Shan Masood’s century could not prevent defeat

The decision in the Cape Town Test was made on the fourth day itself as South Africa secured a commanding 10-wicket victory, completing a 2-0 series win over Pakistan.

Despite the Pakistani batsmen showing more responsible performance for the first time in the series, the team was unable to avoid defeat.

Following South Africa’s massive first-innings total, Pakistan was dismissed for just 194 in their first innings, forcing a follow-on. This led many cricket analysts to predict the Test’s conclusion on the third day.

Some analysts extended their predictions to the fourth morning, but most had already declared an innings defeat. However, the Pakistani batting line-up suddenly found their form in the subsequent innings.

With opener Saim Ayub absent, Babar Azam, who took on opening duties alongside captain Shan Masood, appeared determined to deliver.

Both batsmen showcased exceptional technique against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack, frustrating the hosts and forming a record partnership of 205 runs.

Babar fell for 81, but Shan continued his stellar form, scoring a career-best 145 runs – the highest by any Pakistani batsman in South Africa. His second innings century was his second, and overall sixth, in Test cricket.

Despite Masood’s heroics, the middle-order faltered. Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel struggled, and their inability to build partnerships with Shan proved costly. Masood was eventually dismissed for 145 by Maharaj, leaving Pakistan with limited support from the lower order.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha provided some resistance, adding 92 runs together, but both were dismissed by Maharaj.

Rizwan scored 41, while Salman made 48. Aamer Jamal also contributed 34 valuable runs, taking Pakistan to a total of 478 in their second innings – their highest total in South Africa. However, the absence of Saim Ayub, who was ideal for such a pitch, was keenly felt.

South Africa chased down the 58-run target comfortably in just 7 overs, with Elgar and Beddingham finishing it off. This marked Pakistan’s 15th Test defeat in South Africa.

Although Pakistan lost the series, their batting performance, especially in the second innings, showed signs of improvement and resilience. Had they replicated this form in the first innings, the result could have been vastly different.

Overall, Pakistan’s performance in this series was not entirely disappointing. In bowling, Mohammad Abbas was the leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets, while Babar Azam scored the most runs (193). However, South Africa’s Marco Jansen was named Player of the Series.