South Africa enforced the follow-on against Pakistan after bowling them out for 194 on the third day of the second Test at Newlands. With a commanding first-innings lead of 421 runs, the hosts solidified their dominance in the match.
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Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered despite a promising fourth-wicket partnership of 98 runs between Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). The duo had steadied the innings before debutant 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka broke the stand. Maphaka dismissed Babar, who was caught behind by Kyle Verreynne off a leg-side glance just after the morning drinks break.
Rizwan followed shortly after, misjudging a wild slog against Wiaan Mulder, which resulted in him chopping the ball onto his stumps.
With opener Saim Ayub unavailable due to injury, the rest of the batting lineup offered little resistance as Pakistan crumbled under South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.
On Saturday, Ryan Rickelton’s masterclass with the bat had set the tone for South Africa’s dominance. The makeshift opener scored an impressive 259, the joint seventh-highest score in South African Test cricket history. His 343-ball innings included 29 fours and three sixes, propelling the hosts to a mammoth 566 for seven declared by tea on the second day.
Rickelton’s dismissal 10 minutes before the interval did little to slow South Africa’s momentum, leaving Pakistan with a daunting task.
This Test follows South Africa’s dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first match at Centurion’s SuperSport Park on December 29. The thrilling finish, reminiscent of a Twenty20 game, saw South Africa’s tailenders secure the win despite a middle-order collapse that gave Pakistan a rare opportunity to claim a Test victory in South Africa after 18 years.
With South Africa firmly in control of the second Test, Pakistan faces an uphill battle to avoid an innings defeat. The Proteas’ dominance has underscored their form as they prepare for the World Test Championship final. For Pakistan, the focus shifts to salvaging pride in the remainder of the match and addressing the inconsistencies that have plagued their performance in the series.
