Olivier overshadows Steyn on eventful day

Fast bowler Duanne Olivier was almost apologetic for stealing the limelight from record-breaker Dale Steyn after 15 wickets fell on day one of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

Olivier took 6-37 as the hosts bowled out Pakistan for 181 but South Africa struggled in reply, reaching 5-127 at the close, with left-armers Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi both taking two wickets for the visitors.

"I promise I didn't try to do it," said Olivier when it was suggested he had reduced Steyn's achievement of becoming South Africa's all-time Test wicket-taker almost to a footnote on an action-packed day.

Steyn had Fakhar Zaman caught at second slip in the seventh over of the day to leave Pakistan 2-17. It was his 422nd Test wicket, taking him beyond Shaun Pollock into first place among South African bowlers.

It was the first time Olivier had taken five or more wickets in a Test innings and he said the influence of senior bowlers Steyn and Kagiso Rabada – despite the latter's youth – had played a big part in his success.

"You can learn a lot from them," he said. "They bring calmness and encourage you to enjoy yourself and express yourself."

Olivier, effectively South Africa's fifth-choice fast bowler, gained his sixth Test cap following injuries to Vernon Philander and Lungi Ngidi. He was consistently hostile, especially in a seven-over spell after lunch when he ripped through Pakistan's middle order, taking 3-17.

He and the other fast bowlers subjected the Pakistan batsmen to a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, with only Babar Azam (71) batting freely against them.

"With teams from the subcontinent you'll bowl a fair bit of short balls," Olivier said. "It was just backing my strengths.

"There was a bit of bounce and there are a few cracks which will open up with the heat."

The first day was played in scorching heat, with the temperature reaching 39c.

"Our comeback was very good," said Afridi, 18, who is playing in his second Test. "Batting first is very good on this wicket. It is supporting the fast bowlers."

Afridi struck twice with successive deliveries, dismissing Dean Elgar and captain Faf du Plessis as South Africa lost three wickets without a run added to be floundering at 4-43.

Theunis de Bruyn (29) and Temba Bavuma (38 not out) seemed to be regaining the ascendancy for South Africa as they added 69 for the fifth wicket but de Bruyn was caught behind off Amir late in the day to leave the match evenly poised.

Steyn had no further success after his record-breaking achievement. He was punished for 40 runs in four overs in his third spell of the day as Babar went on the attack while batting with the tail. Babar hit 10 of his 15 fours off Steyn, who finished with 1-66.