CAPE TOWN: South Africa dominated Pakistan in the second and final Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, imposing a follow-on after bowling out the visitors for a paltry 194 on the third day.
The Shan Masood-led Green Shirts now face an uphill task to save the match and level the two-match series.
Resuming their first innings at 64/3, Pakistan trailed by a massive 551 runs against South Africa’s imposing 615-run total.
—Photo from Social Media
Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan showed resilience early in the day, forging a 98-run partnership.
Babar scored a well-constructed 58, while Rizwan added 46 runs. However, their dismissals triggered a batting collapse, with the remaining batters offering little resistance.
Salman Ali Agha contributed 19 runs, while Aamer Jamal managed 15, as Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession.
Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets, while Mpakhah picked up two. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj chipped in with a wicket each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting order.
Pakistan’s Dismal Start
Pakistan’s woes began on Day 2 when they lost three early wickets after South Africa’s mammoth first innings.
Shan Masood was dismissed for 2 by Rabada in the opening over. Kamran Ghulam (12) and Saud Shakeel (0) followed soon after, leaving the team reeling at 20/3.
Earlier, South Africa’s makeshift opener Ryan Rickelton starred with a breathtaking 259-run knock, anchoring his team to a massive 615.
Kyle Verreynne played an aggressive innings, scoring 147 runs, while Temba Bavuma also registered a century.
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Despite brief moments of success, Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the Proteas. Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha took three wickets each, while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad claimed two apiece.
Already trailing 1-0 in the series, Pakistan must produce an extraordinary performance to avoid defeat in the second Test.
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.
