South Africa is close to victory despite Pakistan’s resilience

Masoud marathon ends in controversy

Shan Masood’s courageous 368-minute strike ended in controversial fashion. Kwena Mafaka, South Africa’s standout bowler during the session, delivered a seam delivery that stayed low and hit Masoud’s front pad. Umpire Nitin Menon initially ruled that she had missed the stumps, but a successful South African review revealed that she was batting. Masoud’s frustration was evident when he objected to the decision, a rare sight in a team that is usually calm.

Masoud’s dismissal was the climax An excellent after lunch session for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, coming in at the other end, squared to Saud Shakeel, who curled a powerful shot into the slips. Shakeel’s departure left Pakistan reeling, but Agha and Rizwan succeeded in steadying the ship.

Agha and Radwan lead the resistance

Salman Agha and Mohamed Radwan responded with determination, repelling the South African attack and reducing the difference. Their partnership is built on patience, alternating the strike, and punishing the rare loose delivery. Agha, in particular, benefited from Wayan Mulder’s wayward line, hitting two boundaries in quick succession to inject momentum into Pakistan’s innings.

With the ball losing its spark and the pitch bouncing inconsistently, the South African bowlers put in a huge effort. Keshav Maharaj, who bowled almost non-stop during the morning session, continued to pose a threat with his variations of flight and pace, despite wickets falling mostly to the fielders.

Morning session: South Africa achieves early successes

The morning began with Marco Janssen sacking night watchman Khurram Shahzad, who had delivered a high charge to Maharaj at this point. Kagiso Rabada then produced a moment of brilliance to clean up Kamran Ghulam, bowling a bowler that dipped sharply to uproot the middle stumps.

Rabada’s wicket was his 50th Test scalp at Newlands, a milestone he celebrated with a triumphant roar. Despite his success, the South African’s performance was mixed, as he conceded his goal through indiscipline, including four no-balls.

Pakistani pacer Saud Shakeel put up resistance alongside Masoud, but his stay was marred by near misses. Mafaka beat him with the beauty of hitting the pads, although South Africa chose not to review. Hawk-Eye later showed that the delivery would have hit the stumps, a missed opportunity that was not too costly as Shakeel fell shortly after lunch.

South Africa is under control but there is still work to be done

As the match approaches its final stage, South Africa has the upper hand but cannot afford complacency. With Rizwan and Agha showing resilience and Pakistan’s tail capable of producing surprises, the visitors are far from giving up.

The Proteas will look to finish the innings quickly after tea and avoid a tough chase down the field. For Pakistan, survival remains the primary goal in their battle to force South Africa back into action.

The drama of Test cricket is still alive and well, and all eyes will be on Newlands as the action resumes.