Pakistan Forced to Follow On Against South Africa on Day03 of 2nd Test

On the third day of the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, Pakistan’s openers Shan Masood and Babar Azam provided a resilient response after South Africa enforced the follow-on.

The duo compiled an unbroken 80-run partnership before tea, with Masood contributing 37 runs off 54 balls and Azam adding 34 off 51 deliveries.

This effort reduced Pakistan’s deficit to 278 runs, following their first-innings collapse to 155-6, still trailing South Africa’s formidable total of 615.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan resumed their first innings at 64-3 but suffered quick losses, including key wickets of Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, capitalized on the momentum, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position.

South Africa’s first innings was anchored by Ryan Rickelton’s impressive 259-run knock, supported by Kyle Verreynne’s century off 147 balls. The Proteas declared at a commanding 615, putting Pakistan under significant pressure.

Facing a 421-run deficit, Pakistan’s openers Masood and Azam displayed determination in their second innings, aiming to stabilize the innings and avert an innings defeat. Their partnership has provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors as they strive to level the two-match series, currently trailing 1-0.

Match Summary of 2nd Test:

First Innings

South Africa: 615 all out (141.3 overs)

Key Performers:

Ryan Rickelton: 250 runs off 336 balls (27 fours, 3 sixes)

Kyle Verreynne: 100 runs off 144 balls (9 fours, 5 sixes)

Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen contributed significantly with the ball, taking crucial wickets.

Pakistan Bowling:

Mohammad Abbas: 3 wickets for 127 runs

Salman Agha: 3 wickets for 150 runs

Pakistan’s First Innings

Pakistan: 194 all out (54.2 overs)

Key Performers:

Babar Azam: 58 runs off 112 balls

Mohammad Rizwan: 46 runs off 81 balls

Pakistan struggled with early wickets, collapsing from a promising partnership to a lower total.

Follow-On

Pakistan’s Second Innings: Resumed at 64 for 3 after being forced to follow on.

As of the latest updates, they were at 64 for 3 after facing early pressure from South Africa’s bowlers.