Pakistan faced a tough day on Day 2 of the second and final Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, as wickets fell in quick succession, leaving the team in a precarious position. After being set a daunting target by South Africa’s formidable first innings score of 615, Pakistan’s batting lineup struggled against the pace of Kagiso Rabada and the pressure of the hot conditions.
Pakistan’s innings began in disastrous fashion with captain Shan Masood dismissed in the first over by Rabada. The situation worsened when Kamran Ghulam was sent back in the sixth over, leaving Pakistan reeling at 18/2. Rabada struck again in the ninth over, dismissing Saud Shakeel for a duck, and Pakistan found themselves in further trouble at 18/3.
However, Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, held steady at the crease, scoring 34 off 77 balls, alongside wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. The pair managed to see through the rest of the day’s play without further loss of wickets, ending Day 2 at 64/3, with Pakistan still trailing significantly.
Earlier, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton had starred in their first innings with an outstanding 259, leading his team to a massive total of 615. Rickelton’s knock was supported by Kyle Verreynne, who scored a brilliant century off 147 balls. The two had built a 148-run partnership before Rickelton was dismissed. Pakistan’s pacers struggled against the South African batters, with Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj contributing quick runs lower down the order, adding 62 and 40 respectively.
Pakistan’s bowlers did manage to dismiss a few key South African players. Mohammad Abbas and Salman Agha both took three wickets, while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets each. Despite this, South Africa’s commanding total left Pakistan with a steep task ahead.
Rickelton, who resumed his innings on Day 2 with 176, continued to dominate before being dismissed by Mir Hamza after a magnificent effort. The tourists also managed to get rid of David Bedingham early in the morning session, but it was clear that Pakistan’s bowling attack had been overwhelmed by the onslaught.
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Pakistan’s batting woes were further compounded by the loss of in-form opener Saim Ayub, who was ruled out of the match with an ankle injury sustained on the first day. Ayub is expected to miss up to six weeks, which could also put his participation in Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy squad in doubt.
South Africa, already assured of a spot in the World Test Championship final, are looking to complete a 2-0 series win after a narrow victory in the first Test in Pretoria. With Pakistan under pressure, they will need a strong fightback to stay in the contest as the Test progresses.
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