Babar Azam and Shan Masood's deep partnership keeps Pakistan alive after South Africa close on their heels in Cape Town Test, fans erupt

between second test South Africa and Pakistan The game in Johannesburg was an interesting one, with South Africa dominating early and Pakistan showing resilience late in the game. South Africa's first innings total score was 615, led by Ryan Ricktonof double centuries and centuries Tamba Bavuma and Kyle Veraine. Pakistan's reply was hesitant as they were dismissed for a meager 194 points, Kamuzeng Rabada and Marco Jansen Shine with the ball.

Pakistan were forced to follow up with an impressive counter-attack thanks to Jean MassoudAn unbeaten century and Babar Azam combined for an 81st century and the duo added 205 for their opening wickets. The tree stump on the third day, Pakistan's score reached 213 to 1, narrowing the gap to 208 points. The battle now hangs in the balance, with both teams vying for control in crucial moments. Day four promises to be a fascinating chapter in this high-stakes test.

South Africa dominate with bat

South Africa showed their batting superiority with a stunning score of 615 in the first innings. The highlight of their performance was Rickelton's superb knock of 259, a display of precision and patience. His innings included 29 boundaries and three lofty sixes, laying the foundation for the Proteas' total. Bavuma contributed a captaincy batting of 106 runs, showing immense grit and determination at the crease.

Verreynne also joined the Centurion club, hitting a flowing 100 and adding depth to South Africa's batting efforts. At the bottom of the order, Jansen's quick-fire 62 further demoralized Pakistan's bowlers. Mohammed Abbas and Agha Salman It was Pakistan's bowlers who took three wickets each but they struggled to stop the runs. South Africa's ruthless aggression gave Pakistan an uphill battle from the start.

Pakistan's poor performance in first innings

Pakistan's first innings was a tale of disappointment and missed opportunities as the visitors could only score 194 runs. Babar tried to stabilize the innings with a knock of 58, but the lack of support from other batsmen proved costly. The collapse of the top order left Pakistan in trouble and South Africa's pace duo of Rabada and Jansen exploited every weakness. Rabada's fiery wicket was marked by relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy.

Keshav Maharaj Two crucial dismissals intensified the pain, showcasing his craftiness on a pitch that had little spin. Pakistan's lower-middle order fell apart under constant pressure, with no batsman stepping up to stabilize the innings. A huge gap of 421 runs forced Pakistan to keep chasing, a situation that put their resilience to the ultimate test. The first innings exposed the visitors' weaknesses against quality bowling in Test conditions.

ALSO WATCH: South African commentators mock Pakistan players' English skills on second day of Cape Town Test

Shan Masoud and Babar Azam lead counterattack

After being forced to follow up, Pakistan showed remarkable determination, led by Masood's unbeaten century. Masood's 102 off 166 balls was an innings full of defiance and technical brilliance that ensured his side avoided an immediate collapse. Former captain Babar complemented his performance with a clinical knock of 81, showcasing his ability to absorb pressure in challenging situations. Together, the two forged a crucial opening partnership of 205 runs, laying a solid foundation for Pakistan's counterattack.

Their partnership frustrated South Africa's bowlers, who struggled to find a breakthrough on a pitch that had softened considerably. A series of elegant strokes from Masood and precise shot selection from Azam kept the scoreboard steady. By the end of Day 3, Pakistan reached 213/1, reducing the deficit significantly to 208 runs. A spirited batting performance reignited hopes of salvaging the game and set the stage for an entertaining fourth day.

South Africa's second innings bowling effort

South Africa's bowlers worked tirelessly in the second innings but had little success against a resurgent Pakistan side. Jansen was the lone goalkeeper and ended a crucial start with a pinpoint short pass that beat Babar. Maharaj struck the ball with extraordinary control, anchoring one end of the ball with his precise line and length. Despite their efforts, the pitch seemed flat and gave the pitchers little help.

Rabada and Ngidi's attempts to improve speed and jumping ability were largely offset by the disciplinary approach of Masoud and Azam. However, the South African fielders maintained high energy levels, hampering easy runs and applying pressure. Pitchers kept attacking, looking for openings to tilt the game in their favor. South Africa will aim to regroup and strategize overnight to break Pakistan's momentum on the penultimate day.

Here's how fans reacted:

excellent batting
Shan Masood, Babar Azam set new record against South Africa#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/uSKRtyla5L

— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) January 5, 2025

Nazar Naragai
The Babar class is permanent&
The form is back too
♥️

Shan Masoud and Babar Azam 🥶#SAvPAK #tapmad #Don'tstopstreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/tyA1vaxM7n

— Abdul Ghaffar 🇵🇰 (@GhaffarDawnNews) January 5, 2025

Shan Masood and Babar Azam… pure class so far!

This is one of the best open beta partnerships I've seen in a long time, and both seem unbeatable right now. May this continue, it will take one of them to get a big hundred to save the game.

— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) January 5, 2025

This was the hard work of Shan and Babar in the third game.

Both batsmen were in their fifties and looked to be worth millions.

— Beram Qazi 🇵🇰🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) January 5, 2025

PCB cannot remove Shan Masood as Pakistan Test captain for World Test Championship 2025-27. #SAvPAK

— Arfa Feroz Zak (@ArfaSays_) January 5, 2025

Shanmasood's 6th Test century! A brilliant knock from the Pakistan captain.#SAvPAK | #pakistancricket pic.twitter.com/idTQlGPMRV

— Sanan Arshad (@Sanan_Here) January 5, 2025

This is a big blow for Shan Masood. The captain knocks on the door under pressure.

— Dale (@ncakos316) January 5, 2025

Babar Azam's shot was a tribute to Virat Kohli who would have otherwise scored a well-deserved century!

— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) January 5, 2025

Babar's wicket spoiled Pakistan's happy ending to the day but Shan Masood remained on 102*

213-1#SAvPAK

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 5, 2025

The Proteas really should have batted again rather than forcing the follow-on, eh? #SAvPAK

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) January 5, 2025

Mohammad Babar Azam has to be the unluckiest player in world cricket.

Excellent fighting game KING. Well deserved century!

— Zubair Shakeel Wani (@ZubiTalks) January 5, 2025

This is a high quality Shan Masood test 💯 #SAvPAk pic.twitter.com/BownixMEUL

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) January 5, 2025

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