South Africa vs Pakistan, PAK in SA, 2 Tests, 2024/25 Full score card

SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 10 WICKETS AND TAKE THE SERIES 2-0! Short and outside off, David Bedingham rocked back and punched it through the covers to get the winning run.

We will have another over! The fans are ready to celebrate. Just 1 needed for a win. Saud Shakeel has been given the ball now.

Full again, around middle and leg, David Bedingham nudges it to deep square leg for a single. They just need 1 as the scores are on the level now.

On a nagging length, around off, Aiden Markram pushes it to long off from the back foot for a single.

In the air, and a shout of catch, but it lands ahead of long on. Tossed up, around off, from around the wicket, David Bedingham chips it in the air and takes a single from the long on.

Outside off, Markram punches it down to long off for one more. A boundary away now, are South Africa!

Around middle, David Bedingham works it through mid-wicket for a run. 5 more required now.

'OH NO!' screams Markram in disgust. That was a buffet ball. Short and outside off, Aiden Markram rocked back to cut, aiming for the boundary, but only found backward point. Should have been a dot ball now but that was so fiercely struck that the fielder misfielded and the batters took a single. 6 more needed for the win.

Should be the last over of the match and series...

Gives air to the ball this time, full around middle, angling in, David tucks it to square leg off the front foot for no run. South Africa need only 7 more runs now.

Flatter, quicker, around off and middle, David Bedingham drives back to the bowler off the front foot.

Much fuller, around middle, from over the wicket, Aiden Markram flicks it to long on for a single.

50-RUN OPENING STAND! Short, outside off, David punches it through the covers for a single.

SIX! HUMONGOUS! Bedingham has a flight to catch. The target is in single digits now! Short ball, around off, Bedingham jumps down the track and swings it miles over cow corner! 9 needed to win now.

MISFIELD, FOUR! Pakistan themselves want this to end in a hurry. Landed outside off, David Bedingham hits it hard down the ground. There is long on in place and he gets to his left too as well, but only parries it behind.

Full, around off, Aiden Markram comes forward and defends it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Short again, but outside off this time, David stays deep in the crease and punches it wide of cover for a single.

FOUR! THUMPED! Drops it short, around middle, from around the wicket, angling in, David Bedingham goes back in the crease and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. They need 20 now.

Short and really poor ball, wide outside off, Aiden Markram tries to hammer it away but it is so wide that he barely reaches it. Toe-ends it through the covers. Takes the single but the throw is also poor now as the bowler fumbles. Markram looks for the overthrow but Bedingham is not ready.

Outside off, short again, Bedingham opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single.

A short ball to start. Around off, David Bedingham punches it towards cover.

Kamran Ghulam called into the attack now.

Full, outside off, David comes down the track this time and drives it to long on for a single to end the over.

Drags the length now, just outside off, David Bedingham goes back in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Full outside off, David Bedingham comes forward and drives it back to the bowler.

Pushed through quicker and fuller, at the stumps, David Bedingham knocks it right back at the bowler.

Full, at the stumps, Markram drives it to long on for a single. South Africa need 27 more runs to win.

Flatter in trajectory, short and on off, Bedingham punches it to deep cover for one.

Back of a length, outside off, Aiden Markram cuts it off the back foot wide of deep point for a couple of runs. They need 29 now.

FOUR! Driven straight down the ground! Full, on the fifth stump, from over the wicket, slow in pace, Aiden Markram comes forward and drives it straight, to the left to the bowler. The ball was briefly in the air as it went past Abbas's left hand for a boundary wide of long off.

A quick single! Back of a length, outside off, David Bedingham cuts it off the back foot wide of mid off and runs off for a quick single. Shan Masood picks it up and throws at the batter's end but misses it and Markram just reaches in time.

FOUR! Sheer power on that one! Fuller than a length, on off, David Bedingham covers the line and whips it across past mid-wicket for a boudnary.

Back of a length, on off, Aiden Markram cuts it hard to deep point for one.

In the air, but falls in the no man's land. Abbas goes short and hits the deck hard, over middle. David Bedingham looks to pull but is hurried into the shot. Skews it high to the vacant square leg region. Mohammad Abbas himself charges for the catch but fails to reach there in time. A single is taken.

Tossed up, around middle and leg, Aiden Markram comes forward and defends it with the full face of the bat to short leg.

Full just around off, David goes back in the crease and nudges it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! THUMPED! He is looking in a hurry now. Tossed up, outside off, from over the wicket, David Bedingham comes down the track and whacks it over long off for a biggie. They need 43 now.

Pushed through quicker and fuller, David Bedingham rocks back to block. Gets an outside edge that races to deep third for a couple of runs.

Nearly! Flights it nice and full, on middle and leg, Markram turns it to the right of short leg who sticks his hand out but fails to take the catch. The ball goes to short leg and the batters set off for a run. The fielder collects the ball and has a throw at the bowling end but misses. Two escapes for Markram in a single ball.

Starts from over the wicket and serves it well outside off, on a fuller length. Markram reach out for it but only manages to get an outside edge that falls at the vacant silly point region.

Spin! Surprising. Salman Agha has been given the task of sharing the new ball.

FOUR! Nicely Played! Goes fuller this time, outside off, going away, from over the stumps, David Bedingham comes forward and lofts it over mid off for a boundary. First one of this chase and they just need 52 now.

Good length, around off, David Bedingham tucks it to mid-wicket off the back foot.

First runs of the chase! Back of a length, outside off, from over the wicket, David Bedingham punches it off the back foot to sweeper cover and takes a couple of runs to get off the mark.

Similar line and length and Bedingham gets across the line and looks to whip it over in infield on the leg side but fails to do so. Gets hit on the pad missing the ball on the inside edge.

Full and outside off, a hint of shape going away off the deck. David Bedingham leans on for a drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Starts from over the wicket and lands it on a good length, just outside off, David Bedingham gets closer to the line and blocks it to covers.

OUT! CAUGHT! Kagiso Rabada finishes it off and gets his third too. Pakistan's innings comes to an end at 478/9 with Saim Ayub unavailable. KG bends his back and digs it short of a length, on off, Mir Hamza is hurried by the pace and bounce as he goes after it with a pull shot. Balloons it off the outer half of the bat and as far as Kwena Maphaka at backward point who takes it well with the sun directly into his eyeline.

Kyle Verreynne - are you serious? Well, the broadcasters or scorers or commentators will not mind if your prediction comes true. Well, Verrerynne has predicted on the stump mic - South Africa will have to come back tomorrow to bat for chasing only 7 more runs!

Full and around middle, quicker one, Mohammad defends.

Full, around off, slower through the air, Abbas pushes it towards point.

A round-arm action, from around the wicket, Mohammad Abbas defends.

Mohammad Abbas is the last man in, replacing Aamer Jamal as Saim Ayub will not bat.

OUT! CAUGHT! One too many from Aamer Jamal and Keshav Maharaj gets his third. Maharaj bowls it nice and full, on middle and off, and Jamal looks for a reverse sweep. The length isn't that full but he goes with the shot anyway. Scoops it straight down the throat of David Bedingham at backward point who takes the simplest of catches. Pakistan are now 478/8 and lead by 57 runs.

FOUR! Runs flowing thick and fast all of a sudden! Fired in full, on leg, Jamal sweeps it fine past the keeper. Not very convincing as it came off the glove but he will take it.

Short and turning in over off, Hamza backs away and cuts it square on the off. Aiden Markram gives the ball a chase and the batters take three runs.

'ACCHA WAALA BAT LAO.' This is what Hamza was heard saying to the guy coming in with the replacement bats. Meaning, 'give me a good bat'.

Around middle and leg, Mir taps it through square leg for a single. The stand moves to 30 (33) and PAKISTAN LEAD BY 50!

This is now the 9th highest score by ANY team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 472/8 declared by South Africa against Australia in Johannesburg, in 1921.

SIX! IMPERIOUS! A length ball, outside off, Mir Hamza stays back and slams it straight back over the bowler, nearly straight over the sightscreen! Shan Masood loved that in the dressing room.

Outside off, pushed towards point. Hamza wants a single, but is sent back.

Short of a good length, outside off, Mir Hamza has a feel for it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Back of a length, just outside off, Hamza swats it across to mid on. Looks like he is going for it now!

Full, on middle and off, Mir Hamza winds up and throws his blade slashing hard. Gets it over mid off for a brace.

South Africa exhaust all their reviews. Not that it should matter here. The arm ball, from around the wicket, Aamer Jamal lunged to defend but missed and was hit on the pads. Maharaj went up in an appeal but the umpire remained firm. Skipper Temba Bavuma asked a few players and signalled for the 'T' almost when the clock went to zero. But all in vain. Nothing on UltraEdge when ball went past bat and Ball Tracking showed it to be missing leg stump.

This is now the second highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. First on the ladder - 570/7 declared by England in Durban, in 2004. Guess that is a bridge too far. This is also the 10th highest score by ANY team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 464/8 declared by South Africa in Durban, in 1928.

FOUR! Time for some fun. Full toss, outside off, Aamer Jamal gets down and reverse sweeps behind point for a boundary! He moves to 30 with his 6th boundary and the lead is 41.

Nearly played on! Outside off, Mir Hamza looks to go back and push at it but gets a thick inside edge. The ball sneaks past leg stump and beats the keeper as well. A single taken.

Tossed full, outside off, blocked to short leg by Mir Hamza.

Similar line and length, Hamza rocks back and punches it to cover.

Lands it full, outside off and turning in, Hamza tucks it down to short leg.

DRINKS BREAK. Well, we might be in for a long session here. Technically, Stumps can be called at 4 pm GMT, but there is a possibility that South Africa sniff that they can chase down the target tonight itself. As of now, the lead is 36 and it seems like the 4th innings is just around the corner. The Saffas have toiled hard for 119 overs in this innings and finally, things are falling into place now.  Pakistan just have two wickets left and it is only a question of when.

FOUR! FABULOUS! Overpitched, outside off, Aamer Jamal leans and drives this through the covers for a boundary!

Outside off, pretty wide, fuller in length, Jamal looks to drive but misses. Just when Rabada was about to take his cap from the umpire, here comes another one. NO BALL NUMBER 18 in this innings - 13th by Rabada!

Around middle and leg, Mir Hamza works it through square leg for a run.

A short ball again, this time Aamer Jamal connects with the pull towards deep square leg. Takes the single.

