Babar and Masood Ignite Pakistan’s Comeback After South Africa Enforces Follow-On

Babar and Masood Lead Pakistan's Fightback After South Africa Enforces Follow-On

Facing a daunting deficit of 421 runs after being dismissed for 194 in their first innings, Pakistan mounted a spirited response in their second innings against South Africa. The visitors ended the day at 213 for 1, reducing the gap to 208 runs, with Shan Masood and Babar Azam leading the charge on a batting-friendly surface.

Masood broke a streak of poor form to notch his sixth Test century, the first by a Pakistan captain on South African soil, while Babar, opening in place of the injured Saim Ayub, contributed a well-compiled 81. Their partnership not only registered Pakistan’s highest opening stand against South Africa but also took a significant bite out of the massive first-innings deficit.

South Africa's bowlers struggled for breakthroughs on a track that offered some turn but remained largely conducive to batting. Their ill-discipline, evident in 23 no-balls across both innings, compounded their frustration. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen bowled too full at times, and despite some close calls, including a dropped edge from Masood early in his innings, they only managed to dismiss Babar late in the day.

The morning session saw Pakistan crumble in their first innings, losing 6 for 76 either side of lunch. Poor shot selection cost them dearly as Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad fell to loose strokes, and Salman Agha was stumped after being drawn forward by a turning delivery from Keshav Maharaj. Despite some resistance from Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, who added 98 runs for the fourth wicket, Pakistan’s batting collapsed under pressure, leaving them 421 runs behind.

South Africa enforced the follow-on, aiming to wrap up the match swiftly. However, Masood and Babar had other plans. Masood reached his century with a flick off Jansen and celebrated with a skyward glance, while Babar, who scored 108 runs across both innings, fell short of a hundred in the second innings after slashing a slower ball from Jansen to slip.

Masood remained unbeaten at the close, accompanied by nightwatcher Khurram Shahzad. Despite the hosts’ dominance in the first innings, Pakistan’s resilience has kept them in the match, though they still face a steep uphill battle. With Ayub sidelined due to an ankle fracture requiring treatment in London, Pakistan will look to their remaining batsmen to push the game into the later stages.

The pitch, while showing signs of wear, still offers opportunities for run-scoring, setting up an intriguing contest as South Africa seeks to claim the remaining eight wickets and seal victory.