On the third day of the second Test at Newlands, Shan Masood and Babar Azam orchestrated a remarkable fightback for Pakistan, setting a record for the highest first-wicket partnership against South Africa in Tests.
Masood and Babar’s 205-run partnership exceeded Pakistan’s first innings total of 194. This became the highest opening stand for Pakistan in Test history against South Africa, following a challenging 421-run first-innings deficit.
Captain Masood’s Century
Pakistan captain Shan Masood played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 102, marking his sixth Test century. His resilient performance was crucial in steering Pakistan towards a more stable position in their follow-on innings.
Skipper @shani_official's unbeaten century drives Pakistan's defiance in the second innings 🏏#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/SwlbZbz4JG
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 5, 2025Babar Azam contributed significantly with 81 runs, his third consecutive half-century in the series. Although he fell short of a century, his efforts were instrumental in Pakistan’s counterattack. Marco Jansen eventually dismissed Babar just minutes before the day’s close.
Earlier in the day, Babar, who opened in place of the injured Saim Ayub, scored 58 in the first innings. He and Mohammad Rizwan stabilized the innings with a 98-run partnership, though a subsequent collapse overshadowed this effort.
The duo demonstrated that the pitch held no demons, contrasting sharply with the challenges faced in the first innings. Their confident stroke play and smart running between the wickets highlighted a masterclass in Test batting under pressure.
The day also increased tensions when South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder threw a ball at Babar after a firm shot back to the bowler. This incident led to an exchange of words involving wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne and required the umpires’ intervention.
