Boucher, Harris frustrate Pakistan in second test

LAHORE, Oct 9 (Reuters) Mark Boucher and Paul Harris combined for an unbeaten 63-run eighth-wicket partnership to frustrate Pakistan on day two of the second test at the Gaddafi stadium today.

Resuming on their overnight score of 259 for six, South Africa were 322-7 at lunch on a lively pitch, with Boucher on 35 while Harris had registered his highest test score of 32 in his sixth match.

Harris could have been forgiven for retiring hurt after he received a sickening blow to his left side of his head, ducking into a short ball from Gul, but he bravely carried on at the crease.

His resilience was rewarded by a vital stand spanning 157 balls after South Africa had lost Andre Nel (0) in the first over of the day to pacer Umar Gul.

Nel was snapped up by Misbah-ul-Haq at forward short leg trying to fend off a short-pitched ball.

Even though Pakistani bowlers operated with the second new ball, spinner Harris displayed a solid defence and than played some cheeky shots as Boucher showed enough confidence in him to allow him to share the strike.

Harris hit five fours in his innings of 97 balls and 115 minutes while Boucher, playing second fiddle, progressed from nine to 35 from 84 balls with four boundaries.

The second day's play saw the best crowd for a test match in Lahore for quite a while in anticipation of former captain, Inzamam-ul-Haq coming out to bat in his final test for his country.

South Africa lead the two-test series 1-0 after a 160 run victory in Karachi last week.

REUTERS BJR KP1330