Date-stamped : 23 Sep97 - 10:08 21 September 1997 Happy hunting ground of even bounce by Colin Bryden ALMOST in the shadow of the Himalayas, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium was a happy hunting ground for the South African team during the World Cup last season. Three of the team's five group matches were played there and three outstanding performances were produced, albeit that two of them were against the United Arab Emirates and Holland, two of the minnows of the tournament. Three Test matches have been played at the custom-built ground. Test scores indicate that the South Africans can again expect a pitch which offers consistent bounce while the outfield is likely to be well-grassed. Because of its altitude and proximity to the mountains, Rawalpindi has cooler temperatures than other Test centres. Pakistan have won two of the three Tests played at the stadium, against Zimbabwe and New Zealand, with debutant fast bowler Mohammad Zahid taking 4/64 and 7/66 against New Zealand last season. The other Test, against Australia in 1994/95, ended in a draw, with Salim Malik making 237 in a Pakistan second innings total of 537 after the side had been forced to follow on. The second Test will be at the new venue of Sheikhupura, a small town near Lahore. On a slow pitch with low bounce, the inaugural drawn Test against Zimbabwe last season was notable for a world record eighth wicket partnership of 313 between Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, who made 257not out, and Saqlain Mushtaq. The third Test will be a return to familiar territory for the South Africans when they play at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, a central Punjab textile city where western influences are minimal. Eighteen Tests have been played in Faisalabad since 1978/79. Three of Pakistan's five defeats in home Tests in the past 21 seasons were suffered in the concrete stadium. Pakistan have won six matches and nine have been drawn. Early Tests were characterised by high-scoring draws but the last five there have ended in outright results on what is typically a slow, bare pitch. Waqar Younis had match figures of 12/130 against New Zealand in 1990/91. Source:: The Sunday Times Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)