CAPE TOWN: Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s defiant batting efforts on Day 4 of the second Test helped Pakistan recover to a competitive 398/5 against South Africa at Newlands, keeping their hopes alive in a challenging encounter.
Resuming after lunch at 309/3, Pakistan trailed South Africa’s first-innings total by 109 runs. The day began with skipper Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel aiming to consolidate Pakistan’s innings, but South Africa’s bowlers, led by Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, maintained pressure with timely breakthroughs.
Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad fell early for 18, undone by Jansen’s precision. Kamran Ghulam then partnered with Masood for a steady 43-run stand before Rabada’s pace removed Ghulam for 28.
Shakeel joined Masood to add 51 vital runs, but Rabada struck again, dismissing Shakeel for 23.
The game shifted dramatically when Shan Masood, who had anchored Pakistan’s innings with a superb 145, was trapped LBW by Kwena Maphaka. His dismissal left Pakistan precariously placed at 329/5, trailing by 92 runs.
Rizwan and Agha, however, staged a remarkable recovery, forging a crucial 69-run partnership that brought Pakistan within 23 runs of South Africa’s total by tea.
Both batters displayed resilience, remaining unbeaten on 31 each as they weathered South Africa’s fiery bowling attack.
South Africa’s bowlers faced a tough session, with Rabada and Jansen taking two wickets apiece, while Maphaka chipped in with one.
Despite their efforts, the Proteas struggled to dislodge the Rizwan-Agha stand, which has kept Pakistan in contention for a draw or even a dramatic comeback.
Earlier, South Africa had dominated the match after bowling Pakistan out for 194 in their first innings, securing a massive 421-run lead. Their bowlers, including Keshav Maharaj and Rabada, ensured a commanding position before Pakistan’s spirited fightback in the second innings.
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
