Masood is Overthrown, But Pakistan is Still Fighting

South Africa struck twice in the post-lunch session of the ongoing Test, including the crucial wicket of skipper Shan Masood, but Pakistan’s resilience shone through.

An unbeaten 69-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha thwarted South Africa’s hopes of tearing through the visitors’ batting lineup.

As the day progressed, Pakistan added 86 runs in the session and trailed by only 23 runs at 398/5. However, the visitors remain precariously placed with just one wicket left before the tail is exposed. Many fans followed the match and some even played the Aviator app during breaks in play.

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South Africa’s Post-Lunch Success with the New Ball

After Lunch, South Africa effectively utilized the conditions to trouble Pakistan’s middle order. Kwena Maphaka’s skilful use of reverse swing tested Saud Shakeel, who struggled against loose drives and outside edges.

Despite the reverse swing, the hosts opted to take the new ball two overs after it became due, which paid immediate dividends.

Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s pace spearhead, struck first, dismissing Saud Shakeel with a delivery that angled in from around the wicket. The batter edged it to second slip, giving South Africa a much-needed breakthrough.

Maphaka trapped Shan Masood LBW in the next over after a successful review. Initially given not out by on-field umpire Nitin Menon, the decision was overturned upon review, with ball-tracking showing the delivery had struck Masood in line and would have hit the off-stump flush. Masood’s impressive knock of 145 ended, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope.

Resilient Partnership Between Rizwan and Salman

With two fresh batters at the crease, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, South Africa smelled blood. Rabada and Maphaka unleashed fiery spells, targeting the stumps and testing the batters’ defence.

Salman had an early scare when he survived an LBW appeal off Rabada by the barest of margins, with ball-tracking showing the umpire’s call on impact and wickets.

Moments later, South Africa again used the DRS, this time against Rizwan. However, luck favoured the Pakistan wicketkeeper, as ball-tracking showed the umpire’s call on wickets again, leaving the Proteas frustrated in their search for a breakthrough.

Wiaan Mulder also got the ball to swing late, beating Rizwan’s outside edge several times. Despite the testing deliveries, Rizwan and Salman weathered the storm. Gradually, they began to chip away at South Africa’s lead, reducing the deficit to below 50 runs.

Building Momentum Before Tea

The partnership gained momentum as Rizwan grew in confidence. Driving Mulder down the ground, Rizwan brought up the 50-run partnership, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s resistance. Salman then took charge, hammering Mulder for two consecutive boundaries just before Tea as Pakistan edged closer to erasing the deficit.

South Africa’s Dominance in the First Innings

Earlier in the match, South Africa had established dominance with a massive first-innings total of 615. Ryan Rickelton’s double-century (259), Temba Bavuma’s 106, and Kyle Verreynne’s century (100) laid the foundation. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make inroads, with Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha claiming three wickets each.

In response, Pakistan faltered in their first innings, managing only 194 runs. Babar Azam top-scored with 58, and Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46, but Kagiso Rabada’s 3-55 and Keshav Maharaj’s 2-14 ensured South Africa took a commanding lead.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 615 (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Ali Agha 3-148)
Pakistan (1st Innings): 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kagiso Rabada 3-55, Keshav Maharaj 2-14)
Pakistan (2nd Innings): 398/5 (Shan Masood 145, Babar Azam 81; Marco Jansen 2-85)

South Africa leads by 23 runs, with Pakistan hoping for a comeback through Rizwan and Salman’s crucial partnership.