Shan Masood and Babar Azam lead Pakistan fightback with record partnership

Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batter Babar Azam mounted a spirited fightback on the third day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands.

The duo stitched a marathon 205-run opening partnership to frustrate the hosts, ending the day at 213/1 after being enforced to follow-on by the hosts. 

Trailing South Africa's imposing first-innings total of 615, Pakistan were bowled out for a modest 194 earlier in the day, facing a deficit of 421 runs. However, Shan and Babar responded with resilience and skill, guiding their team to a competitive position.

Shan, leading from the front, reached his sixth Test century and remained unbeaten on 102 at stumps. His innings, laced with patience and precision, anchored Pakistan's recovery. Babar Azam, meanwhile, dazzled with an 81-run knockoff 124 deliveries, studded with 10 boundaries. He fell agonizingly short of a century, caught in the slip cordon off Marco Jansen.

Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad joined Shan at the crease in the final overs and ensured no further damage, remaining not out on 8 as Pakistan trailed by 208 runs at the close of play.

Earlier in the day, South Africa continued their dominance with a clinical bowling performance. Resuming the first innings at 155/6, Pakistan managed only 39 more runs. Kagiso Rabada struck early in the second session, dismissing Aamir Jamal with a lethal bouncer. Tailenders Mir Hamza (13) and Khurram Shahzad (14) resisted briefly before falling to Keshav Maharaj and debutant Kwena Maphaka, respectively.

In Pakistan's initial innings, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted to steady the ship, contributing 46 and 19, respectively, but both succumbed to South Africa's relentless bowling attack. Rizwan's attempted slog resulted in his dismissal by Wiaan Mulder, while Agha was stumped off Maharaj's sharp turner.

South Africa's bowlers shared the spoils, with Rabada leading the charge alongside Marco Jansen, Mulder, Maharaj, and Maphaka, who took wickets at crucial intervals.

As Pakistan fights to save the Test, the record partnership between Shan and Babar provides a glimmer of hope. The visiting side will need to continue their determined approach to avoid a second successive defeat in the series.

Playing XIs

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.