Pakistan’s challenge to stay competitive in the second Test match against South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, continued on Day 3. As Pakistan resumed their first innings, the weight of South Africa’s massive total of 615 runs bore down on them. At 64/3, the visitors faced an uphill task to recover and put up a solid fight in their bid to even make a respectable total.
Despite early struggles, Pakistan’s hopes rested on the shoulders of their star players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as they looked to rebuild their innings and provide some resistance. However, the South African bowlers were relentless, and Pakistan’s fightback faltered, with key wickets falling at crucial moments.
South Africa’s Dominance Continues with a Huge Total of 615 Runs
Before delving into Pakistan’s batting woes, it is essential to look back at South Africa’s imposing first-innings total. The hosts posted a daunting 615 runs, driven by a career-defining knock from Ryan Rickelton. His 259 runs off 343 balls were the foundation of South Africa’s commanding total, making it one of the highest individual scores ever in South African Test cricket. Rickelton’s innings included 29 boundaries and 3 sixes, and he batted for more than 10 hours, making it a monumental effort.
Rickelton was dismissed after a long stay at the crease when Mohammad Abbas claimed his wicket with the help of Mir Hamza. South Africa’s massive score was further bolstered by substantial contributions from Captain Temba Bavuma, who made 106, and Kyle Verreynne, who scored 100. Their combined partnerships were key in putting Pakistan on the back foot, with a 235-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma, followed by a 148-run stand between Rickelton and Verreynne.
Pakistan Struggles in Response as Babar and Rizwan Depart
At the start of Day 3, Pakistan’s batting line-up was in a precarious position. The visitors were still trailing South Africa’s massive total and had to rebuild their innings after a disastrous start on Day 2, where they found themselves struggling at 18/3. The early dismissals of captain Shan Masood, Kamran Ghulam, and Saud Shakeel had left Pakistan in dire straits, with Kagiso Rabada’s excellent seam bowling claiming key wickets.
On Day 3, Pakistan’s recovery efforts began with Babar Azam (31*) and Mohammad Rizwan (9*) at the crease. Together, they built a crucial 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, their fightback was undone when Kwena Maphaka dismissed Babar Azam for 58. His departure dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s hopes of recovering, leaving them at 155/6 by the end of the opening session.
Rizwan, who had been one of the few shining lights for Pakistan, had earlier formed a brief 26-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha. However, Rizwan, who had scored 46 off 82 balls, was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder. Rizwan’s departure came at a time when Pakistan was hoping to build momentum, but his aggressive slog proved costly. Salman Ali Agha was also dismissed quickly, stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne off Keshav Maharaj’s sharp spin in the 44th over. This left Pakistan teetering at 155/6, with the lower order now having to shoulder the responsibility.
South Africa’s Bowlers Dominate, Keeping Pakistan Under Pressure
With Pakistan losing wickets at regular intervals, the South African bowlers maintained consistent pressure. Maphaka’s crucial breakthrough of Babar Azam was a key moment, while Mulder and Maharaj continued to frustrate the Pakistani batters. The spin duo of Maharaj and Jansen added to Pakistan’s problems, forcing them into defensive mode.
Pakistan’s batting order has often been criticized for its inconsistency, and their struggles against South Africa’s disciplined attack were evident. Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad, who remained at the crease as the session ended, now face the daunting task of pushing the team past 200 runs to make any kind of competitive reply.
South Africa’s Quick Wickets On Day 2: A Minor Setback
While South Africa’s batting effort had been nothing short of exceptional, the team did experience some setbacks on Day 2. After losing quick wickets early on, including David Bedingham for just five, South Africa found themselves on the back foot momentarily. However, contributions from Marco Jansen (62) and Keshav Maharaj (40) ensured that the hosts continued to pile on runs, allowing them to maintain a strong position.
Pakistan’s Struggle to Break South Africa’s Stronghold
Despite the best efforts of Pakistan’s bowlers, including Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza, who were tasked with limiting the damage and dismissing key South African batters, the visitors were unable to break South Africa’s stronghold. The South African total of 615 runs was a formidable one, and Pakistan’s hopes of staying competitive in this match were severely diminished after their collapse on Day 2 and early wickets on Day 3.
Conclusion: Will Pakistan’s Lower Order Fight Back?
As the Test match moves into its later stages, Pakistan’s chances of mounting a comeback are slim. With the visitors at 155/6, Pakistan’s lower order has to perform above expectations to avoid an innings defeat. However, the task is monumental with South Africa’s bowlers in top form.
Babar Azam’s departure for 58, combined with the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan, has left Pakistan in a difficult position. The next few days will be critical for Pakistan as they seek to limit South Africa’s lead and attempt to stage a fightback.
The situation remains tense, and it will take a monumental effort from the remaining batsmen to give Pakistan any chance of salvaging a respectable result.
FAQs:
1. Why is Babar Azam’s wicket important for Pakistan?
Babar Azam is Pakistan’s key batter, and his dismissal for 58 was a significant blow to Pakistan’s chances. His ability to anchor the innings was vital for any chance of a recovery.
2. What is the current state of the match between Pakistan and South Africa?
Pakistan is struggling at 155/6 in response to South Africa’s 615, with their chances of making a comeback looking slim at this stage of the match.
3. How did Ryan Rickelton perform in the first innings?
Ryan Rickelton played an exceptional knock, scoring 259 runs off 343 balls, including 29 fours and 3 sixes, anchoring South Africa’s massive total.
4. Who are the key bowlers for South Africa?
Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj have been the key bowlers for South Africa in this match, keeping Pakistan under pressure.
5. What are Pakistan’s prospects for the rest of the match?
With their current position at 155/6, Pakistan’s chances of making a comeback are slim unless their lower order performs well and they manage to limit South Africa’s lead.
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