Sun Jan 05 19:54:22 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Masood Blasts Century, Babar Falls Short as Proteas Enforce Follow-On
**CAPE TOWN, South Africa** – Pakistan staged a remarkable fightback on the third day of the second Test against South Africa, spearheaded by Captain Shan Masood’s unbeaten century. Despite South Africa enforcing the follow-on after bowling Pakistan out for 194, Masood and Babar Azam forged a record-breaking opening partnership of 205 runs, surpassing Pakistan’s previous best of 137.
Masood finished the day unbeaten on 102, his sixth Test century and first against South Africa. Azam, however, fell just short of a century, dismissed for 81 after a stunning innings. His dismissal, along with the earlier collapse of the Pakistan middle order, leaves Pakistan still trailing by 208 runs at the close of play (213-1).
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s batting crumbled against a fiery South African pace attack. Kagiso Rabada (3-55) and 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka (2-43) were the chief destroyers, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder also claimed wickets. Maphaka, in particular, celebrated his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Babar.
The South African innings, which concluded earlier in the match, saw impressive centuries from Ryan Rickelton (259), Temba Bavuma (106), and Kyle Verreynne (100), leading to a massive first innings total of 615. Pakistan’s recovery, while impressive, leaves them with a significant challenge to avoid defeat in the final day. The absence of injured Saim Ayub added to Pakistan’s difficulties.
First Piper 