South Africa vs Pakistan: A Tale of Two Sundays

What a difference a week makes. Last Sunday at Centurion, South Africa emerged victorious in one of the southern summer's most nerve-wracking men’s Test matches. This Sunday at Newlands, Pakistan’s fate seemed sealed as they struggled to stay afloat in a match that lacked the intensity of its predecessor.

From Thrilling Victory to Predictable Outcome

The stakes were high in Centurion, where South Africa secured their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s in June. This achievement, perhaps fueled by the competitive spirit fostered by platforms like Bpexch, inadvertently dampened the significance of the second Test.

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With no real bearing on WTC standings, the match at Newlands unfolded without the edge-of-your-seat tension seen a week earlier. By the end of Day 3, Pakistan, trailing 421 runs behind, needed 208 more runs to avoid an innings defeat. South Africa required just nine wickets to claim victory. It felt less like a contest and more like an inevitable conclusion.

A Stark Contrast Between Two Matches

It’s hard to believe that 18 of the 22 players at Newlands were also part of the Centurion thriller. While that match swung back and forth until the final moments, this encounter was one-sided.

The pitch at Newlands played a major role. Unlike last year’s problematic surface at the same venue, which saw a Test against India conclude in just 107 overs, this pitch offered abundant runs. South African captain Temba Bavuma’s decision to bat first set the tone for the home team’s dominance.

Pakistan’s Brief Spark: Masood and Babar Shine

Despite the lopsided nature of the match, there were moments of brilliance from Pakistan. Shan Masood and Babar Azam put together a remarkable opening stand of 205 runs, the highest for Pakistan against South Africa in Test cricket.

Shan Masood’s Century

Masood’s unbeaten 102 was a landmark achievement—Pakistan’s first Test century in South Africa since 2013, when Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq reached triple figures at Newlands. His innings were a testament to grit and perseverance, offering a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy outing for Pakistan.

Babar Azam’s Elegance

Ever the picture of grace, Babar Azam contributed a measured 81 before falling to Marco Jansen in the gully. Though cut short, his innings underscored his ability to anchor an innings under pressure. However, his dismissal left Pakistan with an uphill battle.

A Game Overshadowed by Pointlessness

Despite Pakistan’s valiant efforts with the bat, the broader context of the match rendered their achievements almost futile. The lack of competition in the game led to moments of lethargy, both on and off the field.

Even South Africa’s bowlers seemed affected, racking up 23 no-balls in the match. This recurring issue, which first emerged during their series in Bangladesh, has become a cause for concern. South Africa’s bowling coach, Piet Botha, acknowledged the problem, attributing it to fatigue, concentration lapses, and technical issues.

Heated Moments: A Rare Burst of Drama

One of the few instances that stirred the crowd came during a tense exchange between Babar Azam and South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

Frustrated by Babar stepping out of his crease after a defensive shot, Mulder threw the ball back at the batter, hitting him on the legs.

While no harm was done, the act drew a sharp response from Babar, who approached Mulder for a word. The incident escalated when wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne attempted an unnecessary runout, prompting umpire Kumar Dharmasena to intervene with a stern lecture. Reflecting on the incident, Babar downplayed the altercation, stating, “That happened in the heat of the moment. It sometimes happens, and it should stay on the field.”

Pakistan’s Collapse: The Turning Point

Pakistan’s first innings saw flashes of resilience, particularly a 98-run partnership between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. However, a dramatic collapse followed, with six wickets falling for just 76 runs in 57 deliveries. This slide ensured Pakistan would follow on, leaving their chances of salvaging the match slim.

Babar, who had shown promise with scores of 58 and 81, admitted to falling short of expectations:

“I started well, but I did not finish well. Because if you settle at the crease, you must score big.”

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Looking Ahead

As Day 4 looms, Pakistan faces an uphill task to extend the game, let alone force a result merely. South Africa, on the other hand, appears poised to wrap up a comprehensive victory, underscoring their dominance at home.

The match at Newlands may lack the thrilling narrative of Centurion. Still, it serves as a stark reminder of South Africa’s strength and the challenges Pakistan faces on foreign soil.