Babar Azam and Rizwan lead Pakistan’s fightback against South Africa

CAPE TOWN: Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan played key roles in Pakistan’s recovery after they lost three early wickets against South Africa on the second day of the second Test at Newlands on Saturday.

Pakistan managed to wrap up South Africa’s lengthy first innings at 566-7 when Mohammad Abbas bowled out debutant Kwena Maphaka. After Tea, Marco Jansen (57*) and Keshav Maharaj (2*) continued batting with South Africa’s score at 566-7, but Jansen was dismissed for 62 by Mir Hamza following a quickfire knock of eight boundaries and three sixes.

Maharaj then contributed an entertaining 40 runs off 35 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes, before Khurram Shahzad took his wicket, allowing Abbas to end South Africa’s innings.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha each took three wickets, while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets apiece.

In the afternoon session, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne continued their solid partnership, taking the score to 148 runs, until Salman Ali Agha got Verreynne out for 100 from 147 balls, which included nine boundaries and five sixes.

Jansen joined Rickelton, adding 86 runs for the seventh wicket, with Jansen scoring a rapid half-century. Rickelton, meanwhile, accelerated his innings and reached 259 before attempting to clear mid-on off Mir Hamza, but got dismissed.

Rickelton faced 343 balls and struck 32 boundaries, with three sixes, marking a remarkable innings. The day started with Rickelton resuming on 176* and David Bedingham (4*) by his side, as South Africa had a score of 316-4.

Pakistan’s only breakthrough in the morning session came when Mohammad Abbas dismissed Bedingham (5). However, this remained Pakistan’s only success in the early part of the day.

Verreynne and Rickelton then continued their dominance, ending the session at 429-5, with Verreynne on 74* and Rickelton batting on 213* when the lunch break was taken.

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