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Babar Azam and Shan Masood mounted a fightback in Pakistan’s follow-on innings at Newlands after being bowled out for 194 midway through the afternoon session of their first innings.
Despite their efforts, Pakistan still trails South Africa’s commanding total of 615 by 208 runs, with a heavy defeat looming.
The first innings saw a collapse, with Pakistan losing 6 wickets for just 76 runs after Babar Azam’s half-century. However, in the follow-on, Shan Masood led the resistance with an unbeaten century, while Babar contributed 81 before being dismissed by Marco Jansen.
Earlier, South Africa dismissed Pakistan for 194 on the third day of the second Test at Newlands on Sunday, securing a massive first-innings lead of 421 runs.
Pakistan’s innings crumbled despite a resilient 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46). The breakthrough came shortly after the morning drinks break when 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka struck, with Babar glancing a delivery down the leg side and being caught behind by Kyle Verreynne.
Rizwan departed five overs later after an ill-judged charge down the pitch against Wiaan Mulder, resulting in a wild slog that ricocheted off his stumps.
Pakistan, already missing injured opener Saim Ayub, offered minimal resistance from the remaining batters, hastening their collapse.
South Africa, having already secured a spot in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s from June 11–15, are now aiming for a 2-0 series victory. They won the closely contested first Test in Pretoria by two wickets.
