Pakistan captain Shan Masood delivered a sensational performance with an unbeaten century, while Babar Azam contributed a solid 81, as Pakistan fought back against South Africa on Day 3 of the Cape Town Test. Despite the Proteas enforcing the follow-on, the visitors showed resilience and determination, keeping the contest alive as they headed into Day 4.
Pakistan’s Fightback on Day 3
Trailing by a massive 421 runs, Pakistan began their second innings under immense pressure. Openers Shan Masood and Babar Azam demonstrated exemplary grit and composure, crafting a 205-run stand that provided much-needed stability for the team.
By the time the Tea break arrived, Pakistan had reached 80-0, showing their intent to fight back. Both batters continued their partnership in the final session, frustrating the South African pacers with their impeccable technique and temperament.
Babar Azam was the first to depart, caught by David Bedingham for 81, but not before he had played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s recovery. Shan Masood, leading from the front, brought up his sixth Test century and remained unbeaten on 102 as Pakistan ended the day at 213/1, trailing South Africa by 208 runs.
Morning Session Woes
Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease. The pair stitched together Pakistan’s highest partnership of the innings, adding 98 runs off 166 balls to resist South Africa’s relentless bowling attack.
Babar notched up a well-deserved half-century, but his dismissal by debutant Kwena Maphaka marked a turning point. Rizwan followed soon after, bowled by Wiaan Mulder for 46, leaving Pakistan reeling. Salman Agha’s stumping off Keshav Maharaj’s bowling compounded the visitors’ troubles, and by lunch, Pakistan found themselves at 155-6.
The lower-order collapse saw Pakistan’s final four wickets fall for a mere 39 runs, allowing South Africa to enforce the follow-on and tighten their grip on the match.
Recap of Days 1 and 2
South Africa’s dominance in the first two days set the stage for their commanding position. Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Proteas stumbled early, slipping to 72-3. However, a remarkable recovery led by skipper Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton turned the tide.
Bavuma registered a scintillating century, while Rickelton’s unbeaten 176* at stumps on Day 1 anchored the South African innings. On Day 2, Rickelton continued his masterclass, converting his score into a double century, finishing with 259 runs. Kyle Verreynne also joined the party with his third Test century, propelling South Africa to a mammoth total of 615.
The South African pacers carried the momentum into Pakistan’s first innings, delivering a fiery opening spell that reduced the visitors to 64-3. Despite the early setbacks, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s partnership provided a glimmer of hope, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the follow-on.
As the match heads into Day 4, all eyes will be on Shan Masood and the rest of the Pakistani batters to see if they can extend their resistance and turn the tide in their favor.