An appeal for caught behind from Kyle Verreynne alone and Kagiso Rabada shakes his head. Verreynne is surprised to have not got support from the players around. Back of a length, outside off, Jamal looks to pull but misses. The ball dips in front of the keeper and Verreynne does well to spring ahead and take it low in front.

Length, on off, blocked down the deck by Aamer Jamal.

Short of a length, over middle, Jamal swivels to pull but is a bit too late on the shot. Still manages to hit to to fine leg but doesn't take the run.

Around off, Mir goes back and defends it properly now.

Another close call! On middle and leg, Mir lunges to defend but gets another edge. This time, the inside. Bounces wide of short leg and lands just short of leg gully!

Close call! Landed outside off, spinning in, Mir Hamza looks to defend but misses. Lucky to get the bat down in time to eke out an outside edge past slip.

Maharaj keeps it full again, on middle, Aamer Jamal sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a single. 450 up for Pakistan and the lead is now 29 runs.

FOUR! Crashed! Full, at the stumps, Jamal steps out and drills it straight down the ground past the bowler to his right for a boundary.

Full, on middle, blocked back to the bowler.

A short ball now, Mir ducks.

On a good length, outside off, Hamza is drawn into the push and nearly nicks it behind.

On a good length, around off, Mir Hamza punches it through the covers. Temba Bavuma gives it a good chase and keeps the batters to a couple. Hamza gets off the mark.

Takes the single on the third ball off the over. Angling in, on a length, on middle and leg, Jamal tucks it to deep square leg and brings Hamza on strike.

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Jamal tucks it to mid-wicket and doesn't take the run.

Length, outside off, Aamer Jamal leaves it alone.

Back of a length, on middle, Aamer Jamal pushes it to cover. KG oversteps, yet again! NO BALL!

Nearly two in two! Maharaj is bowling rippers now. Comes around the wicket and flights this around middle and off. Mir Hamza goes hard at the forward defense and nearly pays the price for it. The ball lands, straightens, bounces sharply and takes the inside edge. Luckily for Hamza, it is just wide and short of the diving short leg. What an over from Maharaj.

Mir Hamza walks in at number 9, replacing Salman Agha.

OUT! CAUGHT! Well, Salman escaped the LBW but cannot escape Markram! That is a wonderful catch. This is why Maharaj refused to be taken off the attack. He senses that the pitch has started to aid spin. Flighted ball, outside off, Salman Agha lunged to defend but the ball dipped on him, landed and then straightened a touch, bouncing a bit as well. Took the outside edge and seemed to be going past slip, but Aiden Markram dived to his right from there to take it cleanly with both hands. South Africa into the bowlers of Pakistan now, as Salman Agha departs for a fighting 48. Pakistan are 441/7 and lead by just 20.

Flighted, outside off, Salman Agha uses his feet, but does not get to the pitch of the ball. Looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads which nearly lobs back to the bowler. Lands just short.

Full again, around off, angling in, Salman Agha tries to defend it off the front foot but gets an inside edge to vacant short leg.

Tossed up, around middle, Salman blocks it off the front foot.

LUCKY ESCAPE FOR SALMAN AGHA! How on earth did that happen? That too, on this pitch? A big moment in the match considering he is the only batter remaining of the Pakistan team here. Tossed up, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, angling in, Salman Agha went on his knee to paddle sweep off the front foot. He missed it as the ball took a bit of extra bounce and went through the gap between his bat and hands to hit the pads. Maharaj appealed and umpire Nitin Menon immediately raised his finger. Not surprisingly, Salman went for the review straightaway. First, UltraEdge showed that there was no bat involved but then, came the big surprise. Ball Tracking showed that it is going over the stumps! Even Menon seems surprised but he will have to change his decision. Huge sigh of relief in the Pakistan dressing room as Rizwan flashes a smile!

Fuller, outside off, punched towards mid off.

Fuller, around off, Agha leans and steers it behind point for a run.

Outside off, punched towards point for a single.

A repeat of the last ball! Similar line length, outside off, Aamer Jamal doesn't offer any shot at it.

A close and watchful leave this time, Good length, just outside off, moves away a little bit, Aamer Jamal lets it go past.

Good length, outside off, Jamal lets it go after watching the line of the ball.

Good length, around middle, coming in, from over the wicket, Salman Agha tucks it to deep square leg for a single. Oh dear! KG has overstepped and it has been called a NO BALL for the umpteenth time in this Test. Number 16 in this innings alone. 11th by Rabada!

Kagiso Rabada returns. 21-2-91-2 so far.

Fuller, around off, flicked towards short mid-wicket.

Similar ball, but with lesser revolutions, Jamal is able to meet this and pushes it back to the bowler.

Turn! Just 75 kph, around off, fuller in length, Aamer Jamal lunged to defend but the ball dipped, landed around off and spun a mile past the outside edge.

FOUR! A confident one this time for Jamal! Tossed up, around middle and leg, angling in, Aamer Jamal goes on his knees and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. The lead is 16 now.

Flighted full ball, around off, Aamer Jamal blocks it out off the front foot.

Tossed up, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, Salman Agha goes on his knees and sweeps it out to deep square leg for a single.

At the end of the last over, Temba Bavuma asked Keshav Maharaj whether he was done. The answer was a negative, so one guesses that Maharaj would have got a spring in his stride with that wicket.

Very full, around off, Aamer drives it towards mid off.

A full toss now, wide outside off, Jamal reaches out and drives it through the covers. Tristan Stubbs gets across to his right from sweeper cover and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

On a good length, outside off, Aamer Jamal comes forward and pushes it towards cover.

This is now the 3rd highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 459 by India in Centurion, in 2010.

FOUR! Through the edge but it's a boundary! Good length, cross seam, around off, coming in with the angle, Aamer Jamal tries to defend it with the straight bat. But he gets a thick outside edge that goes wide of third slip for a boundary at deep third. A lucky boundary for Jamal and the lead is 9 runs.

Good length, outside off, stays low in bounce after pitching, Aamer Jamal shoulders arms to let it go.

Back of a length, around middle, from around the wicket, coming in, Salman Agha hops up and tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Very full, plenty of flight, around off, Aamer jabs it out.

Full and straight, Jamal gets a good stride to defend.

Fuller, around off, pushed down to mid on.

Flighted full, around middle, Aamer defends it off the front foot.

Full again, but around off this time, Aamer Jamal comes forward and blocks it right under his eyes.

Tossed up, around middle, angling in, Salman Agha tucks it wide of square leg for a single.

Did that carry? Was there any nick? Probably negative to both. A length ball, down the leg side, perhaps a slower one. Jamal looked to flick and to the naked eye, it seemed like he missed his shot and the ball went off his thigh pads. The keeper, Kyle Verreynne, did really well to dive to his left and stop it.

Full and just outside off, watchfully defended.

This is now the 4th highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 428 by England in Cape Town itself, in 1927.

Great effort by Tristan Stubbs as PAKISTAN GET A LEAD NOW. Full, outside off, Salman Agha leaned into the shot and drove it through the covers. The ball seemed to race across the outfield but Stubbs gave it a great chase from deep point. Got to the ball, put in a dive and pushed the ball back in. Three runs taken.

Drags his length, around off and middle, angling in, Salman Agha blocks it out with ease right under his eyes.

Full around off, seaming in, from around the wicket, Salman drives it to mid off from the front foot.

A good bouncer to start the over, around middle and leg, comes in with the angle, Salman Agha ducks under it comfortably.

FOUR! SOUTH AFRICA WILL HAVE TO BAT AGAIN! Freebie and put away. A full toss, around off, Aamer Jamal whips it over mid-wicket and gets off the mark in style.

Full, around middle, Jamal lunges to defend.

EDGED, DROPPED! Tough one for Aiden Markram. Flatter and quicker outside off, short in length, Aamer Jamal rocked back to cut but the ball came on pretty quickly onto the bat and took the outside edge. Went even quicker to Markram at first slip, who had just begun to move to his right. Somehow, managed to protect himself with the ball coming to his left and the ball got parried away.

Tossed up, around middle, Aamer Jamal defends it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Aamer Jamal walks in next at number 8, replacing Mohammad Rizwan.

OUT! GONE! CAUGHT AT COVER! Keshav Maharaj gets his first wicket of the innings and the one which was desperately needed for his whole team! Tossed up, around off and middle, from around the wicket, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and tries to reach out onto the pitch of the ball. He looks to drive but probably gets caught in two minds, as the ball kind of holds in the pitch. As a result, he cannot control his drive and it is almost like a check-drive, which goes in the air straight to the cover fielder where Temba Bavuma takes it with both hands at waist height. A big wicket for South Africa as they have entered into the lower order of Pakistan. Sixth down for Pakistan and they are still trailing by 4 runs. Effectively, they are seven down as Saim Ayub won't come out to bat so South Africa are just 3 wickets away from making a clean sweep in this series. Fighting 41 from Rizwan and the 88-run stand has been broken at last.

Tossed up, around leg, from around the wicket, Rizwan makes room and drives it to mid off.

How long will Bavuma keep on persisting with Maharaj? Don't think it will be long before we see pacers from both ends.

Length, outside off, Salman Agha leaves this one as well.

Full, outside off, left alone again by Salman.

With just one slip and a gully and an additonal catching cover, Jansen lands it outside off, on a fuller length, inviting the drive. Salman Agha lets it pass.

Full, wide outside off, going away from the batter, Rizwan steers it to sweeper cover for a single.

Slightly fuller than good length, around middle and leg, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan tries to push it off the front foot. He gets it through the inner half of the blade to mid on.

Back of a length, around off and middle, from around the wicket, Salman Agha guides it to deep point and takes a single to start the over.

Last year, that's January 2024, when a Test match between South Africa and India was played here, the entire match lasted just 107 overs across 4 innings. Here, Pakistan have crossed that mark in this innings alone.

Full, at the stumps, blocked out by Rizwan.

Risky run! Full, on off, Salman Agha taps it to cover and the batters set off for quick single. The fielder collects the ball and fires it to Kyle Verreynne, the keeper and Rizwan has to put in a full stretch dive to make it.

FOUR! The trail is now down to single digits. 7 to be precise! Tossed up, on middle, Salman Agha sweeps it from well in front and hits it aerially over square leg for a boundary.

Much fuller, around middle, Agha blocks it out off the front foot.

Tossed up, around off, from around the wicket, Salman Agha drives it to mid off from the front foot.

