India, Oct. 14 -- If it were not for No.4 batter Tony de Zorzi, South Africa would have been completely down and out in the opening Test of the two-match series against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The left-hander played a knock of 104 runs off 171 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and two sixes to let the Proteas crawl up to 269 in the first innings. The visitors conceded a lead of 109 runs; however, the margin could have been even more alarming had Zorzi not returned with a century.

The luck was truly on Zorzi's side as he survived three LBW appeals on Day 2 off the bowling of Sajid Khan. Two deliveries before tea, Zorzi was hit on the back pad and given out by the on-field umpire. He was only given a reprieve on revie...