Sun Jan 05 20:44:51 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Fight Back in Second Test Against South Africa with Record Opening Stand
**Cape Town, South Africa** – Pakistan mounted a spirited fightback on day three of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands, despite facing a massive 421-run first-innings deficit. A record-breaking opening partnership between Shan Masood (102*) and Babar Azam (81) propelled Pakistan to 213/1 at the close of play in their follow-on innings, still 208 runs behind South Africa’s first innings total of 615.
Masood’s sixth Test century, a 159-ball innings featuring 14 fours, and Babar’s third consecutive half-century in the series, formed the cornerstone of a 205-run opening stand – the highest ever for Pakistan against South Africa in Tests. This partnership alone surpassed Pakistan’s first innings score of 194, which had prompted South Africa captain Temba Bavuma to enforce the follow-on.
Babar’s impressive day included a 58-run first innings contribution, and a crucial 98-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (46) before a late collapse. He was ultimately dismissed late in the day, caught in the gully.
The day also saw the debut of 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka for South Africa, who dismissed Babar in the first innings. Tensions flared when Wiaan Mulder threw the ball at Babar after the batsman struck a shot back firmly, resulting in a heated exchange between players and umpires.
Despite the setback, Masood and Babar’s impressive second innings partnership demonstrated the lack of demons in the pitch, and showcased a determined Pakistan side refusing to concede defeat. The match remains keenly contested, with Pakistan needing a significant further effort to avoid a heavy defeat.
First Piper 