Drops it short, around off, Mohammad Rizwan makes room and cuts it to deep point for a single to start the over. He is into the 40s.

Fuller in length, on off, Rizwan times his punch through covers for a single. The trail is now down to 12 runs.

Full and outside off, driven to deep point for one by Salman.

On a length, on off, Rizwan opens the bat face and taps it behind square on the off for a single.

Good length again, around off, Mohammad Rizwan presents the full face of the bat to block it. A confident defense off the front foot.

Slightly fuller than the previous one, around middle, angling in, Rizwan keeps it down with ease.

On a good length, around off, coming in, Mohammad Rizwan defends it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Pushed through a bit quicker and fuller, on off, Agha manages to block it late.

Tossed up, on off, Salman skips to the pitch of the ball and lofts it off the cue end. Gets enough to get it over mid-wicket for a brace.

Full, on middle, Salman Agha sweeps it to backward square leg.

Drops it short, just outside off, Rizwan goes back in the crease and guides it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! DISPATCHED! Flighted full ball, around middle and off, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan goes on his knees and sweeps it to deep backward square leg for a boundary. First one of this session. 400 comes up for Pakistan as they are trailing by 18 runs now.

Tossed up, around off, from around the wicket, Rizwan blocks it off the front foot.

A huge shout for LBW, turned down by the umpire. Oh, just as the timer ticked on, Temba Bavuma decides to send it upstairs, on the very last second. He didn't look very convinced and was seen checking with somebody if there was a nick. The replay confirms just that. A big spike on the UltraEdge and South Africa lose the review. It was a great ball from Jansen! Angling in, on a length, a bit to jag back in as well. Salman Agha leaned to block and got an inside edge back onto the pad. Unsure why they went upstairs when no one seemed to be confident.

Fuller this time and closer to the batter, still outside off and Salman is happy to let it pass.

Comes from wider on the crease and lands it outside off, on a length, left alone by the batter.

BEATEN! Good length, outside off, straightens off the deck, Salman Agha tries to punch it off the back foot with no foot movement. He gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball sails through to the keeper.

Back of a length, around off, Salman keeps it down off the back foot.

Good length, around middle, coming in, from around the wicket, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to square leg and takes a quick single. He wants to go for double but is sent back by Salman.

A very slow over from Maharaj. He has been struggling with the ball speeds for the last few hours now. The speeds have dropped into the low 70s (kph) now. He was bowling in the high 80s in the morning. MARCO JANSEN has been given the ball now. 19-0-85-2 so far.

Looped up, around off, Agha works it to cover.

Full, on off, Salman Agha lunges to keep it out.

Full, at the stumps, Salman defends it down the track, back to the bowler.

Tossed up, around off and middle, from around the wicket, Agha blocks it off the front foot right under his eyes.

Corrects his line to stumps, full, Salman defends it back to the bowler.

On a nagging length, down leg, Salman Agha tucks it to short leg.

Welcome back after that short break. South Africa would be tired, having bowled more than 100 overs, in addition to the 54-odd in the first innings. That's 155 overs nearly, on the trot. But the motivation for them is that once they break this Rizwan-Agha stand, there isn't much batting left for the tourists. Yes, an innings defeat seems a bit difficult now, but a Day 4 finish is still on. How long can Rizwan and Agha frustrate the hosts?  The players are back on the field. It will be Keshav Maharaj to start things off for the final session. Of the day or of the match? We shall find out. 35-3-97-0 so far.

... DAY 4, FINAL SESSION ...

36 overs are left in the day. 2-and-a-half hours allotted - whichever comes first. Pakistan will aim to bat deep and take the lead past 50 by Stumps. On the other hand, South Africa will be searching for that one wicket, which could hasten this match into completion. The third session is scheduled to begin at 1330 GMT.

Kwena Maphaka and Kagiso Rabada have been the standout bowlers for South Africa in this session. Both dismissed the set batters, Shakeel and Masood and beat the bat plenty of times. The others have been doing okay, beating the bat but not as consistenty as the two 'Ks' did. For some reason, Keshav Maharaj, after starting the day so well with the other ball, has lost his mojo. He is still landing it in the right areas but not as consistently as he was in the morning session.

South Africa might feel as if they are being tested a lot by the pitch here. Barring that quick dismissal of Shan Masood post that of Saud Shakeel, they have just not been able to pick wickets in clusters. One of the main reasons is definitely the pitch, which has shown some signs of assistance from the bowlers' footmarks but remains a good one to bat in general. The other reason is that once the new ball gets softer, batting becomes easier. This second ball is roughly 21 overs old, so it would still have something in it at least for the next half an hour or so.

We feared that we may not see the final session on Day 4. South Africa came out firing after Lunch and in the span of 4 balls, removed both the set batters, Shakeel and Masood. At that stage, it seemed like a batting collapse was certainly on the cards but Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha have held really firm with a solid 69-run stand. Agha has looked the more solid of the two while Rizwan, though a bit mercurial by his defensive shots, has still managed to fight it out there.

Pakistan continue to stay alive in this contest. A big dream of fighting hard and giving some competition to South Africa. A smaller dream to avoid an innings defeat. A mini dream to take this into Day 5. 86 runs were scored in that second session, in 26 overs, for the loss of Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood.

Landed outside off, gentle away swing, Mohammad gets a big stride and shoulders arms. TEA ON DAY 4, PAKISTAN ARE 398/5, TRAIL BY 23!

Last ball before Tea coming up...

Full and just outside off, Rizwan defends solidly.

On a good length, outside off, SA reaches out for the ball and pushes it through point for a single.

Similar line, this time Salman lets it be.

Nearly. On a fuller length, outside off, Agha is drawn forward to defend and nearly edges this to the keeper.

Excellent effort by Kwena Maphaka and he receives a warm round of applause by his school teammates who have come here to cheer him. A length ball, down the leg side, Mohammad Rizwan misses his clip. The ball goes off his pads through fine leg but Maphaka tracks it down from deep backward square leg, gets to the ball with a full-length dive and pushes it away. The third umpire wants to check for the boundary but the 18-year old is clean. Three runs taken, leg byes signalled.

Very full and around off, Mohammad Rizwan drives it back to the bowler. Should have been a dot ball but yet another one has been called a NO BALL by the third umpire. Number 15 for this innings alone. Third by Mulder.

Very full, on middle, almost gets through. Salman jabs it down the wicket.

Delivered with a bit of a round arm, from around the wicket, Agha presses forward in defense, hitting it on the bounce to Tristan Stubbs at silly point.

A touch short now, flatter through the air, Salman Agha hangs back and blocks.

Around off, watchfully defended.

Similar ball, once again Rizwan gets forward to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and escapes past short leg, to his left. A single taken.

Around off, drifting in, Mohammad Rizwan lunges to defend.

Full, around off, pushed towards mid on.

Number 6 on the list now. This is now the 6th highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 421 by India in Johannesburg, in 2013.

FOUR! Gets it through this time! On a good length, outside off, Agha stands dead still, waits for the ball to arrive and at the last possible moment, guides it between second slip and gully, to the deep third fence! Moves to 30 now and this stand is worth 63. The deficit is 29 now.

On a good length, outside off, Salman chops it towards backward point.

FOUR! ELEGANT! Probably this is even better than the shot Rizwan played. Because this has gone to the boundary despite a silly mid on being present. Overpitched from Mulder, around off, Salman Agha comes forward and drives it with the straightest of bats. The ball rockets through the pitch and silly mid on does not have even a second to react. That's how quickly the ball travelled, past him, past the stumps and in a flash to the fence behind.

On a good length, outside off, this time Agha get across and pushes it towards point.

Full and around off, Salman Agha gets across and punches it straight to silly mid on.

Short and on off, Rizwan rocks back and slaps it straight to cover.

Very unlucky is Maharaj. Misses out on another one that could've gone his way. Flights it up, outside off, fuller in length. Salman looks for a full-blodded drive through the off side but the ball sticks to the surface a bit and takes an inside edge. The ball sneaks behind through the huge gap between bat and pad and falls beside the stumps. Goes past the keeper and the batters take a run.

Looped full, on middle, Salman Agha defends.

Full again, around middle, Salman drives it to mid off from the front foot. Rizwan wants to have a quick single as he takes two-three steps ahead but is sent back by Salman.

Tossed up, slower in pace, around off, angling in, from around the wicket, Salman Agha defends it with the full face of the bat.

Short, just outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it off the back foot for a single to deep point.

Good length, outside off, Salman Agha blocks it with a good stride out.

Length, outside off, Rizwan pushes it to cover for one.

FOUR! With the fielders all coming in a bit, Mulder goes full and straight at the stumps. Mohammad Rizwan shuffles a bit and drives it dead straight, like an arrow, down the ground for a boundary.

He is looking confident in this inning! Good length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan comes forward and blocks it with the full face of the bat.

Full just outside off, Rizwan defends it off the front foot back to the bowler.

On a good length, around off, coming in, from over the wicket, Mohammad Rizwan keeps it down right under his eyes. A solid defense!

Full, on off, Salman Agha prods out and pushes it to cover.

This is now the 7th highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 391/8 declared by England in Cape Town itself, in 2020.

Fires it a bit quicker, full and at the stumps, Salman skips down to the pitch of the ball but miscues his swipe straight to square leg.

Full, on middle, driven to long off for a single.

Takes off! Tossed up, outside off, turning away, it takes off through the surface, extra bounce, maybe hit the footmarks of the pacers. Mohammad Rizwan tries to drive it but misses it as the ball goes to the keeper who takes it to his right.

Full around middle, Salman Agha comes forward to defend it and gets an inside edge this time to square leg for a single.

Tossed up, around off, from around the wicket, turning away, Salman Agha tries to defend it off the front foot. But gets an outside edge that goes past first slip and they take a couple of runs. Maharaj looks in disbelief as the edge didn't go to slip.

On a length, on off, Rizwan taps it back to the bowler. A slight shuffle out of the crease from Rizwan as Mulder fakes a throw back at him soon after. Ends with a big wide smile from Rizwan.

Goes full again, outside off, left alone by the batter.

Lands it nice and full, on off, Rizwan offers a solid front foot block.

This is now the HIGHEST SCORE by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa, after having been asked to follow on! Get past Australia's long held record of 372/7 declared in Cape Town itself, way back in 1902! It also becomes the 8th highest score by a visiting team in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. Next on the ladder - 376/6 declared by England in Johannesburg, in 1923.

