WEB DESK: On the third day of the second Test at Newlands, Pakistan showed immense resilience, led by a record-breaking opening stand between Shan Masood and Babar Azam. Facing a massive 421-run first-innings deficit, Pakistan ended the day at 213 for one in their follow-on innings.
Despite their valiant effort, they remain 208 runs away from forcing South Africa to bat again.
Masood stood firm with an unbeaten 102, his sixth Test century, while Babar contributed a stylish 81 before falling in the gully to Marco Jansen just minutes before stumps. The pair’s 205-run stand was a historic one for Pakistan against South Africa in Test cricket, eclipsing their first-innings total of 194, which had prompted South African captain Temba Bavuma to enforce the follow-on.
Babar showcased adaptability and determination, opening the innings in place of the injured Saim Ayub, who was sidelined with a fractured ankle. In the first innings, Babar had managed 58, building a crucial 98-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (46) before his dismissal triggered a collapse.
Starting their day at 64 for three, Pakistan’s first-innings woes continued early on. Babar’s gritty 127-ball knock ended when he edged debutant Kwena Maphaka shortly after the morning drinks break, and Rizwan soon followed, chopping a wild slog onto his stumps off Wiaan Mulder.
