Masood, Babar launch Pakistan fightback

Captain Shan Masood struck an unbeaten century in a stunning opening stand of 205 with Babar Azam as Pakistan launched a fightback on day three of the second and final test against hosts South Africa at Newlands on Sunday.

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The tourists went to the close on 213 for one in their second innings, but still trail South Africa by 208 runs after they were forced to follow-on having been bowled out for 194 earlier in the day.

Masood (102 not out) and Khurram Shahzad (8 not out) will resume on the fourth morning with Pakistan effectively two wickets down after batter Saim Ayub fractured his ankle while fielding on the first day.

Babar (81) was out shortly before the close after he was caught at gully by David Bedingham off the bowling of seamer Marco Jansen.

The visitors are responding to South Africa’s massive first innings score of 615, in which Ryan Rickelton (259), Temba Bavuma (106) and Verreynne (100) all scored centuries. The wicket is still good for batting, but is expected to take turn on the fourth and fifth days having baked under the hot Cape Town sun.