharply turned away from him, leaving him stumped in the end. 

Interestingly, this marked Imam-ul-Haq's first duck in a home Test after 2022. In fact, this is his second duck in Test matches in Pakistan, showcasing how good he has been in capitalising on home advantage. Prior to the ongoing Lahore Test, the opening batter registered his previous duck at home in the second Test against England in Multan. 

Harmer ensures a dream start for SA in 2nd innings

After dismissing Imam-ul-Haq, Simon Harmer also got rid of Pakistan's Test captain Shan Masood, who managed only seven runs. Given that Imam and Masood were the chief architects of Pakistan's respectable first innings total of 378 runs, their wickets held significant importance for the visitors. 

Riding on Harmer's superb opening spell, South Africa reduced Pakistan to 36 for two before lunch on day three. Although the hosts have a decent 145-run lead, they must hope for a turnaround from their premier batter Babar Azam to ensure a daunting target for South Africa.