Pakistan Openers Shine in Follow-On Against South Africa
Pakistan's openers, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, displayed a resilient performance in their second innings after being forced to follow on by South Africa. The pair went into the Tea break unscathed, scoring 80 for 0, though Pakistan still trails the hosts by 341 runs.
First Innings Collapse
Earlier in the day, South Africa wasted no time dismantling Pakistan’s tail after Lunch. Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad tried to counterattack, with Shahzad and Mir Hamza briefly troubling Kagiso Rabada. However, Keshav Maharaj and Maphaka wrapped up the innings swiftly. Pakistan was bowled out with a massive deficit of 421 runs, forcing South Africa to enforce the follow-on.
Solid Start in the Second Innings
Under immense pressure, Pakistan’s second innings began with an entirely different approach. Shan Masood and Babar Azam showed great determination, successfully negating the new-ball threat posed by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Masood punished Jansen for straying down the leg side, while Azam displayed his class with a magnificent backfoot punch off Rabada. The pair scored boundaries consistently, frustrating the South African bowlers and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Masood’s three brought up the 50-run partnership, Pakistan’s first 50-plus opening stand since December 2023, a much-needed milestone for the struggling side.
South Africa’s Indiscipline with No Balls
Adding to South Africa’s frustration, the hosts were guilty of bowling three no balls in Pakistan's second innings, taking their total to 16 across both innings. This lack of discipline could prove costly as Pakistan looks to chip away at the monumental deficit.
Highlights of the First Innings
Despite the collapse, there were moments of brilliance for Pakistan in their first innings. Babar Azam continued his rich vein of form, scoring back-to-back boundaries off Rabada to notch his second consecutive Test fifty. Mohammad Rizwan also played aggressively, dispatching Jansen for a four and a six, showcasing his ability to counterattack.
However, the rest of the lineup faltered on a seemingly placid pitch, leaving Pakistan with an uphill task.
What’s Next?
As the day progresses, the spotlight will remain on Babar Azam and Shan Masood to continue their solid partnership and reduce the deficit. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to regain control with tighter lines and early breakthroughs in the final session.
While Pakistan's chances of saving the Test appear slim, the resilience shown by their openers in the follow-on innings provides a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
Reference from:-https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/133031/pakistan-openers-solid-in-follow-on-innings