Pakistan's Resilience: Shan Masood and Babar Azam Lead

Day 3 Highlights: A Tale of Resilience

On an intense Day 3 of the second Test at Newlands, Shan Masood and Babar Azam orchestrated a remarkable comeback for Pakistan with a massive 205-run opening stand in the second innings. Their partnership became the second-highest ever for Pakistan against South Africa in Tests, surpassed only by Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan’s 219-run stand on the same ground in 2013. By the end of the day’s play, Pakistan had reduced South Africa’s lead to 208 runs, a monumental effort considering the team’s dismal first-innings performance of 194.

A Record-Breaking Partnership

Resuming the second innings under immense pressure, Masood and Azam exhibited impeccable batting technique and temperament. They unleashed elegant drives and cuts, capitalizing on the pitch’s rewards for well-executed shots. Pull shots against the fast bowlers were a particular highlight, as the duo easily brought up a century stand. You can follow the match updates and even trade predictions on apps like the Bpexch app.

South Africa struggled to contain the momentum. Their frustration was evident when Wiaan Mulder hurled the ball back at Azam after the Pakistani skipper drove one straight to him. Adding to their woes, the hosts burned a review for a catch at short-leg, only for the technology to confirm no inside edge. South Africa’s discipline further faltered with 10 no-balls in the second innings, bringing their match total to a shocking 23.

Masood’s Nerves and Azam’s Late Dismissal

Masood approached his century with cautious strokes as the day drew to a close. Despite a few nervous moments in the nineties, he reached the milestone with a beautifully timed shot past mid-on. Unfortunately, Azam’s concentration wavered towards the end. Attempting an expansive drive, he edged the ball to gully, giving South Africa their sole session breakthrough. Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad ensured no further damage as Pakistan ended the day at 213/1.

Pakistan’s Struggles in the First Innings

Earlier in the day, South Africa’s decision to enforce the follow-on stemmed from Pakistan’s collapse in the first innings. Kagiso Rabada struck after lunch, dismissing Aamer Jamal with a short delivery. However, the next over turned chaotic as Shahzad and Mir Hamza smashed Rabada for 15 runs. Keshav Maharaj ended Hamza’s brief counterattack, and Kwena Maphaka wrapped up the innings by dismissing Shahzad.

Pakistan’s batting woes began in the first session when Babar Azam fell shortly after the drinks break, strangled down the leg side by Maphaka. Mohammad Rizwan followed, chopping a delivery from Mulder back onto his stumps. Salman Ali Agha showed promise with a brisk 19 but was stumped by Maharaj’s bowling. South Africa tightened their grip from there, bundling Pakistan out for a paltry 194.

South Africa’s Dominance with the Bat

South Africa’s formidable first-innings total of 615 set the stage for their commanding position in the match. Ryan Rickelton’s double century (259), alongside centuries from Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100), laid the foundation. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas (3-94) and Salman Ali Agha (3-148), struggled to contain the rampant hosts.

Pakistan’s Second Innings Revival

With a daunting deficit of 421 runs, Pakistan’s second innings started under dire circumstances. However, the new-ball spells from Rabada and Marco Jansen lacked the venom of the first innings. Masood and Azam exploited the loose deliveries, almost always finding the boundary. Both bowlers conceded over 20 runs in their initial bursts, allowing Pakistan to claw their way back into the match.

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Looking Ahead: A Test Match Poised for an Exciting Finish

Despite their initial struggles, Pakistan’s second-innings fightback has set the stage for an intriguing final two days. Pakistan might mount a formidable challenge if Masood and the remaining batters can build on this momentum. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to regroup and capitalize on any lapse in Pakistan’s batting.

Brief Scores

• South Africa: 615 (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Ali Agha 3-148)

• Pakistan: 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kagiso Rabada 3-55, Keshav Maharaj 2-14) & 213/1 (Shan Masood 102*, Babar Azam 81; Marco Jansen 1-56)

• South Africa leads by 208 runs.