Pakistanis in defiant recovery

MISBAH ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq shared a defiant, unbroken century stand as Pakistan reclaimed a measure of respectability at the Wanderers yesterday. The visitors were 183/4 in their second innings at stumps on the third day of the first test, 297 runs away from what would be a world record successful chase to their target of 480.

But yesterday’s performance was a vast improvement on their first innings of 49. Both teams would have kept a close eye on the weather last night, with a 90% chance of rain predicted to fall until 6am.

"You always expect a bit of rain here on the Highveld, but it’s unlikely to rain for two days,” AB de Villiers said.

Told about the weather forecast, Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore said: "Bring it on.”