Goes fuller, around middle and leg, seaming in, Mohammad Rizwan flicks it to deep backward square leg. They take a couple of runs as the fielder from deep fine leg runs in to pick it up and throws at the batter's end.

Good length, just outside off, Rizwan lets it go to the keeper.

Back of a length, around off, from over the wicket, Mohammad Rizwan blocks it off the back foot.

FOUR! Charges down does Salman! Floated full, on middle, Salman skips down to the pitch of the ball and works it neatly past mid on to his right for a boundary.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, turned across to square leg.

Full, on off, squeezed out to the off side from Salman.

Full again, around middle and leg, Mohammad Rizwan drives it to mid off and takes a single.

Flighted full, around middle, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan strides out and keeps it down.

Tossed up, from around the wicket, around off, Mohammad Rizwan defends it off the front foot.

Goes a bit fuller and on middle and off, Salman blocks it to the off side.

Into the stumps, with the angle coming in, Salman tucks it to square leg.

Back of a length, over middle, Mohammad Rizwan hops on top of his toes and dabs it behind to fine leg for a single.

AGAIN! In the same channel, full, shaping away, Mohammad Rizwan goes to chase the ball off the front foot and gets beaten on the outside edge. He is playing dangerously here.

BEATEN! Goes fuller, outside off, inviting the drive, shaping away a little bit, Mohammad Rizwan goes for the drive and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good length, around off, from over the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan defends it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Short one again, over off, Rizwan is very strong on the leg side and nails the pull all along the ground to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Salman works it across to mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Short and on off, Rizwan lifts his front leg up and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Full outside off, going away, Mohammad Rizwan drives it off the front foot wide of cover and takes a couple of runs. Kwena Maphaka runs in from sweeper cover and picks up the ball to throw at the keeper's end.

On a good length, again, around middle and leg, angling in, Rizwan keeps it down.

Good length, around off and middle, from around the wicket, coming in with the angle, Mohammad Rizwan defends it off the front foot back to the bowler.

The pitch is becoming more difficult to bat now. The ball is not quite coming onto the bat and driving is very tedious. Need to play the ball as late as possible from here on.

Confident block! Length, on off, Salman leans ahead and keeps it out.

Goes full and outside off, Salman Agha looks to drive it on the up but miscues it off the inner half to the leg side.

On a length, on middle and leg, clipped to mid on by Salman.

More lateral movement, tailing in, Salman Agha just about manages to keep it out, via an inside edge onto his pads.

Umpire's call saves Rizwan! On a good length, outside off, Mohammad looked to defend but the ball literally snaked back in a long way. Rizwan was caught napping against the movement and missed his defence by a long margin, getting hit on the pads. Mulder appealed but umpire Kumar Dharmasena was motionless. Mulder straightaway pushed his skipper Bavuma to take the review and Ball Tracking shows the ball clipping the outer half of leg stump, meaning umpire's call will stay! South Africa retain their review but they would be wondering, what will it take for Dharmasena to raise his finger? Seems like Mulder is telling the Sri Lankan the same thing. Meanwhile, a single seems to have been taken because a leg bye has been signalled.

Close, close, close! Wiaan Mulder has got one to jag back in and Rizwan seems to be in trouble here. Temba Bavuma has gone with his bowler and taken it upstairs for a review against LBW. Replay indicates two noises but nothing on UltraEdge. Ohhh... umpire's call on hitting on Ball Tracking!

On a good length, just around off, Mohammad Rizwan hops and pushes it towards mid on.

Short one, angling into the batter, over leg, Salman ducks below it.

Switches to around the wickets and lands it on a length, over off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it to deep backward point for one.

Hits the deck, on a back of a length, aiming the ribs, Salman Agha dabs it in front of deep square leg and takes a run.

Full and straight, delivered with a bit of a grunt, Salman Agha defends.

A short ball now, pulled through square leg for a single.

On a good length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan hops and defends. It looks so ugly but for now, seems to be effective.

Full and on off, blocked confidently by Agha.

Short of a length, on middle and off, Rizwan tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

So nearly chopped it back onto the stumps! Fuller in length and on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes at it with hard hands and gets an inside edge that falls just past the leg stump and rolls behind to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Issue? Yes, for Mohammad Rizwan. There is a secutiry guard sitting right near the sightscreen and his constsnt shuffling is irritating Rizwan. Add to it, the fluoroscent colour of the guard's clothes is making it difficult for Rizwan to concentrate. He tells this to the umpire but also says, 'It is okay now. If he doesn't move, then it is fine. But if he moves, please ask him to sit somewhere else.'

Full and straight, Mohammad Rizwan is solid in defense. Not great to watch, but solid nevertheless.

A bit too straight, Agha nurdles it behind square leg for a single.

On a good length, around off, Salman Agha defends.

DRINKS BREAK. Excellent hour for South Africa. They have dislodged both the set batters, Masood and Shakeel and conceded just 40 runs in 13 overs since Lunch. The second new ball is clearly talking, much more than the first new ball did yesterday, stopping to move after just 5 overs. The home side knows that it is just a wicket away from the lower order and will be aiming to wrap it up soon now. Pakistan have their backs against the wall again but having come so far, they will not want to throw it away. They are just 69 runs away from making South Africa bat but while that cannot be the only aim, the focus should be to get at least 450 from here. Definitely it won't be enough but to fight so hard and still lose by an innings would be worse. On the other hand, if Agha and Rizwan manage to see off this second new ball, could we see some more fightback from the tourists? 49 overs are left in the day, so Day 5 looks very close to impossible from here on. Wiaan Mulder has been given the ball now, after being in the wilderness for most of this match. 5-0-16-0 so far.

Good length, on middle and off, blocked straight by Rizwan.

Nearly! Angles it away, off a length and around the fifth stump line. Mohammad Rizwan doesn't fully commit to the shot and leans ahead to have a push at it but misses. The ball whizzes past the outside edge and carries at a good height to the keeper.

With a leg slip in play, Jansen bowls it straight at the stumps, on a length, Salman Agha taps it in front of cover and gets to the other end.

Down the leg side, Rizwan looks to tuck it away but misses. The ball goes off his pads through square leg and a leg bye is taken.

Fuller and straighter. Salman Agha works it through mid-wicket and takes the single. Wants the second but is sent back. Wise decision, because Corbin Bosch, the substitute for Ryan Rickelton, scores a direct hit at the bowler's end! 350 UP FOR PAKISTAN. 9th highest score by a visiting team in South Africa, in the third innings. The deficit is now 71.

A short ball, down the leg side, Mohammad Rizwan pulls it all along the ground towards fine leg for a single.

Interesting scenes around the review. When Bavuma came in to ask his players, Kyle Verreynne, who has already been proved wrong twice today, said he did not know anything about this. One reckons that Bavuma will not look at him for a while now! Marco Jansen was seen warming up in the previous over. Would he be given the ball now? Yes. 16-0-74-2 so far.

Full and on off, Mohammad Rizwan leans on to block and gets an outside edge to deep backward point for one. Pakistan now trail by 73 runs.

Length, outside off, Rizwan holds his bat very high and lets it pass.

Full, at the stumps, Rizwan gets his bat out in front and blocks it to mid on.

Fuller, outside off, this time Agha comes forward, gets across his stumps and pushes the ball through cover-point for a single.

Ooohh... so near, yet so far! This could have gone either way. On a good length, outside off, this one jagged back in a long way and hit Salman on his pads, as he looked to defend. Rabada appealed for LBW but umpire Kumar Dharmasena did not give it out. Rabada managed to convince Bavuma to take the review. Once the review was taken, Rabada immediately asked Dharmasena as to why didn't he give it out. The reply was height. Ball Tracking shows the impact to be umpire's call and just clipping the top of the stumps as well. So umpire's call on both counts. Review retained.

On a good length, outside off, coming in, Salman Agha defends.

Goes fuller, outside off, Salman Agha taps it wide of point and takes a single to retain the strike.

Hard length, around middle, coming in, Mohammad Rizwan tucks it to square leg off the front foot for a single.

Too much risk for a run again by Pakistani batters! Back of a length, outside off, from around the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it off the back foot wide of deep point. He calls for the second and runs off. The fielder in the deep is quick enough to throw the ball at the keeper who dislodges the stumps. Rizwan comes in, just in time.

Fuller, outside off, Salman Agha leans and drives it behind point for a run.

Outside off, steered behind point for a single.

On a good length, around off, nips back in sharply from around the wicket, Mohammad Rizwan is caught cramping for room as he looks to defend and takes it on the body.

Just stumbled upon a stat which may not be taken a liking to, by Pakistan or their fans. This is just the second time that Pakistan have crossed the 300-mark in the third innings of a Test in South Africa. However, in the previous 25 instances of a visiting team crossing 300 in the third innings of a Test in this country, only 10 have resulted in victories! England have done it 6 times, while Australia have done it 4 times. Shows how difficult it is to win in South Africa.

FOUR! DEFT TOUCH! Good length, outside off, from over the wicket, Salman Agha comes forward and covers the line of the ball. He opens the face of the bat at the last moment deliberately to play it in the gap wide of the slip cordon. Gets a boundary at deep third. The deficit is 81 runs now.

Good length, outside off, Mohammad Rizwan cuts it off the back foot for a single to deep point.

Back of a length, around off and middle, Mohammad Rizwan hops back and pulls it to deep square leg. The fielder from deep fine leg runs in and save the boundary as they take a couple of runs.

This time gets bat on ball and blocks it down the pitch.

That is a top nut. On a good length around middle and off, Rizwan comes forward to defend. But the ball pitches and then jags away late, squaring Rizwan up, beating the outside edge and going over the top of off stump! Rizwan appreciates that too, flashing a smile to Rabada.

Full outside off, a touch wide, Mohammad Rizwan lunges and pushes it away towards cover.

Goes fuller, around middle, seaming in, Salman Agha tries to flick it but gets through the toe end of the bat to mid on for no run.

Good length, just outside off, Salman Agha comes forward and presents the full face of the bat to keep it down.

Full around off, coming in, from around the wicket, Salman Agha defends it off the front foot.

Short and outside off, a touch wide, angling away. Mohammad Rizwan punches it behind point for a run to get off the mark.

Down the leg side again but much straighter this time. Agha misses his flick as the ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken. The deficit is now 89.

A misdirected delivery. A length ball, but down the leg side. Salman Agha lets it pass.

