CAPE TOWN – Pakistan’s middle order crumbled in the opening session of Day 3 against South Africa, losing three quick wickets.
Kwena Maphaka broke the promising 98-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, dismissing Babar on 58. Shortly after, Wiaan Mulder removed Rizwan for 46, deepening Pakistan’s troubles. Salman Ali Agha was the next to depart, stumped on 19 while trying to block Keshav Maharaj.
At Lunch, Pakistan stood at 155/6, trailing by a massive 460 runs. Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets, while Maphaka, Mulder, Maharaj, and Marco Jansen took one each.
Pakistan’s reply to South Africa’s mammoth 615-run total got off to a shaky start. Captain Shan Masood was dismissed by Rabada for just 2 runs, while Kamran Ghulam fell to Marco Jansen for 12. Saud Shakeel failed to score, becoming Rabada’s second victim, leaving Pakistan reeling at 20/3.
Earlier on Day 2, South Africa declared on 615, with Ryan Rickelton smashing a double century. Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne added centuries, setting an imposing total for Pakistan to chase.
