Pakistan cricket witnessed a historic moment when former skipper Babar Azam and current skipper Shan Masood forged a record-breaking opening partnership in the ongoing Test series against South Africa. This remarkable feat unfolded during the second Test in Cape Town, where the duo stood tall under immense pressure after Pakistan was forced to follow on.
The partnership between Babar and Shan, a vital 205-run stand, has not only etched their names in the history books but also revived Pakistan’s hopes in a game that seemed almost out of reach. Let’s delve into the significance of this iconic achievement and its impact on the match.
A Record-Breaking Stand Under Pressure
Babar Azam and Shan Masood displayed immense composure and resilience to form the highest opening partnership ever recorded in a follow-on innings in Test cricket history. Coming into the second innings after a dismal first-innings total of 194, Pakistan seemed destined for an innings defeat. However, the opening pair had other plans to flip the script.
Their stand of 205 runs surpassed the previous record of 204 set by Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie against England in 2008. The context made this achievement even more commendable—Pakistan was battling a mammoth deficit of 421 runs.
The determined knocks by both batters turned the tide, keeping the Proteas at bay and giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. This performance was even more significant given the absence of Saim Ayub, who had to miss the match due to injury.
Shan Masood’s Century And Babar Azam’s Solid Support
Shan Masood’s innings was one for the ages. He notched up his sixth Test century, becoming the first Pakistani captain to achieve this feat in South Africa. His unbeaten 102 off 166 balls was a masterclass in patience and shot selection, allowing Pakistan to avoid an early collapse.
Babar Azam, meanwhile, played a pivotal role, scoring a fluent 81 before being dismissed. His innings included 10 boundaries, and though he fell short of a century, his contribution was vital in setting the platform for Pakistan’s fightback. Together, their partnership broke the long-standing record for the highest opening stand between Pakistan and South Africa, previously held by Yasir Hameed and Younis Khan, with 133 runs.
South Africa’s Bowling Efforts
The Proteas bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, toiled hard but found little success on a pitch that had eased considerably. Jansen managed to break the partnership by dismissing Babar Azam with a short-pitched delivery, but the damage had been done by then.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj bowled with discipline and control, tying down one end effectively. Despite their efforts, the South African bowlers struggled to extract any significant movement or bounce from the pitch. The fielders did their best to maintain pressure, but Masood and Babar’s brilliance proved too much.
End of Rant
Babar Azam and Shan Masood’s partnership was a shining example of grit and determination in Test cricket. Their record-breaking stand gave Pakistan a fighting chance and reminded the cricketing world of the unpredictability and thrill of the game’s longest format. As the match heads into its penultimate day, Pakistan’s spirited comeback has set the stage for an enthralling finish.