Cape Town (Web Desk): Pakistan’s response to South Africa’s massive first innings total of 615 on the second day of the Newlands Test was nothing short of a struggle.
The visitors were immediately under pressure as captain Shan Masood was sent packing in the opening over by Kagiso Rabada, and the collapse continued shortly after.
Kamran Ghulam, in at number three, couldn’t weather the storm either and fell in the sixth over, leaving Pakistan at a perilous 18-2. The troubles mounted when Saud Shakeel was sent back without scoring, leaving the Green Shirts in a desperate position at 18-3.
Babar Azam, however, displayed resilience and grit, holding firm at one end while wickets tumbled at the other.
He managed to survive through the intense heat and pace attack, reaching 34 off 77 balls by the close of the day.
With Mohammad Rizwan offering valuable support, remaining not out on nine, the pair managed to stabilize the innings somewhat, though Pakistan still faced a daunting task with just 64 runs on the board and a massive 551-run deficit.
Earlier, South Africa had dominated the proceedings with an exceptional innings led by makeshift opener Ryan Rickelton, who produced a career-defining knock of 259. Alongside him, Kyle Verreynne was in imperious form, reaching a fluent 100 off just 147 balls. The duo put on a mammoth partnership, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers throughout the day.
Even after Rickelton was dismissed by Mir Hamza, the assault continued, with Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj adding to the total with aggressive knocks of 62 and 40 runs, respectively.
Pakistan’s bowlers, including Mohammad Abbas and Salman Agha, tried to fight back, with each taking three wickets, but they were unable to contain the South African batsmen.
The hosts' tail-enders also contributed crucial runs, and Kagiso Rabada remained unbeaten with a brief cameo of six runs as South Africa wrapped up their innings.
The conditions, with the hot sun bearing down, were challenging for Pakistan’s bowlers, who had to endure long hours in the field. Adding to Pakistan’s woes was the loss of opener Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury sustained on the field. His absence has left Pakistan with just nine wickets for the remainder of the match, complicating their chances of a comeback.
With South Africa already having secured a place in the World Test Championship final, they are determined to finish the series with a clean sweep, having won the first Test narrowly by two wickets.
As Day 3 looms, Pakistan face a monumental task to stay in the game and salvage some pride.
