Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, played a crucial role in the team’s recovery during the second Test against South Africa, following a follow-on. His resilient knock of 145 runs kept Pakistan’s chances alive, although they still trailed by 92 runs at the end of Day 4.
Starting Day 4 at 213/1, Pakistan was 208 runs behind South Africa. Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad contributed 18 runs before being dismissed early by Marco Jansen, leaving Pakistan at 235/2. Masood, in fine form, was supported by Kamran Ghulam, who added 43 runs before being dismissed for 28 by Kagiso Rabada, bringing the score to 278/3.
Masood continued to battle on, with Saud Shakeel at the other end, guiding Pakistan to 309/3 at lunch. However, his innings ended at 145 when he fell to Maphaka, leaving Pakistan at 329/5, still trailing by 92 runs with five wickets remaining.
On Day 3, Pakistan’s top order staged a remarkable fightback after being forced to follow-on due to their first innings collapse of 194. Masood and Babar Azam formed a solid partnership, reducing the deficit to 208 runs by the close of play. Masood reached his sixth Test century, ending the day unbeaten on 102. Babar, playing confidently, scored 81 before falling to Marco Jansen.
The day ended with Pakistan at 213/1, a strong recovery from their earlier collapse. In their first innings, Pakistan had started Day 3 at 64/3, but key wickets fell quickly. Babar Azam scored 58, and Mohammad Rizwan added 46 before the lower order collapsed, with Pakistan all out for just 194. This left them facing a daunting 551-run deficit after South Africa’s massive total of 615.
South Africa’s total was largely built on Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant 259, with Kyle Verreynne contributing a quickfire 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha, each took three wickets, but it was insufficient against the imposing total.
With Pakistan having already lost the first Test of the series, they are under significant pressure to win the second Test and level the series. Despite the fighting efforts from Masood and Babar, Pakistan still faces a tough challenge in making a successful comeback.
