As the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa unfolded, the visitors found themselves in a challenging position despite a solid start to their second innings. At Tea Day 3, Pakistan’s openers Babar Azam (34*) and Shan Masood (37*) stood firm, guiding their team to 80 for no loss. However, the uphill task ahead was evident as they still trailed South Africa by 341 runs.
South Africa’s Bowlers Dominate Pakistan’s First Innings
The hosts demonstrated dominance by quickly cleaning up Pakistan’s tail shortly after Lunch. South Africa enforced the follow-on with a massive 421-run lead, asserting control over the match. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj were pivotal in dismantling the visitors’ batting lineup.
Despite a brief resistance from Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, Rabada had the last laugh. Jamal fell victim to a well-directed bouncer, while Shahzad and Mir Hamza provided fleeting entertainment by taking 15 runs off one of Rabada’s overs. However, Maharaj ended Hamza’s short stay, and Maphaka claimed the final wicket of Shahzad, leaving Pakistan in disarray. Many fans, meanwhile, were checking scores and updates on their Aviator app.
Pakistan’s Fightback in the Second Innings
South Africa opted to enforce the follow-on, expecting a repeat of their first-innings success. However, Pakistan’s openers had different plans. The new-ball pair of Rabada and Marco Jansen failed to replicate their earlier menace. Shan Masood and Babar Azam capitalized on loose deliveries and easily scoring boundaries.
Masood punished Jansen for his erratic line, while Azam showcased his class with a sublime backfoot punch off Rabada. Pakistan’s aggressive approach yielded a boundary almost every over, putting the pressure back on the hosts.
The duo reached Pakistan’s first 50-run opening stand since December 2023, a significant milestone given their recent struggles at the top. South Africa’s bowling discipline also faltered, with three no-balls in the second innings, adding to the 13 from the first innings.
Highlights from Pakistan’s First Innings
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 162/5, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan carrying the burden of recovery. Both batters displayed remarkable skill and composure on a flat track, offering little assistance to bowlers. Rizwan attacked Marco Jansen’s short deliveries, finding and clearing the boundary for a six.
In fine form, Azam brought up his second consecutive Test fifty with elegant strokes, including back-to-back boundaries off Rabada. The partnership looked promising, but Maphaka struck immediately after the drinks break, claiming his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Azam, who was caught down the leg side.
This breakthrough triggered a collapse. Rizwan played an ill-advised shot, falling to Mulder. At the same time, Salman Ali Agha offered brief resistance with three boundaries in his 22-ball cameo. However, he, too, fell to Maharaj just before Lunch.
South Africa’s Batting Powerhouse
South Africa’s commanding position in the match was built on the foundation of their colossal first-innings total of 615. Ryan Rickelton’s marathon 259, Temba Bavuma’s century (106), and Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 100 showcased the depth of their batting lineup. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Mohammad Abbas (3-94) and Salman Ali Agha (3-148) being the only ones to make notable contributions.
Road Ahead for Pakistan
Despite their struggles, Pakistan’s second-innings performance offered glimpses of hope. The partnership between Shan Masood and Babar Azam at the top of the order provided much-needed stability. To turn the tide, Pakistan must continue their disciplined approach and aim for a significant total to challenge South Africa.
The match remains firmly in South Africa’s favour. However, cricket’s unpredictability ensures that Pakistan’s resilience could still make for an intriguing contest in the days to come.
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) & 80/0 (Shan Masood 37*, Babar Azam 34*)
- South Africa leads by 341 runs.
