Babar Azam-Shan Masood’s historic partnership keeps Pakistan afloat vs South Africa-OxBig News Network

Pakistan staged a commendable fightback against South Africa in Cape Town, with the help of a record-breaking opening partnership between skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam. After being asked to follow-on, Pakistan’s hopes were revived by their resilient stand of 205, the highest opening partnership in Pakistan’s Test history while following on.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 64/3, trailing South Africa by a massive 357 runs. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan displayed grit in the morning session, tackling challenging spells from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Babar brought up his half-century before falling to debutant Kwena Maphaka, who angled one down leg for a sharp catch by Kyle Verreynne. Rizwan also failed to capitalise on his start, under-edging a drive onto his stumps while attempting to reach his fifty. The middle and lower order collapsed around them, with Pakistan losing six wickets for just 76 runs. Rabada and Keshav Maharaj were the chief wreckers as Pakistan folded for 194, handing the hosts a lead of 421.

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Babar-Masood lead Pakistan’s fightback

South Africa enforced the follow-on, aiming for a quick finish. However, Shan Masood and Babar Azam had other plans. Coming out with positive intent, the duo tackled the new-ball pair of Rabada and Jansen, who lacked their usual sharpness. Masood, ending a poor run of nine innings without a 30-plus score, showcased immense composure as he built his innings. Babar, opening in place of the injured Saim Ayub, complemented Masood perfectly. The pair navigated through tricky spells, including Maharaj’s turn and Rabada’s short-ball tactics.

Masood reached his sixth Test century with a confident flick off Jansen, celebrating with a skyward glance. Babar, too, looked set for a ton but fell late in the day on 81, chasing a wide ball from Jansen and edging to slip. Despite the setback, Pakistan’s opening partnership had taken a significant chunk out of South Africa’s lead, leaving the visitors trailing by 208 at stumps.

South Africa’s bowlers toiled hard but were guilty of lapses in discipline, sending down 23 no-balls across both innings. The surface, resembling subcontinental conditions, offered little assistance, though Maharaj found some turn. Tempers flared briefly when Wiaan Mulder threw the ball back at Babar, but the situation was quickly defused by the umpires.

At the close of play, nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad joined Masood, who remained unbeaten on 102. Pakistan’s solid recovery gives them a slim chance of salvaging the match. However, they still face an uphill battle, trailing by 208 runs with two days to play. Masood’s leadership and Pakistan’s collective resolve will be critical in shaping the final outcome.