Masood Falls but Pakistan Keeps the Fight Alive

In an intense battle at the crease, Pakistan fought valiantly on Day 4 of their Test match against South Africa. Despite losing Shan Masood (145) and Saud Shakeel in the post-lunch session, Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha stitched together an unbeaten 69-run stand, frustrating the hosts and keeping their team in contention. Pakistan ended the session at 398/5, trailing by just 23 runs but effectively six wickets down, as the tail looms large.

South Africa Strikes Early in Post-Lunch Session

Resuming after Lunch, South Africa utilized reverse swing effectively with the older ball. Kwena Maphaka troubled Saud Shakeel with consistent probing deliveries outside the off-stump, inducing a few loose drives. However, the hosts quickly switched to the new ball just two overs after it became available. The move paid dividends almost immediately.

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Kagiso Rabada, leading the pace attack, struck first by dismissing Shakeel. Coming around the wicket, Rabada angled one in sharply, and Shakeel edged it to second slip, bringing an end to his gritty knock. In the following over, Maphaka trapped Shan Masood LBW. Initially given not out by on-field umpire Nitin Menon, the decision was overturned on review. Replays showed the ball striking Masood in line and crashing flush onto the off-stump, marking a significant breakthrough for South Africa.

Rizwan and Salman Resist

With Pakistan losing two crucial wickets in quick succession, the pressure mounted on new batters Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. They were greeted with fiery spells from Rabada and Maphaka, who kept the pressure on with consistent pace and movement. Salman survived a close LBW call against Rabada as ball-tracking showed "umpire's call" on both impact and the wickets, keeping him in the game by the slimmest of margins.

Rizwan too had a nervy moment when South Africa reviewed another leg-before appeal. Once again, it was umpire’s call on wickets, leaving the Proteas frustrated. As South Africa searched desperately for a breakthrough, Wiaan Mulder joined the attack, generating late swing past Rizwan's outside edge but without success.

Building Momentum

As the session progressed, Rizwan and Salman began to rebuild with careful shot selection. Rizwan drove Mulder straight down the ground to bring up their 50-run partnership, a significant milestone under pressure. Salman then took charge in the final overs before Tea, hammering two crisp boundaries against Mulder to put Pakistan in a more comfortable position.

Match Summary

South Africa’s first-innings dominance, powered by Ryan Rickelton’s career-best 259 and centuries from Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100), saw them post a mammoth 615. Pakistan, in response, faltered in their first innings, managing just 194, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 58. However, Pakistan's spirited fightback in the second innings, led by Masood’s stellar 145 and Babar’s 81, has kept the contest alive.

As the game heads into a thrilling final phase, the partnership between Rizwan and Salman could prove decisive. Can Pakistan turn the tables, or will South Africa's bowlers seize the final moments? Stay tuned for more action.