Pakistan's hope of victory bowled over by Dale Steyn and South Africa

Fast bowler Dale Steyn is the star for South Africa, taking six wickets for eight as the Proteas shut down the Pakistan attack.

South Africa's Dale Steyn collected six for eight wickets against Pakistan to help the Proteas to a 411-run lead.

JOHANNESBURG // A consummate bowling performance by Pakistan on day 1 of the first Test against South Africa suggested they were capable of challenging the top-ranked team in the world. On Saturday, they were bowled out for 49 and left facing the prospect of a heavy defeat.

Fast bowler Dale Steyn was once again the inspiration for South Africa, taking six for eight to give the Proteas a first-innings lead of 204. By close on day 2 South Africa advanced to 207 for three and an overall lead of 411 runs.

Only Jermaine Lawson of West Indies, who took six for three against Bangladesh in 2002, has claimed a cheaper six-wicket haul than Steyn in the last 89 years.

The No 1 bowler in the world produced two blistering spells of outswing, taking three wickets in each as Pakistan's batsmen were unable to match his quality on a helpful pitch.

"I've never seen two hours of relentless pace bowling as I've witnessed today," Pakistan's well-travelled coach, Dav Whatmore, said. "Most of our batsmen got out to terrific balls. I'm very disappointed with the result, but there are reasons for that and you need to give credit to the South African bowlers."

Having claimed the first three Pakistani wickets in his first two overs of the day, Steyn returned after lunch to claim the last three without conceding a further run.

"It's kind of expected of your fast bowlers to clean up the tail, but I was pretty stoked with the first three early because I haven't done that in a while," Steyn said.

With the match barely into its fifth session, South Africa captain Graeme Smith opted not to enforce the follow-on, and instead looked to add to the home side's considerable lead.

"There wasn't a lot of talk about enforcing the follow-on because all they needed to do was score 50, but I think we made the right decision to bat them out of the game and make a big score," Steyn said.

It is the third time in 14 months South Africa have dismissed a visiting side in the 40s; bowling out Australia for 47 in November 2011, and New Zealand for 45 on January 2, both in Cape Town.

"When this team puts its forces together it's a pretty tough team to beat and pretty tough team to come up against," Steyn said. "There are some great individuals ... who all offer different skills."

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