Dubai: The Pakistan-South Africa series moves from Abu Dhabi to the Dubai Sports City's International Cricket Stadium from Tuesday with the third one-day match of the five-match series.
Abdul Razzaq, through a whirlwind 109 off 72 balls has lifted the gloom that had engulfed the Pakistan team and ignited hopes of a fightback to level the one-day series 1-1. The stage is now set for an exciting battle for domination in the remaining three one-dayers of the series and first Test match here.
After two consecutive defeats in the Twenty20 matches and the first one-day match in Abu Dhabi, the excitement of the fans was slowly fizzling away. Razzaq's effort will go a long way as he has livened up the series.
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said: "This win is a morale booster and will do a world of good to our team".
Ali Anwar Jafri, who is in charge of ticket sales, reflected the impact of Pakistan's team victory over the series.
"The ticket sales have doubled by early morning today following Pakistan's victory in Abu Dhabi," Jafri said. "We are expecting a packed stadium on Friday."
Tony Hemming, the curator of the ICC Global Cricket Academy, who has been involved with the creation of the wicket at the international stadium since inception, has been working hard with his team of groundsmen to produce a sporting wicket.
The outfield has been rolled well for a faster outfield that could see strokes race to the boundary in a flash.
"It is a neutral ground for the team and we have made a neutral wicket that is conducive for excellent cricket," Hemming said.
Injury woes
South Africa was badly hit by the absence of their skipper Graeme Smith, who had to retire hurt during the first one-dayer after being badly hit by a Shoaib Akhtar bouncer and Jacques Kallis who suffered cramps and dehydration. However, their top-order batsmen are still in great form with opener Hashim Amla giving a good start with 65 runs and Colin Ingram cracking a century in the second one-day match.
The third one-day match will witness Pakistan's frantic effort to maintain the momentum. For South Africa it will be a match to regain their winning streak. On a neutral ground, South Africa have played against Pakistan 18 times and have emerged triumphant 14 times. For Pakistan, who considers Dubai as their home ground, this is another chance to improve their tally of just four victories.
Macky Dudhia, general manager of the sports business at Dubai Sports City said: "It will be a carnival of cricket in Dubai during the next two weeks with three one-dayers and a Test match. It'll be a great spectacle".
