Pakistan captain Shan Masood played a pivotal role in his team’s fightback after being forced to follow-on in the second Test against South Africa. Masood’s resilient knock of 145 runs kept Pakistan’s hopes alive, though they still trailed by 92 runs at Day 4.
Pakistan resumed their second innings on Day 4 at 213/1, trailing South Africa by 208 runs. The day started with nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad, who contributed 18 runs before falling to Marco Jansen early on, leaving Pakistan at 235/2.
Masood, who had been in excellent form, found steady support from Kamran Ghulam. The pair added 43 runs before Ghulam was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada for 28, reducing Pakistan to 278/3 in the 67th over.
Despite the loss of partners, Masood remained composed, and with Saud Shakeel at the other end, the pair brought Pakistan to 309/3 at lunch.
However, Masood’s resistance was eventually broken when he fell to Maphaka for 145, leaving Pakistan at 329/5, still trailing by 92 runs with five wickets in hand.
Earlier, on Day 3 of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the Pakistan top order, led by captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam, staged a remarkable fightback.
After being forced to follow-on following their dismal first innings score of 194, Pakistan’s opening duo added a solid 205-run partnership, significantly reducing the deficit to 208 runs by the close of play.
Both Masood and Babar played with poise and confidence, providing a strong foundation for Pakistan’s recovery.
Masood reached his sixth Test century, finishing the day unbeaten on 102, having faced 203 balls and struck 12 boundaries. Babar, looking in great touch, scored 81 off 124 deliveries before falling just before the end of the day’s play to Marco Jansen.
His knock, which included 10 boundaries, marked his return to form after a tough first innings.
The night-watchman, Khurram Shahzad, was at the crease with Masood, having made 8 runs, as Pakistan ended the day at 213/1 in their second innings, showing signs of a determined comeback after their earlier collapse.
Pakistan’s first innings had been disastrous. Starting Day 3 at 64/3, the team lost key batsmen quickly. Babar Azam fell for 58, and Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 46.
With both set batsmen gone, the lower order crumbled as Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza all failed to contribute.
Pakistan was bowled out for a mere 194, leaving them facing a daunting 551-run deficit after South Africa’s massive total of 615.
South Africa’s imposing total was largely built on Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant 259-run innings, while Kyle Verreynne added a rapid-fire 100 off 147 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha, each took three wickets, but the total proved insurmountable.
Having already lost the first Test of the series, Pakistan faced immense pressure to win the second match to level the series.
While the fighting display from Masood and Babar has provided some hope, Pakistan still faces a tough task to mount a successful comeback in the match.
