Pakistan lose two early on day 4, Masood and Babar break record

CAPE TOWN: Pakistan continued to trudge on in their second innings on Monday. However, South Africa began imposing their will in the first session on day four, taking two wickets early.

Shan Masood continued to build on an already impressive knock. The Pakistani skipper scored a century on Day 3, and is still going strong. Babar Azam also contributed a much needed 81 runs before he was caught out by David Bedingham on a delivery from Marco Jansen.

The two broke records together in their 205 run partnership, as it is now the highest opening stand while following on, breaking the record set by Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie’s in 2008 when they scored 204.

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However, apart from Pakistan’s current red-ball captain, and their former captain, the Shaheens batting line-up began to struggle again, losing two wickets before the lunch break.

Khurram Shahzad fell after a catch by Keshav Maharaj at point earned Jansen his second wicket. Shahzad made 18 runs from 33 deliveries before he was sent off in the 59th over.

In the 67th over, Pakistan suffered their second dismissal of the day. Kamran Ghulam was sent off after making 28 runs off 42 deliveries. Kagiso Rabada dealt the blow on a delivery that struck the off stump.

Saud Shakeel was almost dismissed right before the break, as a delivery from Kwena Maphaka hit him on the pads. South Africa didn’t review, but Hawk eye showed that if they had, Pakistan would have been four down.

Pakistan stand at 312 for 3 at the lunch break. They trail by 109 runs.

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