Pakistan vs South Africa: Shan Masood Shines as Visitors Reach 312/3 at Lunch on Day 4

Pakistan vs South Africa:  Pakistan continues to fight back against South Africa on Day 4 of the Newlands Test, reaching 312/3 at Lunch, trailing by 109 runs. Shan Masood remains the key player for the visitors, moving closer to a remarkable 150, while the team added 99 runs in the morning session at a run rate of just over 3.5 per over.

Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad’s Early Boundaries

Khurram Shahzad, resuming from Day 3, played some attacking shots early on, finding the boundary a couple of times. However, Marco Jansen dismissed Shahzad, forcing him to edge one to the point fielder.

Shan Masood’s Steady Knock

Shan Masood, who has been in sublime form, continued to anchor Pakistan’s innings. Despite a few nervy moments, including surviving an LBW appeal, Masood utilized his pull shots effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Kamran Ghulam and Rabada’s Magic Spell

Kamran Ghulam had a lucky start when David Bedingham dropped him in the slips off Jansen’s bowling. However, Kagiso Rabada dismissed Ghulam with a masterful delivery that nipped back to hit the stumps, marking Rabada’s 50th Test wicket at Newlands.

Pakistan Reaches 300 Despite South Africa’s Efforts

South Africa introduced part-timer Aiden Markram and debutant Kwena Maphaka to disrupt Pakistan’s momentum. Maphaka came close to dismissing Saud Shakeel with a delivery that hit the pads, but the hosts didn’t review, missing a crucial wicket as ball-tracking revealed it would have hit the leg stump.

Brief Scores

South Africa: 615 (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Ali Agha 3-148)
Pakistan: 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kagiso Rabada 3-55, Keshav Maharaj 2-14) & 312/3 (Shan Masood 137*, Babar Azam 81; Marco Jansen 2-74)
Deficit: Pakistan trails South Africa by 109 runs.