Excellent captaincy from Temba Bavuma again. He could have easily chosen the standard bowlers to operate with the second new ball - Rabada and Jansen - but he saw some spark in Maphaka. Yesterday, he looked nervous but today, he seems pumped up and with the second new cherry in his hand, he is just relishing the opportunity.

Hard length, just outside off, angling in, Mohammad Rizwan shoulders arms to let it go.

Good length, outside off, stays low, Mohammad Rizwan defends it back to the bowler off the front foot.

Good length, around middle and off, coming in, from over the wicket, Salman Agha dabs it in front of cover and takes a single.

Landed outside off, this one comes in. Agha gets his bat down in time to blunt the ball out.

Similar line, this one is left alone.

Full and outside off, Salman Agha is drawn forward into the push. Misses.

Much fuller, almost a yorker, outside off, Salman Agha digs it out in front of point and takes a single to retain the strike.

Back of a length, around middle, around chest height, Salman Agha keeps it down off the back foot.

Full outside off, from over the wicket, going away from the batter, Salman Agha shoulders arms to let it go.

Salman Agha walks in at number 7, replacing his skipper, Shan Masood.

OUT! LBW! Superb review from Bavuma! That stayed low and this could be a big moment in this match. On a length, outside off, Shan Masood made some sort of a movement across his stumps, trying to defend but missed the line of the ball as it zipped back in. It stayed low a touch as well and beat the bat, pinging him on the pad. Maphaka was dead sure this was gone but the umpire moved away, as the batters took a single. The South African skipper Temba Bavuma, rushed across for a chat with his bowler and keeper, but here comes the surprise. The keeper, Kyle Verreynne, said that the impact was outside off but Maphaka was sure that he had his man. Bavuma went with the youngster and took the review. And a brave choice! Ball Tracking shows the impact to be in line and the ball crashing into the stumps! So near yet so far for Shan Masood, as he misses out on becoming Pakistan's first batter to score a 150 in South Africa, as he departs for a fantastic 145. But, this might just open the floodgates now. Pakistan slip from 329/3 to 329/5 and are still trailing by 92!

On the off stump this time, Masood defends solidly.

Beauty. This second new ball is talking. Maphaka comes from over the wicket and lands the ball on a good length outside off, Shan Masood is forced to play at that but the ball lands and jags away off the seam, beating the outside edge.

Mohammad Rizwan walks in now, at number 6, replacing Saud Shakeel.

OUT! CAUGHT AT SECOND SLIP! KG has got the wicket with this new ball! Slightly fuller than good length, outside off, in the channel, from around the wicket, straightens off the deck. Saud Shakeel comes forward and goes for that push from the front foot which he shouldn't be considering this is a new ball and the bowler is trying to make you do that. The ball takes the outside edge and goes to second slip where Aiden Markram takes a regulation low catch with both hands at a comfortable height. Shakeel departs after making only 23 and Pakistan are 329/4, trailing by 92. The second new ball breaks the 51-run stand.

Brave leave! On a good length, coming in with the angle, from around the wicket, Saud Shakeel moves across and shoulders arms. The ball just zips past the off stump. Does not carry to the keeper, Kyle Verreynne either.

BEATEN! Good length, outside off, moving away, Saud Shakeel tries to cut it off the front foot and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Fuller outside off, a bit wide outside off, Shakeel shoulders arms.

Full, just outside off, Saud Shakeel pushes it to the off side.

On a good length, outside off, nips back in sharply, Shan Masood looks to tuck it away but misses and is hit high on the thigh. The ball deflects away and a leg bye is taken.

Pace from both ends now. Kagiso Rabada gets the second new cherry in his hand. 17-1-81-1 so far.

Good length, outside off, going away, Saud Shakeel doesn't offer any shot at it.

One of the reasons for Bavuma not taking the second new ball as of now could be the purchase Keshav Maharaj is getting from one end. There is plenty of rough for him to be working over. The other reason could be - Kwena Maphaka is trying to settle into some good rhythm and because it may not be fair to give the kid the second new ball or take him off abruptly during a spell, Temba might just wait for this spell to get over. Oh scrap all of that. THE SECOND NEW BALL HAS BEEN TAKEN. It was taken on 81.5. Immediately there was extra pace and bounce. The kid should love it.

UFF! PACE AND BOUNCE! Right way with the new ball! Short of a length, outside off, going away, Saud Shakeel gets opened up and wants to defend it. But he shoulders arms at the last moment after watching the bounce of the ball.

Back of a length, around leg, angling in, Shan Masood tries to tuck it but misses it. They get a single for leg bye as the ball rolls over to square leg. The partnership has reached to 50 with this run.

Similar line and length but this time, Shan manages to keep it out, down the track.

A stifled appeal for LBW, turned down. Looked high on impact. Angling into the batter with a hint of shape that brings back the ball in sharply, over middle, on a back of a good length. Shan Masood is beaten in trying to block straight and wears it high on the pad.

Bends his back and bashes it into the deck, on a back of a length, outside off, Saud Shakeel knocks it to deep point for a single.

Drags his length, around off, turning in, Shan Masood goes back in the crease to block it, but gets the leading edge and falls over to the pitch itself.

FOUR! Swept Away! Tossed up, outside off, from over the wicket, angling in, Shan Masood gets on his knee and sweeps it to deep fine leg for a boundary off the front foot. He moves to 145 now.

Full around off, Shan Masood comes forward and defends it back to the bowler.

Full and on off, Shan Masood drives it straight to deepish mid on.

Full, just outside off, Shan covers the line and blocks.

Full, on middle, Saud Shakeel rocks back and hits it to mid-wicket for a single.

The second new ball is available now. Will South Africa take it immediately? Not yet. Maharaj continues.

Short of a length, around off, moves away after pitching, Saud Shakeel hops back and tries to flick it but gets through the glove to square leg. The trail is now of 100 runs.

Full again, around middle, coming in with the angle, Saud Shakeel comes forward and tucks it to mid-wicket.

A very tight single! Could have been gone if it had hit the stumps! Full, around off, coming in, from over the stumps, Shan Masood drives it to mid off and runs for a quick single. Temba Bavuma picks up and aims at the non striker's end but misses it. There is no such need for these kinda singles for Pakistan but they are doing it so.

Hits the deck, on a short of a length, on middle, Shakeel taps it to cover for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, comes a tad bit slower than Masood was hoping for. He dabs it in front of backward point and gets a single.

Hard length, on off, Shan makes a good block down the deck.

Slower through the air, full around off and middle, angling away, Saud comes forward and defends it off the front foot.

Short again, around middle and leg, Saud Shakeel swivels and tucks it to deep fine.

Short, outside off, from around the wicket, Shan Masood cuts it wide of point off the back foot for a single.

Tossed up, Saud Shakeel works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Full and drifting into the stumps, from around off, Shan Masood tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Nagging length, around off, Saud Shakeel goes deep in the crease and knocks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Pace or spin now?  Spin for now. Maharaj continues.

Shorter than the previous one, angling into the body, Shan Masood gets an outside edge in trying to keep it down to the off side. No harm is done!

Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood dabs it in front of cover and runs off but is sent back by Saud.

Good length, coming into the batter, skids through off the surface, around leg, Saud Shakeel tucks it to square leg for a single.

Well outside off, on a fuller length, Saud Shakeel goes towards the line and looks to play a ball he is better off leaving out and misses on the outside edge.

On a length, around off, Shakeel pushes it out.

Angles it in, on off, Saud Shakeel blocks it to the leg side.

The players are back out in the middle. A good session for Pakistan means that they could actually wipe off this deficit by Tea itself. But can they weather the second new ball? No more spin. Kwena Maphaka will start off proceedings after Lunch. 7-0-33-0 so far. Saud Shakeel to face.

... DAY 4, SECOND SESSION ...

Meanwhile, in another surprising news from Down Under, DAN CHRISTIAN has come out of T20 retirement, as he has been picked in Sydney Thunder's squad. Christian comes in after the Thunder saw a horror collision between Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft a few nights ago, with both ruled out for a while due to concussion and fractured shoulderblade, broken nose and concussion respectively. Chritsian joins an elite club of players to feature in the BBL in their 40s, that includes Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge, Peter Siddle, Fawad Ahmed and the late Shane Warne. The 41-year old last represented Sydney Sixers in competitive cricket a couple of years ago and has since, served as an assistant coach for Sydney Thunder! He is currently involved in a game against Brisbane Heat, where first, Christian smashed 2 huge sixes in a quickfire unbeaten 23 (15) and has had excellent bowling figures of 3-0-16-1 so far. Will he able to see his side home? The Heat currently need 39 from 28 balls.

Building on the previous paragraph, Mitchell Marsh is all set to feature in the BBL. There are rumours that he might be sidelined for the Lankan tour. It has been a horror last few months for the West Australian which has neither seen him score runs, nor pick wickets. And now, given that Beau Webster has made it big in his debut match, he could be preferred over Mitch. Strangely, there is no word about Cameron Green because when he gets fit, whom does he replace in the side?

Looking for news around the globe, word is filtering in that Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to commence from 29th January, 2025, could see the Kangaroos hopping without their regular skipper, Pat Cummins. Steve Smith might just get the nod to lead the side in that series. Cummins has expressed his desire to spend time with his family. Normally, what happens is, once the international season ends in Australia, for the Men, the players are released to play their domestic T20 League, the Big Bash. But, after an energy-sapping series with India, and given that the Lankan tour is not far off, the Test stars are not quite keen to play for a while. Steven Smith has been named in the Sydney Sixers squad but highly doubtful that he will play. Travis Head has made it pretty clear that he will not play for Adelaide Strikers as he wants some rest.

The second new ball will be due in 3 overs and South Africa might just take it immediately as soon as it becomes available. They will aim to strike multiple times and if that does happen, then we could see a finish before Tea itself. In contrast, if Pakistan manage to blunt the new ball, then we could actually be talking about how much can the visitors set for the Proteas to score. Unlike South Africa, Pakistan have got a long tail and the hosts will be eyeing to expose that. The second session should start by 1110 GMT.

South Africa are still on top in this game, but the problem sometimes is in the mind. Normally, when you get a lead of 400-plus and enforce the follow on, you are expected and you expect from yourself too, to quickly polish off the opposition. The home side would have dreamt of a win last night itself at the start and then, looked for quick wickets this morning too. But because of those partnerships, the heat is getting to the side which is actually on top. Last evening, the banter was one proof while now, the shock exhibited just before Lunch only because you missed a review, is bordering on the lines of desperation. One can understand if the game is getting out of hand, but still, there is a lot of time left in the contest.

