Sun Jan 05 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Enforces Follow-on After Dominant Display Against Pakistan
**Cape Town, South Africa:** South Africa asserted their dominance over Pakistan on day three of the second Test at Newlands, enforcing the follow-on after a commanding first innings performance. The hosts amassed a mammoth 615 runs, fueled by centuries from Ryan Rickelton (259), Temba Bavuma (106), and Kyle Verreynne (100). Pakistan, in reply, managed only 194, despite a half-century from Babar Azam (58).
Kagiso Rabada (3-55) and Keshav Maharaj (2-14) led the South African bowling attack, dismantling the Pakistani batting order. Babar Azam’s dismissal just after the drinks break proved to be a turning point, triggering a collapse that saw Pakistan fall well short of the South African total.
Though Pakistan’s opening pair of Shan Masood (37*) and Babar Azam (34*) provided a solid start to their second innings, reaching 80 without loss at tea, they still trail by a substantial 341 runs. The early success in the second innings was briefly threatened by Rabada, who dismissed Aamer Jamal early on. However, consistent boundary hitting by Masood and Azam thwarted South Africa’s early efforts.
The match is heavily tilted in South Africa’s favor, with the hosts seemingly poised for victory. The high number of no-balls conceded by South Africa (16 in total), however, adds an unusual footnote to the otherwise dominant display. The final day promises further excitement as Pakistan battles to avoid a heavy defeat.
First Piper 