South Africa approaches victory despite Pakistan’s resilience

The Masood Marathon ends in controversy

The brave blow of Shan Masood, which lasted 368 minutes, reached a controversial end. Kwena Maphaka, the most prominent pitcher of the South Africa session, held an accurate launch that remained low and hit Masood’s front pad. Referee Nitin Menon initially ruled that he lacked the stumps, but a successful review in South Africa revealed that he was hitting. Masood’s frustration was evident when he protested by the decision, something uncommon in a normally serene batter.

Masood’s dismissal marked the culmination of an excellent session after lunch for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, entering the other end, represented Saud Shakeel, who achieved a drive towards the stands. Shakeel’s game left Pakistan staggering, but Agha and Rizwan stabilized the ship.

Agha and Rizwan lead the resistance

Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan hit with determination, mitigating the South African attack and reducing the deficit. His association was based on patience, the rotation of the strike and the punishment of the rare loose deliveries. Agha, in particular, took advantage of Wiaan Mulder’s rebel line, hitting two limits in rapid succession to inject impulse to Pakistan’s tickets.

With the ball losing its brightness and the launch offering an inconsistent rebound, the bowling players of South Africa worked hard. Keshav Maharaj, who played bolos almost without stopping during the morning session, continued to represent a threat with its variations in flight and rhythm, although the lands fell predominantly in the pacemaker.

Morning session: South Africa advances early

The morning began with Marco Jansen saying goodbye to the night watchman Khurram Shahzad, who at that time made an ascending delivery to Maharaj. Kagiso Rabada then produced a moment of brilliance to clean Kamran Ghulam, throwing a launch that backed up sharply to tear off the intermediate stumps.

The Rabada land marked its Test Leather number 50 in Newlands, a milestone that celebrated with a triumphant roar. Despite its success, the South African fast had a mixed morning, granting gusts for indiscipline, including four fouls.

Saud Shakeel of Pakistan offered resistance with Masood, but his stay was tarnished by almost accidents. Maphaka beat him with a beauty that hit the pads, although South Africa chose not to check. Hawk-Eye later demonstrated that the delivery would have hit the stumps, a lost opportunity that was not too expensive since Shakeel fell shortly after lunch.

South Africa has control but there is work

As the game approaches its final phase, South Africa has the advantage, but it cannot afford to fall into complacency. With Rizwan and Agha showing resilience and Pakistan’s tail capable of surprising, visitors are far from capitulating.

Proteas will seek to conclude the tickets quickly after tea and avoid complicated persecution in a worn field. For Pakistan, survival remains the main objective while fighting to force South Africa to hit again.

The drama of the trial cryket is alive and cooling, and all eyes will be put in Newlands as the action resumes.