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Fans explode as Babar Azam and Shan Masood’s powerful partnership keeps Pakistan alive after South Africa chase them down in the Cape Town Test

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Another test in between South Africa and Pakistan it was an entertaining contest in Johannesburg, with South Africa dominating early on and Pakistan showing resilience late in the game. In South Africa’s first innings there was a colossal 615, led Ryan Rickelton‘s double century and century from Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne. Pakistan’s response was shaky as they were dismissed for a paltry 194, with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen shining with the ball.

Forced to continue, Pakistan mounted an impressive resistance, thanks to Shan MasoodAn unbeaten century and Babar Azam put together 81 as the duo added 205 for the opening wicket. By stumps on the 3rd day, Pakistan reached 213/1, reducing the deficit to 208 runs. The battle now hangs in the balance, with both teams eyeing key moments to take control. Day 4 promises to be an engrossing chapter in this high-stakes Test.

South African dominance with the bat

South Africa showed their batting supremacy with an imposing total of 615 runs in their first innings. The highlight of their performance was Rickelton’s masterful knock of 259 runs, an exhibition of precision and patience. His overs, peppered with 29 boundaries and three towering sixes, laid the foundation for the Proteas’ major total. Bavuma contributed to the captain’s knock of 106, showing immense courage and determination at the crease.

Verreynne also joined the centurion club, scoring a running 100 runs which added depth to the South African batting effort. Down the stretch, Jansen’s quick-fire 62 further demoralized Pakistan’s bowlers. Mohammad Abbas and Agha Salman they were the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking three wickets each but struggling to stop the run-scoring. South Africa’s relentless aggression left Pakistan staring at an uphill battle right from the start.

Pakistan struggles in the first innings

Pakistan’s first innings was a tale of disappointment and missed opportunities, as the visitors could muster only 194 runs. Babar tried to anchor the innings with a fighting 58, but the lack of support from the other batsmen proved costly. The collapse of the top order has left Pakistan reeling, with the South African duo of Rabada and Jansen exploiting every weakness. Rabada’s fiery three-wicket haul was marked by relentless pace and superb accuracy.

Keshav Maharaj he added to the misery with two crucial dismissals, showing his guile on a pitch that offered little spin. Pakistan’s middle and lower order crumbled under constant pressure, with no player stepping up to stabilize the innings. A huge deficit of 421 runs forced Pakistan to continue, a scenario that put their resilience to the ultimate test. The first innings exposed the weaknesses of the visitors in relation to quality bowling in testing conditions.

Also WATCH: South African commentator mocks Pakistan players’ ability to speak English on second day of Test in Cape Town

Shan Masood and Babar Azam are fighting back

After being forced to resume, Pakistan showed remarkable resolve, led by Masood’s unbeaten century. Masood’s 102 off 166 balls was an innings of defiance and technical brilliance that saw his team avoid immediate collapse. Former captain Babar complemented him with a calm knock of 81, showing his ability to absorb pressure in challenging circumstances. Together, the duo forged a crucial 205-run opening partnership, laying a solid foundation for Pakistan’s resistance.

Their partnership frustrated the South African bowlers, who struggled to find any breakthrough on a pitch that was considerably relaxed. Masood’s array of elegant shots and Azam’s precise shot selection kept the scoreboard ticking steadily. By the end of the third day, Pakistan had reached 213/1, significantly reducing the deficit to 208 runs. A spirited display of batting revived hopes of saving the match and set the stage for an intriguing Day 4.

South Africa’s bowling efforts in the second innings

The South African bowlers worked tirelessly in the second innings but found limited success against a rejuvenated Pakistani top-order. Jansen was the only wicket-taker, dismissing Babar with a well-executed short shot that ended a crucial opening position. Maharaj bowled with exceptional control, tying one end with his precise line and length. Despite their efforts, the pitch seemed to flatten out, offering little help to the bowlers.

Rabada and Ngidi tried to extract pace and rebound but were largely neutralized by the disciplined approach of Masood and Azam. However, the South African fielders kept their energy levels high, preventing easy runs and applying pressure. The bowlers persevered with the attacks, looking for breakthroughs that could swing the game back in their favour. South Africa will look to regroup and strategize overnight to break Pakistan’s momentum on the penultimate day.

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READ ALSO: PSL 2025 Draft: Here’s the Complete List of Players Retained by All 6 Teams – From Babar Azam to Mohammad Rizwan





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