When Shan Masood plays an innings like this, he almost looks invincible. His technique has been excellent and barring a slight weakness against reverse swing, which can happen to anyone, he has been as solid as a rock. He has to be the answer to Ryan Rickelton's 259 if Pakistan are to try and make a challenge in this Test match. And for that, he needs partners. One good thing so far in this innings has been the partnerships - 205, 30, 43 and the current one - 34. What this does is, prevents collapses and allows the new batter to get set. Saud Shakeel has come in and without taking much risks, kept milking the bowlers around, frustrating the hosts.

Barring that half an hour before Drinks, Pakistan have done reasonably well in this session of play. Perhaps it was a ploy overnight, in the dressing room, when Khurram Shahzad started to play his shots this morning. But what surprised us was that even Kamran Ghulam started to attack. Normally, teams do this when the deficit is under 75, so that quick runs can be scored, unlike here. However, after Ghulam's dismissal, the visitors have gone back to playing traditional cricket, playing on the merit of the balls.

The bowling certainly did not look as flat as it was almost the whole of Sunday. Barring the no balls, everyone who bowled, hit their mark. Marco Jansen got rid of the nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad while Kagiso Rabada managed to dislodge the attacking Kamran Ghulam. However, it has been an innings of toil for the bowlers, as the team has bowled 77 overs now. The pitch might be showing some signs of odd bounce but that is very infrequent. There is a small sign of reverse swing as well but other than that, the pitch still looks a very good one to bat on.

Excellent session for both sides. Primarily Pakistan, who managed to score 99 runs in 28 overs but South Africa bowled really well to pick up 2 wickets. What this stat does not show is that they could have got maybe 1 or 2 more.

Floated, outside off, Masood comes forward and drives it through the covers for another brace. That will now be LUNCH ON DAY 4, PAKISTAN ARE 312/3, TRAILING BY 109!

Drama just before the last ball before Lunch. Tristan Stubbs is moving across to silly point and is calling for a helmet. However, umpire Kumar Dharmasena is asking the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, also to wear a helmet. All in readiness now.

Slower again, a bit wider outside off, Shan Masood gets outside the line and blocks.

Landed around middle, Masood comes down and defends.

Full, just outside off, Shan Masood leans and stabs it down the track.

Drags the length down and keeps it on middle, Saud Shakeel hangs back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Full, on off, Shakeel drives it well but straight to cover.

Are we going to get one more? Yes, we will.

Slipped down the leg side, Shan Masood misses his flick.

Around middle and off, pushed out from the crease.

Around middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a single.

Hard length, at the stumps, Saud Shakeel keeps it out.

Not sure what the delay is for. The South Africans are in a huddle and are shocked looking at the giant screen. If they are shocked as to how did the umpire not give it out, well, if you look at the replay, Kyle Verreynne was going down the leg side. Second, why didn't they review it in the first place? Third, what is the point now, brooding over spoilt milk? Fourth, doesn't a lead of 113 give you enough confidence of getting your man again? Finally, they get moving. This will definitely be the last over before Lunch now.

A loud shout for LBW, but the umpire stays unmoved. South Africa do not opt for a review. This is angling into the batter, on a good length, on middle and leg. It skids through the surface and Saud Shakeel's head falls over as he tries to tuck it across the line and misses. The ball thuds his front pad right in front of the stumps. Oh dear, the Ball Track on the replay shows that the ball was going on to hit the top of leg stump and had they challenged the onfield call, it would have been overturned to OUT. A big, big miss just before Lunch!

Kwena Maphaka comes back into the attack for a short burst before Lunch and bowls it on a length, into the pads, Shan Masood clips it through mid-wicket for one.

More runs. Very full, around leg stump, Shakeel comes forward and just eases it through mid on. Tristan Stubbs at deepish mid on has some work to do to his left and by the time he gets there, two runs are taken.

Change of angle from Maharaj, comes around the wicket. Darts it on the pads, Shan Masood flicks it through square leg for a run.

Landed outside off, Saud Shakeel gets a big stride and pushes the ball through point. Calls, 'AAJA, AAJA, AAJA!' to his skipper, meaning, 'Come, come, come!' and the single is completed with ease.

Cries of 'catch it' but that was hit a bit too well by Shakeel. Full, on middle, Saud Shakeel skips out of the crease and lofts it over that shortish long on for a couple of runs.

Quicker through the air, full and on middle, Saud Shakeel blocks.

Full, outside off, Saud Shakeel sweeps it from well in front but can't get it past backward square leg.

Slower through the air, around off, Masood defends.

Fuller and flatter outside off, Saud Shakeel gets down and nicely laps it though backward square leg for a run.

300 UP FOR PAKISTAN. Excellent effort. Short and outside off, Shan Masood goes back and punches it in front of point for a single. The deficit is now 121.

Flighted a bit, on middle, Shan Masood flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Full, at the pads, tucked to mid-wicket by Shan.

Darted full, on middle and off, Saud Shakeel looks to block with a straight bat but gets an inside edge that rolls past to square leg for a single.

Well bowled. Plenty of flight, around off, the skipper just jumps out a bit and defends it in front of short leg.

More flight, this time, Masood comes forward a touch and defends.

Fuller, around off, slower through the air, Shan Masood makes some sort of a trigger movement, perhaps wanting to come down the track, but in the end, just blocks the ball from the crease.

Flighted full, on off, Saud Shakeel taps it in front of a shortish long on and steals a quick single.

Tossed up, on off, Shan Masood works it down the ground to long on for a single.

Full and turning in, on off, Shan Masood taps it to mid wicket.

Double change? Indeed. It is a change of ends for Keshav Maharaj. 26-3-65-0 so far. So it should be spin from both ends till the second new ball is taken. Expect some real quick overs now.

Short and outside off, the skipper rocks back and cuts it behind point for a run.

Too full outside off, this time Saud is able to drive it to long off for a single.

Another full ball, around middle, Shakeel jams it out.

Extremely full and straight, Saud Shakeel watchfully blocks it out towards cover.

Another quicker ball, around off, Masood goes back and cuts it from the stumps through point for a single. The deficit is now 129.

Good start. Delivers a ball which is very quick through the air. On middle, Shan Masood stays back and defends.

Aiden Markram has been called upon. 1-0-6-0 so far. Two reasons for this - A. There are two left-handers at the crease. B. The second new ball is just 9 overs away.

On a good length right on the off stump, Saud defends.

Closer to the off stump this time, but same reaction from Shakeel.

Landed outside off, from around the wicket, just a shade wide, Saud Shakeel lets it pass.

Back of a length, around off, Shan stands tall and punches it to deep point for a single.

Good length, on middle, Shan Masood keeps it out.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! To add to the agony, KG has overstepped again! On a fuller length, just outside off, Shan Masood leans on and drives it beautifully in front of square on the off side. The sole fielder at deep point, Kwena Maphaka, chases the ball and covers a lot of ground to inch closer to it. Dives ahead but does so over the ball as it goes through to the fence.

Full, on off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off.

Makes a bit of a movement to come down the track, does Saud and seeing that, Maharaj just flattens the ball and shortens the length a touch. But SS does not come fully forward. Only dabs it out.

Well played. Similar to the previous ball but this time, Shakeel takes it on the full. Gets down and sweeps it through mid-wicket. Good job done by Kwena Maphaka at the boundary. Keeps the batters to a couple.

Plenty of flight, around off, Saud Shakeel comes forward and flicks it towards short mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on off, Saud Shakeel drives it through covers and takes two runs.

Short and on middle, tucked across by Shakeel.

Wow, there's so much happening around when Maharaj is bowling to Shan! This one goes past the edge! Tossed up, just outside off, Shan Masood lunges to drive it through off but plays well inside the line. The ball pitches and turns back in late to go past the outside edge and evades the keeper's gloves allowing the batters to scamper through a bye.

Full outside off, going away from the batter, Saud Shakeel comes forward and watches the ball go through to the keeper.

Good from Rabada! Beaten! Nagging length, around off, coming into the batter, moves away after pitching, Saud Shakeel comes to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a good length, outside off, from around the wicket, Saud Shakeel shoulders arms to let it go.

Back to a length, outside off, left alone by the batter.

Full, at the stumps, almost a yorker, Shakeel digs it out.

Length, outside off, Saud Shakeel leans ahead and lets it pass.

Full again, around middle and leg, Shan flicks it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Drags his length, around middle and off, Masood goes back in the crease and defends it with the full face of the bat towards square leg.

Full around middle, from around the stumps, Shan Masood keeps it down off the front foot.

Tossed up, just outside off, Saud Shakeel clips it to long on and gets off the blocks straightaway.

Looped full, outside off, Shan drives it to long off for a single. Seems visibly unhappy with his shot because it was there to be put away.

Full, on off, Shan Masood goes deep in the crease and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Has the procession begun? Saud Shakeel walks in next at number 5, replacing Kamran Ghulam.

OUT! GONE! BOWLED! KG IS PUMPED UP! He has his man finally! Also, this is RABADA'S 50TH TEST WICKET AT NEWLANDS. Bowled slightly full, just outside off, coming in with the angle, Kamran Ghulam tries to heave it off the front foot but misses it. The ball goes through the gap between bat and pad and shatters the off stump. Pakistan have lost their third wicket and second this morning. Kamran departs for a quickfire but unconvincing 28. Pakistan are 278/3 and still trail by 143.

FOUR! Not very convincing but he will take it! Slightly short, outside off, going away, Kamran Ghulam throws his hands at it and tries to cut it. Gets through the outer half of the blade and the ball goes over the head of leaping slips for a boundary to deep third.

On a good length, from around the wicket, Shan Masood guides it wide of point for a single.

DROPPED AGAIN? Nope, just short. On a good length, outside off, from over the wicket, a hint of outswing, Kamran Ghulam comes forward to drive it, but gets an outside edge that goes to second slip. Aiden Markram tries to take it by diving to his right with one hand but the ball lands just in front of him and goes behind. They take a single and Rabada is shaking his head - for two reasons. First, the edge did not carry, second, it is ANOTHER NO BALL!

Another one that is pitching outside off, Kamran is happy to let it pass too.

Outside off, on a length, left alone by the batter.

Nicely driven but straight to the fielder! On a length, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam leans on it and cracks the drive right of the middle of the bat but straight to cover.

