South Africa Takes Command in Second Test Against Pakistan

WhatsApp Channel Button

Pakistan’s Middle Order Crumbles

On the third morning of the second Test, South Africa tightened their grip on the game, decimating Pakistan’s middle order. By lunch at Newlands, South Africa claimed 3 crucial wickets for 91 runs. With Pakistan trailing by 460 runs, their position looks precarious.

Babar Azam stood out by scoring 58 runs, his highest since December 2022. However, his dismissal marked a pivotal moment as Kwena Maphaka claimed his first Test wicket. The task ahead remains daunting for Pakistan as they battle to avoid the follow-on.

Pakistan trails by a significant margin of 460 runs.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were key contributors but succumbed to South Africa’s persistent attack.
Saim Ayub’s absence due to an ankle fracture further hampers Pakistan’s prospects.

South Africa’s Bowlers Shine

South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, started the day by exerting immense pressure. Rabada focused on fuller lengths, while Jansen leveraged bounce to trouble the batters.

Despite Pakistan starting at 64 for 3, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan showed resilience early on. However, Jansen’s bounce created issues, notably when Rizwan was hit on the collarbone. Both players managed to stabilize briefly, but South Africa’s bowling changes proved decisive.

Babar and Rizwan’s Resistance

Babar’s fifty came from a clever edge through slips, signaling a period of stability. Rizwan supported with bold strokes, including a memorable six off Jansen. Their partnership added 98 runs, appearing to steady Pakistan’s ship.

However, Kwena Maphaka‘s reintroduction into the attack brought immediate results. Babar’s dismissal, caught down leg by Kyle Verreynne, signaled a turning point. This was the third time since 2022 that Babar fell to such a dismissal, a worrying trend for Pakistan.

Rizwan and Salman Agha Fall

After Babar’s exit, Rizwan attempted to take charge but made a costly error. Advancing to Wiaan Mulder, Rizwan under-edged onto his stumps, departing for 46. This left a significant burden on Salman Agha.

Salman displayed flashes of brilliance, driving Maphaka confidently and reaching the 150-run mark with a well-timed shot. But the session ended poorly for Pakistan as Keshav Maharaj outfoxed Salman with drift and turn, leading to a quick stumping by Verreynne.

South Africa’s Commanding Position

With Salman’s dismissal, South Africa took a dominant position into lunch. The hosts need only three more wickets to wrap up Pakistan’s first innings, given Saim Ayub‘s injury.

Pakistan’s chances of salvaging the game look slim, with their remaining batters under significant pressure. South Africa, on the other hand, eyes a comprehensive victory to sweep the series.

ALSO READ: Shan Masood's Century Sparks Hope for Pakistan in Cape Town

South Africa’s bowlers have dismantled Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback in this Test. With Babar and Rizwan back in the pavilion, the visitors face an uphill battle. The day belongs to South Africa, with victory firmly in sight.