Shan Masood Sizzles With Century As Pakistan Look To Turn It Around In Cape Town

CAPE TOWN: Pakistan displayed a spirited comeback on the third day of the second and final Test against South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground on Sunday, ending the day at 213/1 after being forced to follow on.

Openers Babar Azam and Shan Masood put on a 205-run partnership to keep the second Test against South Africa alive. The visitors had been forced to follow on at Newlands after they were bowled out for 194 on day three.

Skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam led the fightback with a determined 80-run partnership before tea. The duo began their innings with Pakistan trailing by a massive 421 runs. By the time play resumed after the break, the pair had added crucial runs to reduce the deficit, frustrating the South African bowlers.

South Africa, Shan Masood, Pakistan, Cape Town, Babar Azam — Shan Masood consoles Babar Azam after his dismissal for 81— Photo by AFP

At stumps, Shan Masood was 102 not out and passed three figures late in the day, while Babar Azam was dismissed on 81 by Marco Jansen just before the day closed.

Their partnership not only stabilized Pakistan’s innings but also kept the team in contention to push the match into the final two days.

Earlier, Pakistan’s first innings ended in disarray as they resumed the day at 64/3. Despite a promising start by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 58 and 46 runs respectively, the batting lineup collapsed.

South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, dismantled the lower order, with Pakistan losing their last seven wickets in quick succession to be bowled out for 194.

The visitors’ dismal performance came in response to South Africa’s massive first-innings total of 615. Ryan Rickelton’s monumental 259 and Kyle Verreynne’s quickfire century (100 off 147 balls) powered the hosts to a commanding position.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled against the dominant batting display, with Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha claiming three wickets each, while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad shared two wickets apiece.

Forced to follow on, Pakistan faced an uphill task, but the Masood-Babar partnership provided hope. Masood, who had fallen cheaply in the first innings, redeemed himself with a gritty performance.

day2sapak2 — Pakistan bowler Mohammad Abbas in action while South Africa’s Aiden Markram looks on during the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa.
—Photo from Social Media

Pakistan now trails by 278 runs with nine wickets in hand. With two days left, the Green Shirts need to bat resolutely to avoid a series defeat, as they are already down 1-0 in the two-match series.

The Proteas are playing in their final Test match before facing Australia in the final of the World Test Championship at Lord’s in June.

South Africa Enforce Follow On as Pakistan Crumble in Second Test — South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, left, plays a shot while Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan looks on during the second test match between South Africa and Pakistan in Cape Town, South Africa.
—Photo from Social Media

Australia booked their place in the final on Sunday, winning the final Test against India in Sydney to seal a 3-1 series win.

Pakistan Playing XI

Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.

South Africa Playing XI

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.