Fans erupt as Babar Azam and Shan Masood’s towering partnership keeps Pakistan alive after follow-on by South Africa in the Cape Town Test



Second exam in between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg it was an exciting contest, with South Africa dominating early and Pakistan showing some courage in the latter stages of the game. South Africa's first innings saw a massive total of 615, led by Ryan Rickelton's double-century is hundreds of years since Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne. Pakistan's response failed when he was dismissed for a short 194, and Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen light and ball.

When forced to follow, Pakistan put up an impressive fightback, because Shan MasoodAn unbeaten century and Babar Azam made 81, as the pair added 205 for the first wicket. With the stumps on Day 3, Pakistan reached 213/1, reducing the deficit to 208 runs. The war is now almost over, and both factions are looking for an important moment to seize power. Day 4 promises to be an exciting chapter in this high-profile Test.

South Africa's dominance with the bat

South Africa showed their batting superiority with 615 runs in their first innings. The highlight of their match was Rickelton's masterful knock of 259 runs, a display of precision and patience. His innings, with 29 boundaries and three long sixes, laid the foundation for the Proteas' lead. Bavuma delivered a captain's victory of 106, showing courage and determination in the game.

Verreynne once again entered the centurion club, scoring 100 runs which added depth to South Africa's batting. Bringing down the order, Jansen's quick-fire 62 also brought down the Pakistani bowlers. Mohammad Abbas and Agha Salman They were the pick of Pakistan's bowlers, each taking three wickets, but they struggled to prevent the run-out. The constant attacks by South Africa made Pakistan focus on war from the beginning.

Pakistan's struggle in the first innings

Pakistan's first innings was a story of frustration and missed opportunities, as the visitors managed just 194 runs. Babar tried to close the innings with a batting 58, but the lack of support from other batsmen proved costly. The collapse of the top order left Pakistan reeling, with the South African duo of Rabada and Jansen exploiting every weakness. Rabada's three-wicket haul was marked by relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy.

Keshav Maharaj he added to the woes with two important dismissals, showing his trickery on a pitch that offers little spin. The stability of Pakistan's middle and lower order was disrupted by the constant pressure, with no solid batting to anchor the innings. A massive deficit of 421 runs forced Pakistan to follow, which put their mettle to the ultimate test. The first innings showed the weakness of the visitors against the physicality of the test.

Also WATCH: South African commentator mocks Pakistan players' ability to speak English on Day 2 of Cape Town Test

Shan Masood and Babar Azam are leading the fight

Forced to follow, Pakistan showed determination, led by Masood's unbeaten century. Masood's 102 off 166 balls was both outrageous and brilliant, ensuring his team avoided immediate relegation. Veteran batsman Babar supported him with a knock of 81, showing his ability to handle pressure at critical moments. Together, the two scored a crucial 205-run stand, laying a solid foundation for Pakistan's military.

Their partnership frustrated the South African bowlers, who struggled to find success on a pitch that was too easy. Masood's flurry of strokes and Azam's accurate selection kept the scoreboard moving slowly. At the end of Day 3, Pakistan reached 213/1, reducing the deficit to 208 runs. A strong batting display revived hopes of saving the tournament and set up a thrilling Day 4.

South Africa's bowling practice in the second innings

South Africa's bowlers worked hard in the second innings but had little success compared to a revitalized Pakistan side. Jansen was the only one to take a wicket, dismissing Babar with a brief spell that ended the crucial opening innings. Maharaj bowled the ball brilliantly, tying one side with his line and length. Despite their best efforts, the pitch seems to have been flattened, offering little support to the bowlers.

Rabada and Ngidi tried to generate speed and bounce but were not disturbed by the brilliant performances of Masood and Azam. South Africa's batsmen, however, maintained a lot of energy, preventing easy runs and pressure. The bowlers continued to battle the pitches, looking for ways to get the game back in their favor. South Africa will aim to re-establish and improve Pakistan's ability to reduce its influence on the final day.

Here's how fans responded:

Also READ: PSL 2025 Draft: Here is the complete list of players retained by all 6 teams – Babar Azam to Mohammad Rizwan





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