The second Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at Johannesburg has unfolded as an exhilarating contest, featuring an early display of dominance by South Africa, followed by an impressive show of resilience from Pakistan towards the end of the match. In their first innings, South Africa amassed a staggering total of 615 runs, spearheaded by Ryan Rickelton’s double-century, complemented by centuries from Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne. Pakistan responded poorly, crumbling to a mere 194 runs, with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen excelling with the ball.

After being forced to follow on, Pakistan mounted a remarkable comeback, largely due to Shan Masood’s unbeaten century and Babar Azam’s composed 81, leading to a significant 205-run partnership for the opening wicket. As Day 3 concluded with Pakistan at 213/1, the gap narrowed to 208 runs. The contest now hangs in the balance, with both teams eyeing critical moments to gain supremacy. Day 4 is set to deliver another thrilling chapter in this high-stakes Test match.

South Africa’s Batting Excellence in the First Innings

South Africa demonstrated their batting prowess by posting an imposing total of 615 runs in their first innings. The standout performance was undoubtedly Rickelton’s extraordinary innings of 259 runs, a masterclass in precision and patience. His innings, enriched with 29 boundaries and three towering sixes, laid a solid foundation for the Proteas’ impressive total. Bavuma contributed significantly with a captain’s knock of 106, showcasing immense grit and determination at the crease, which was crucial for building momentum.

Verreynne also joined the centurion ranks, contributing a fluid 100 runs that further solidified South Africa’s batting efforts. Lower down the order, Jansen’s explosive 62 runs demoralized the Pakistani bowlers, adding to the pressure. Despite Mohammad Abbas and Agha Salman being the pick of the Pakistani bowlers, claiming three wickets each, they struggled to contain the relentless flow of runs. South Africa’s aggressive batting left Pakistan facing an uphill battle right from the start.

Pakistan’s Disappointing Performance in the First Innings

Pakistan’s first innings was marked by disappointment and missed opportunities, managing to score only 194 runs. Babar Azam attempted to anchor the innings with a resilient 58 runs, but the lack of substantial support from his teammates proved detrimental. The top-order collapse left Pakistan exposed, as South Africa’s pace duo of Rabada and Jansen capitalized on every weakness. Rabada’s fiery three-wicket haul highlighted his unrelenting pace and pinpoint accuracy, dismantling the Pakistani batting order.

Keshav Maharaj compounded Pakistan’s woes with two crucial dismissals, showcasing his skill on a pitch that presented minimal assistance for spin. The middle and lower order crumbled under sustained pressure, with no batter stepping up to stabilize the innings. The massive deficit of 421 runs forced Pakistan to follow on, a situation that severely tested their character and resilience. This first innings laid bare the visitors’ vulnerabilities against a quality bowling attack in challenging conditions.

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Masood and Azam Rejuvenate Pakistan in the Second Innings

After being compelled to follow on, Pakistan exhibited remarkable determination, spearheaded by Masood’s unbeaten century. His 102 runs off 166 balls exemplified defiance and technical excellence, ensuring his team avoided an immediate collapse. Former captain Babar Azam supported him with a composed 81 runs, demonstrating his ability to withstand pressure in demanding situations. Together, they forged a crucial 205-run opening partnership, establishing a solid platform for Pakistan’s fightback.

This partnership frustrated South Africa’s bowlers, who struggled to find breakthroughs on a pitch that had significantly eased. Masood’s repertoire of elegant strokes, combined with Azam’s precise shot selection, ensured the scoreboard kept ticking steadily. By the conclusion of Day 3, Pakistan had reached 213/1, dramatically reducing their deficit to 208 runs. This spirited batting display revived hopes of salvaging the match, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 4.

South Africa’s Bowling Strategies in the Second Innings

In the second innings, South Africa’s bowlers toiled diligently but encountered limited success against Pakistan’s revitalized top order. Jansen emerged as the sole wicket-taker, dismissing Babar with a well-directed short delivery that disrupted the crucial opening partnership. Maharaj bowled with exceptional control, maintaining pressure from one end with his accurate line and length. Despite their relentless efforts, the pitch appeared to have flattened out, offering minimal assistance to the bowlers.

Rabada and Ngidi attempted to generate pace and bounce, yet were largely neutralized by the disciplined approach of Masood and Azam. The South African fielders, however, maintained high energy levels, preventing easy runs and consistently applying pressure. The bowlers persisted with attacking fields, earnestly searching for breakthroughs that could turn the game back in their favor. South Africa aims to regroup and strategize overnight to disrupt Pakistan’s momentum on the penultimate day of the match.

Fans React to the Thrilling Test Match

Brilliant Batting
Shan Masood, Babar Azam set new record against South Africa#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/uSKRtyla5L

— Rashid Latif | (@iRashidLatif68) January 5, 2025

Nazar Na Lagay
Babar Class is permanent &
Form also back

Shan Masood & Babar Azam #SAvPAK #tapmad #DontStopStreaming #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/tyA1vaxM7n

— Abdul Ghaffar (@GhaffarDawnNews) January 5, 2025

Shan Masood & Babar Azam… pure class so far!

This is one of the best opening Test partnerships I’ve witnessed in a long time, both appear unbeatable at this stage. Long may it continue, as it is crucial for one of them to secure a big hundred to salvage this match.

— Raz Khan (@razkhan789) January 5, 2025

This has been a spirited effort by Shan and Babar in the third innings.

Both batters have surpassed fifty, looking remarkably confident out there.

— Behram Qazi (@DeafMango) January 5, 2025

PCB cannot remove Shan Masood from the Test captaincy of Pakistan for the World Test Championship 2025-27. #SAvPAK

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) January 5, 2025

6th Test century for Shan Masood! An outstanding performance by the Pakistan skipper.#SAvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/idTQlGPMRV

— Sanan Arshad (@Sanan_Here) January 5, 2025

That’s a fantastic innings by Shan Masood. A captain’s performance under pressure.

— Dale (@ncakos316) January 5, 2025

Babar Azam’s shot was a tribute to Virat Kohli; otherwise, he was on track for a much-deserved century!

— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) January 5, 2025

A good end to the day for Pakistan is overshadowed by Babar’s dismissal, but Shan Masood remains unbeaten on 102.

213-1#SAvPAK

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) January 5, 2025

The Proteas should have opted to bat again instead of enforcing the follow-on, don’t you think? #SAvPAK

— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) January 5, 2025

MOHAMMED BABAR AZAM HAS TO BE ONE OF THE UNLUCKIEST PLAYERS IN WORLD CRICKET.

His fighting innings were commendable, and he truly deserved a CENTURY!

— Zubair Shakeel Wani (@ZubiTalks) January 5, 2025

That’s a quality Test innings from Shan Masood! #SAvPAk pic.twitter.com/BownixMEUL

— Lawrence Bailey (@LawrenceBailey0) January 5, 2025

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