Full again, outside off, angling away, Shan Masood taps it wide to the off side off the front foot for no run.

Slower through the air, just outside off, Shan Masood prods forward to defend it but gets an inside edge that falls in the vacant short leg region.

On a nagging length, outside off, from around the wicket, Kamran Ghulam goes back in the crease and cuts it wide of point for a single.

Similar ball, just around off, blocked to silly point by Ghulam.

Lopped up, on middle and off, Kamran blocks.

Full, on off, Shan Masood flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, outside off, going away, Kamran Ghulam doesn't offer any shot at it.

On a good length, around middle and leg, coming in with the angle, Kamran Ghulam nudges it wide of square leg and takes a couple of runs quickly. Oh.. no... KG has overstepped.

Hard length, outside off, Kamran Ghulam shoulders arms to let it go.

On a good length, around off, from over the stumps, Kamran Ghulam dabs it to cover off the front foot.

Very full, right at the stumps, Ghulam pushes it out with a drive to cover.

Fuller and on off, Kamran Ghulam drives it to mid off.

FOUR! Great shot right after the break! Short of a good length from KG, just wide outside off, enough for Kamran to pounce on. He rises with the bounce and crunches his shot through covers.

DRINKS BREAK. We have had 15 overs of play and 49 runs have been scored, for the loss of one wicket. But tell you what, it seems like a lot of wickets have fallen. Plenty of action has been happening for the last 45 minutes or so. South Africa were not actually on the money to start Day 4 and Shan Masood and Kamran Ghulam were comfortably batting at the crease. But eventually, the home side warmed up to the task and got the wicket of Ghulam. That actually is an injustice to their efforts as they could have had Masood and Ghulam as well. The latter even gave a catch, which was not accepted by David Bedingham, but Ghulam is living very dangerously. Additionally, the old ball is showing signs of reverse swing and the South Africans will be looking to use that. Pakistan, one feels, are thinking a bit too ahead of themselves. Yesterday, they batted with supreme resolve in the third innings but today, it seems like they are already looking to counterattack from the word go. One can understand if the thought process was to get into the lead as quickly as possible and put South Africa under pressure, but given that the trail is still 159, might be better if they get their resolve back and frustrate the Proteas out of their discipline.

Gets it in the gap this time! Full again, outside off, overpitched, Kamran Ghulam gets room to play a drive through the cover but finds the gap this time in between cover and mid off. Tristan Stubbs gives it a solid chase and dives to save the boundary. He has a shy at the bowler's end but misses it. They take three runs in between. Direct hit could have been interesting.

Slower through the air, full ball, just outside off, Ghulam drives it straight to cover.

Tossed up, around middle and leg, from around the wicket, Kamran keeps it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Slows it up with a flatter trajectory and keeps it on a shorter length, on middle and leg, Shan Masood tucks it to deep square leg and rotates the strike over.

Flighted very full, on middle and off, Kamran Ghulam makes some room and drives it to long off for a single.

Tossed up, on the pads, Shan Masood hangs back and clips it to deep square leg for one.

Goes fuller, outside off, Kamran lets it go to the keeper.

FOUR! In the air but in the gap and a boundary! Overpitched, outside off, going away from the batter, Kamran Ghulam comes forward and goes for an expansive drive off the front foot. But he gets through the outer half of the blade that goes in the air and in the gap between gully and slip cordon for a boundary. He is living dangerously here for sure and taking his chances.

On a good length, around off, coming in with the angle, Kamran Ghulam tucks it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Fuller, outside off, shaping away, Ghulam shoulders arms.

Landed outside off, left alone.

Landed outside off, Ghulam pushes at it towards cover. Oh dear. Along with the good, comes the bad. South Africa have been so good in the last half an hour or so that the bad part could not stay behind for long. Here comes the FIRST NO BALL of Day 4.

Kagiso Rabada has been given the ball now. 12-0-56-0 so far. And he is right on the money. Starts with a wobbly seam and lands it on a length outside off, Kamran Ghulam pushes at it but misses.

Drags his length, around off, Kamran Ghulam cuts it wide of point for a single to retain the strike.

Full, slower through the air, around leg, Kamran Ghulam makes room and charges down the track to play it over cover. But he gets through the inner half of the bat to the left side of the pitch. No run.

On a nagging length, around middle and off, from around the wicket, Shan Masood goes back in the crease and nudges it in the gap between square leg and mid-wicket for a single. 250 up for Pakistan. The trail is now 171 runs.

Slower through the air, around middle, the skipper blocks.

Fuller, around middle and leg, Masood flicks it towards mid-wicket.

Landed around middle, Shan Masood stays back and defends.

Well, SA pacers, start licking your lips. A - The ball is reversing. B - The second ball is around after 19 overs. If the home side gets it right, Pakistan are going to have their hands full for the next at least 35 overs or so. Natalie Germanos on air informs us that Ryan Rickelton's scans on his right hamstring have detected a strain. So he will definitely not field but for batting if need be, there will be a penalty imposed. Rickelton can either bat AFTER 120 minutes have passed in the 4th innings, or when the 5th wicket falls, whichever is EARLIER.

On a good length, down the leg side, angling in, from around the wicket, Kamran Ghulam tries to flick it but misses. The keeper takes it by diving to his left.

Full outside off, going away from the batter, Kamran shoulders arms to let it go.

A quick single through a fumble at mid on! Full around middle, coming in with the angle, from over the wicket, Shan Masood pushes it off the front foot to mid on and gets off the strike.

On a good length, outside off, Shan Masood pushes at it but misses.

Terrific effort from Kagiso Rabada! Sore knee? Says who? On a length, around middle, Kamran Ghulam goes back and works it nicely through mid-wicket. The ball travels through the outfield but Kagiso Rabada hares to his left from deep square leg and gets to the ball with a dive, pushing it away. The batters, in the meanwhile, take three. The third umpire wants to check whether it is a clean stop, as Rabada had touched the ropes. The replay shows that Rabada first pushed the ball away and then touched the ropes.

Terrific ball. Is that a sign of reverse swing? Marco Jansen comes from over the wicket and targets the stumps and keeping the length full. Shan Masood is massively late in picking that, missing his flick and he nearly gets a yorker. Is hit on the pads and South Africa appeal, but again, not with conviction. The ball deflects towards fine leg and a single is taken. Leg bye signalled. Yes, the replay does indicate signs of reverse swing. Regarding the LBW, seems to be heading down leg.

Ends with a dot! Flighted full, around off, turning away, Kamran Ghulam defends it off the front foot.

Full, around middle, angling in, Kamran comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, around middle and leg, from around the stumps, Kamran Ghulam comes forward and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Living dangerously. Very dangerously. Someone needs to remind Kamran that this is Newlands. Meaning, a new land. This is not Lahore or Rawalpindi where you get only highways. Full, outside off, Ghulam comes forward and goes at it way too hard, driving the ball uppishly. Luckily for him, it does not carry to extra cover.

From around the wicket, flatter on middle, Kamran Ghulam drives it back to the bowler.

Full, outside off, Shan Masood leans and drives it through mid off for a single.

Wow. Action-packed last 2 overs. First, Maharaj troubles Shan Masood twice in an over and then Marco Jansen could have actually got Kamran Ghulam three times in that over. Seems like the wicket is spicing up now. And looking at the way Ghulam is playing, we might see a wicket around the corner.

FOUR! DROPPED! Gets through the hands of first slip! Full ball, just outside off, straightens off the deck, Kamran Ghulam goes for an expansive drive off the front foot. But he only manages to get a thick outside edge that goes to the right of David Bedingham at first slip who moves across to his right and tries to take it with just his right hand. The ball goes through his grasp and races away to the boundary at deep third. Lucky escape for Kamran.

FOUR LEG BYES! Hard length, down the leg side, angling in, from around the wicket. Kamran Ghulam tries to tickle it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball kisses the pads and races away to the boundary at deep fine leg. They get four runs for leg byes.

On a good length, from around the wicket, coming in, just outside off, Kamran Ghulam shoulders arms to let it go.

From around the wicket, Jansen targets the off stump from a wide angle. Lands the ball fuller, but gets it to move away. Once again, Ghulam is squared up but somehow keeps it out.

Full and around middle, Kamran Ghulam looks to defend but the ball moves away a touch and squares him up. Manages to keep the ball out though.

Kamran Ghulam walks in at number 4, replacing Khurram Shahzad.

OUT! CAUGHT! The nightwatchman is dismissed at last. South Africa were getting frustrated with this 30-run stand and have got their first wicket of the day. But, Khurram Shahzad has done his job. As a nightwatchman, Khurram's role was to safeguard Masood till Stumps on Day 3 and bat for as long as possible today. He has done both, having batted for nearly 40 minutes in the morning. Coming to the delivery, it was delivered on a length, from around the wicket and the line was a bit wider outside off. Shahzad reached out to push it away from his body but he did not move his feet. Additionally, the ball seemed to stop on the wicket and hence, the shot got played early. The ball came onto the face of the bat and spooned gently to Keshav Maharaj at backward point who took it easily. Khurram Shahzad departs for a resilient 18 and Pakistan are 235/2, trailing by 186 runs.

Is he out this time? No, Nitin Menon shakes his head again and South Africa aren't reviewing it either. Tossed up, around middle and off, from around the wicket, Shan Masood goes on the back foot with a bit of hesitation and tries to defend it. He gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball kisses the pad and goes to first slip. He dives ahead and pouches it with both hands. Masood is playing dangerously here.

Full again, but outside off, Masood pats it to off side.

Tossed up, around middle, from around the wicket, Shan keeps it down back to the bowler.

Fuller, around middle, well defended.

FOUR! Goes all wrong in this one. Short and way down the leg side, from around the wicket, Masood gets down on a knee and pull-sweeps it behind square leg. This stand is now worth 30 and the deficit is 186.

Gone! No? Nothing from Nitin Menon. Maharaj wants a review but gets no support from anyone. Bavuma is standing confused, gesturing, 'Should I take the review or not?' Not taken in the end.  It landed around off, Shan Masood looked to defend from the crease but was squared up. Now, the ball went off something to Aiden Markram at first slip and the Proteas appealed for both, caught and LBW. Maharaj definitely thought it was out, but Markram said there was no bat involved. As far as LBW was concerned, Kyle Verreynne, the keeper, suggested that it was too high.

