Masood’s marathon ends in controversy

Shan Masood’s 368-minute heroics ended in controversial fashion. Kwena Mafaka, South Africa’s standout bowler in the session, bowled a seaming delivery that stayed low and hit Masood’s front pad. Umpire Nitin Mann initially ruled it missing the stumps, but a successful South African review declared it a hit. Masood’s frustration was palpable as he protested the decision, something that is rarely seen among batters who are usually made.

Massoud’s dismissal marked the culmination An excellent post-lunch session for South Africa. Kagiso Rabada, steaming from the other end, accounted for Saud Shakeel, who edged the drive into the slips. Shakil’s departure caused an uproar in Pakistan, but Agha and Rizwan steadied the ship.

Aga and Rizwan lead resistance

Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan batted with determination, thwarting the South African attack and reducing the deficit. Their partnership was built on patience, rotating strikes and punishing the rare loose delivery. Agha, in particular, capitalized on Wayan Mulder’s wayward line, hitting two back-to-back boundaries to boost Pakistan’s innings.

With the ball losing its luster and the pitch giving inconsistent bounce, the South African bowlers worked hard. Keshav Maharaj, bowling almost non-stop in the morning session, continued to pose a threat with his variety of flight and pace, although wickets fell mainly to the fast bowlers.

Morning session: South Africa gets early entry

The morning began with Marco Janssen dismissing night watchman Khurram Shahzad, who chipped a rising delivery over point to Maharaj. Kagiso Rabada then produced a moment of brilliance to clean up Kamran Ghulam, bowling a delivery that rebounded sharply to topple the ball and middle stump.

Rabada’s wicket marked his 50th Test scalp at Newlands, which he celebrated with a triumphant roar. Despite his success, the South African quick had a mixed morning, conceding undisciplined runs, including four no-balls.

Pakistan’s Saeed Shakeel offered resistance alongside Masood, but his investment was spoiled by a near-miss. Mafaka beat him with a beauty that hit the pads, although the South African opted against the review. Hoque-I later pointed out that the delivery might have fallen on the stumps, a missed opportunity that didn’t prove too costly as Shakeel fell soon after lunch.

South Africa are in control but work remains to be done

As the match heads into its final stages, South Africa hold the upper hand but cannot afford to be complacent. With Rizwan and Agha showing resilience and Pakistan tailing surprisingly, the visitors are far from surrendering.

The Proteas will look to wrap up the innings quickly after tea and avoid a tough chase on a worn pitch. For Pakistan, survival remains the primary goal as they battle to force South Africa into batting again.

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