Sun Jan 05 09:32:25 UTC 2025: ## Babar Azam Leads Pakistan’s Steady Response on Day 3 in Cape Town
**Cape Town, South Africa** – Pakistan’s batting duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchored a steady, if not spectacular, response against South Africa on day three of the second Test at Newlands. At the close of play, Pakistan’s score remained strong, with Babar Azam reaching a well-deserved half-century.
Azam, who finished the day on 54 runs, played a measured innings, showcasing his signature elegance with several well-timed boundaries and a powerful six. Rizwan provided valuable support, contributing a more cautious but crucial contribution.
South Africa’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada (2/28) and Marco Jansen (1/35), applied consistent pressure, but Pakistan’s batsmen demonstrated impressive resilience, frustrating the South African bowlers. The partnership between Azam and Rizwan proved to be the backbone of Pakistan’s innings.
While the day saw a few nervy moments for the Pakistan pair, Azam’s eventual half-century and Rizwan’s determined batting laid a solid foundation for Pakistan’s innings. The match remains evenly poised, with the final outcome still uncertain. Play resumes tomorrow.
First Piper 