Pakistan forced to follow-on after collapse at 194 against South Africa

South Africa solidified their commanding position in the second Test against Pakistan by enforcing a follow-on on the third day of play, reported 24NewsJHD TV channel. 

The Proteas bowled out Pakistan for a modest 194 in the first innings, showcasing their bowling prowess at Newlands on Sunday.

Resuming the day with Pakistan at 155/7, the hosts needed just 39 runs to pick up the remaining three wickets. Star pacer Kagiso Rabada struck early in the second session, dismissing Aamir Jamal for 15 with a vicious short-pitched delivery that left the batter no chance.

Pakistan's lower order attempted to resist the inevitable, with Mir Hamza contributing 13 runs and Khurram Shahzad adding 14. However, their efforts were short-lived as Keshav Maharaj and Kwena Maphaka dismissed them, ensuring Pakistan's innings wrapped up well before reaching the follow-on threshold.

The dominant display by South Africa’s bowlers, including Rabada's fiery spells and crucial breakthroughs from Maharaj and Maphaka, left Pakistan trailing significantly in the Test match. The hosts will now aim to capitalize on their advantage as they push for a series-clinching victory.

With the follow-on enforced, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to salvage the match and avoid a crushing defeat. 

At the conclusion of the opening session of the day, the touring side were reeling at 155/6 with all-rounder Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad on the crease.

The visitors had a decent start to the day as Babar and Rizwan stretched their overnight fourth-wicket partnership to 88 runs before the former fell victim to debutant Maphaka after a gutsy half-century.

Babar scored 58 off 127 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries.

Rizwan, on the other hand, then put together a brief 26-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha before both perished in quick succession, bringing the total down to 155/6.

The wicketkeeper was cleaned up by Mulder while going for a wild slog, whereas Agha was stumped off Maharaj’s sharp spinning delivery in the 44th over.

Rizwan scored 46 off 82 deliveries, while Agha made a 22-ball 19.

Aamir and Khurram will resume Pakistan’s first innings from 155/6 in the second session as the visitors still trail by 460 runs.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada has taken two, while Marco Jansen, Maphaka, Mulder and Maharaj have picked one apiece.

Playing XI

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer 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