Major news coming from the South African dressing room - RYAN RICKELTON WILL NOT TAKE THE FIELD IN THIS INNINGS. If need be, he will come out to bat. He is sitting in the dressing room, braving a smile. Don't think he would have featured in the Champions Trophy squad any which ways, but he will definitely miss a few matches of the SA20.

Nicely played! On a good length, around middle and leg, coming in, Khurram Shahzad just tucks it wide of mid-wicket off the front foot with soft hands. They get a couple of runs.

Back of a length, from over the wicket, around middle, Khurram Shahzad keeps it down off the back foot.

Gets a single now! Good length, from around the wicket, just outside off, going away with the angle, Shan Masood dabs it in front of cover and gets off the strike.

Another drive, but gets stopped again. South Africa trying to slow the game down. Almost after every over, Temba Bavuma is deliberately trying to chat with his bowler and make the batter wait. And then, they are planning to get the batter to drive, but stop the runs. Trying to build frustration into Pakistan.

Around middle, pushed back down the ground.

Full, outside off, Shan Masood leans and drives towards Temba Bavuma at wide mid off.

After a long chat with the skipper, Maharaj bowls this quicker and flatter, just around off, Khurram Shahzad pushes it past silly point.

A bit quicker and full, on middle and leg, turned across with a block from Shahzad.

Full, on middle, Khurram Shahzad blocks it on the front foot.

Extremely slow through the air, from around the wicket, on middle and off, Khurram Shahzad offers a dead bat in defense.

More flight, but this time, the length is fuller. Masood leans and pushes it towards long on for a single.

Short in length, slower through the air, landed outside off, spinning down, Shan Masood looks to work it behind square, but cannot get the ball past backward square leg.

Pulls the length back by a quarter and angles it away, just outside off, another push from Shahzad that fails to make a connection.

Very full this time, on middle and off, Shahzad eases it out to mid off.

Great ball! Angling away, on a length, around middle and off and shaping away a bit off the deck. Khurram Shahzad looks to push it out but gets beaten on the outside edge. Not that far off from the stumps either.

Yorker, outside off, but a touch wide. Khurram Shahzad looks to steer it away but misses.

Down the leg side, Masood flicks it behind square leg for a single.

Massive shout for LBW, but not with conviction. Think there was bat involved. No review taken. On a length, outside off, Shan Masood looked to work it across the line but missed and was hit on the pads, right in front of the stumps. Jansen appealed but then let it be, when the umpire did not raise his finger. Suspect there were two noises.

Lopped above the eye line, tempting the batter to go after it. Khurram Shahzad firms the drive but straight to cover.

Quicker through the air, full and on middle and leg, Khurram Shahzad chips it down to the right of the bowler.

Full, at the stumps, blocked by Shahzad.

Around middle and off, Khurram looks to defend again but gets a bit of an inside edge onto his pads.

From around the wicket, another slower ball, flighted on off, Khurram Shahzad defends it solidly.

Slower through the air, short in length outside off, Shan Masood goes back and punches it uppishly through mid on for a single.

Just came to know that Ryan Rickelton has not taken the field this morning. The news from the South African dressing room is that he is suffering from cramps but that reason looks a bit weird. Suspect it has got to do something with his hamstring. Last evening, while trying to run after a ball, Rickelton experienced some discomfort. Could be related to that. Corbin Bosch is substituting for him.

Back to landing it full, on off, Khurram drives it to mid off.

Drags the length back by a bit but keeps the line of attack the same. Khurram Shahzad does well to block.

Comes from around the wicket and serves it very full, on off, Shahzad pushes it out to cover.

A touch shorter now, outside off, the skipper punches it through cover-point for a single.

Beauty. The pace is just 133 kph, but the line and length are immaculate. The line is just on the 6th stump, outside off and the length is in between full and good. Masood pushes at it, but without moving his feet. Misses.

Overpitched, outside off, gentle pace at 132 kph, Shan Masood leans and drives, but finds cover.

Slightly quicker on this occassion, on off, Khurram Shahzad taps it just short of silly point.

Flighted full, at the stumps, Khurram Shahzad gets his bat ahead and pushes it back to the bowler.

Lands it nice and full, on off, Shahzad blocks it to cover.

FOUR! Nothing late or early in this one. Perfectly picked, perfectly hit. Flighted, on off, Khuraam comes forward and swings it cleanly over mid on. So Shahzad is not going to just hang in there. The deficit is now 197.

Very well bowled. Slower through the air, around middle, Khurram Shahzad looks to flick but is way too early. Gets a leading edge, just wide of silly point.

A touch short, outside off, spinning in, Shan Masood gets across, goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! How good a shot was that? Surely not in total control, but looked more like it nevertheless. Full from Jansen, outside off, Khurram Shahzad unsure of whether to play or leave it, looks to let the ball go past but is late to bring his bat back. Opens the bat face on the way and the ball squeezes past gully for a boundary.

Fuller, on off, kept out by Shahzad towards cover.

Angles it into the batter, on a back of a good length, over middle, Shahzad dabs it out in front of mid on.

A bouncer, but down the leg side, Khurram Shahzad ducks. Good work by the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, diving to his left.

Full, on middle, Masood flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

On a length, around off, Shan Masood pushes it towards cover.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be Marco Jansen. 10-0-56-1 so far.

Quicker and fuller, on off, kept out by Shahzad.

Loops it up a lot and keeps it outside off, Shahzad sees the flight and goes for a big swipe and misses. The ball scoots under his bat and goes past to the keeper to his right.

Full and on leg, Khurram Shahzad tucks it to short leg.

Fuller, around off, from around the wicket, Khurram Shahzad just dead-bats it.

Around off, watchfully defended.

And just what South Africa wanted. Get the set batter off strike. Flighted, outside off, Shan Masood gets a big stride and pushes it down the ground for a single.

Another bright and sunny day welcomes us. Plenty of expectations from both sides. Runs galore? Wickets galore? Or a bit of both? The players make their way out to the middle. First job for South Africa - get rid of the nightwatchman. Shan Masood has a long chat with Khurram Shahzad. It will be spin to set things off for the day. Keshav Maharaj will bowl to the Pakistan skipper. 15-3-36-0 so far.

While we wait for the action to kick off here, there’s some exciting news from just across the cricketing globe. Afghanistan have secured a commanding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in a thrilling Test match. The game had it all - momentum shifts, grit, and drama, but it was Afghanistan’s batting in the second innings, coupled with Rashid Khan’s magical bowling in the final innings, that proved decisive. Rashid picked up a sensational 7-wicket haul, dismantling Zimbabwe’s batting order and sealing the series 1-0 for Afghanistan. A remarkable performance and yet another milestone for a team that continues to grow in stature in the longest format!

South African bowlers struggled with discipline, conceding 23 no balls in the match so far, which has been a persistent issue for them. With tired bowlers and lapses in execution, South Africa will be eager to regroup quickly to regain control of the game. As Day 4 begins, all eyes will be on Pakistan’s batters to see if they can continue their fightback and make a game out of this. Will South Africa’s bowlers find a way to break through and enforce an innings defeat, or will Pakistan’s resilience turn this into an unforgettable Test match? The pitch is likely to assist the spinners as the day progresses, but Pakistan’s skipper Shan Masood will be keen to guide his team through the pressure. Stay tuned as the action resumes in just a few minutes!

Pakistan’s batting then collapsed from 118/3 to 194/9, lagging South Africa's total by 421 runs. The absence of Saim Ayub, who has been ruled out of the match due to a right ankle injury, only added to their batting woes. With the followon enforced, South African fans were hoping for a Day 3 finish but Pakistan had other plans for their second innings. Shan Masood and Babar Azam came out with a positive intent, playing with patience and determination. Shan brought up his sixth Test century, while Babar played a fluent knock of 81 before falling to Marco Jansen late in the day.

The first two days belonged entirely to South Africa. They posted a mammoth 615 runs in their first innings, led by Ryan Rickelton, who scored his maiden double century. Contributions from skipper Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, both of whom scored centuries, added to Pakistan’s woes. Day 3 started on a promising note for Pakistan, as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan added 98 runs for the fourth wicket in their first innings. However, debutant Kwena Maphaka got rid of Babar, and a reckless shot from Rizwan led to his dismissal shortly after.

Hello and welcome to the fourth day of the second and final Test match between South Africa and Pakistan, being played at the iconic Newlands in Cape Town. After three days of cricket, the match is nicely poised. While South Africa dominated the early part of the game, Pakistan’s incredible fightback in their second innings has added a twist to the tale. Now trailing by 208 runs, Pakistan’s opening pair put up a commendable show, stitching together a massive 205-run partnership to keep their team in the contest after being forced to follow on.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

So, from a possible Day 3 finish, we head towards an highly anticipated Day 4. Pakistan are still 208 runs behind but this batting display in the second innings gives them and the viewers confidence that maybe, they could avoid an innings defeat and give South Africa something competitive to chase. But for that to happen, the visitors need to bat the whole of Day 4. South Africa will definitely be aiming to come back pretty hard and improve their lines and lengths and finish this off in two sessions. Will we have a Day 5? To find out the answer, you will have to join us as we take you through this journey. The first ball on Monday, 6th January, 2025 will be bowled at 8.30 am GMT but our buildup will begin much sooner. So do join us early. And you can also catch the action from the final day of the second Zimbabwe-Afghanistan Test. Enjoy. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Good bowling attack, yes. But did they bowl well? Not quite. The new-ball bowlers sprayed the ball around and then when the ball stopped moving after the first 5-odd overs, they got frustrated and let it get the better of them. That frustration turned into desperation as they resolved to sledging the opposition to try and earn a wicket but nothing helped. Add to it, their continuous array of no balls would have given headaches to the bowling coach and he has his task cut out for Monday, in the nets. As many as 13 no balls were bowled in the first innings and we have already seen 10 in this innings alone. Make that 23 in roughly 103 overs, means one nearly every 4 overs. Only Keshav Maharaj seemed to assert some control as he was getting nice purchase out of the rough created by the footmarks of the faster bowlers.

Talking about Shan Masood, he has definitely led from the front. Wonderful to see a player execute an array of strokes when in form. Against the new ball, Masood drove to his heart's content and then, when the ball got older and the lengths got shortened, he resorted to pulling the balls. He is unbeaten on 102 and thanks to 14 boundaries, he is batting at a strike rate of 61, which is pretty decent in this format of the game. Pakistan themselves are going along at more than 4 runs per over, something which is commendable against a pretty good bowling attack.

Guess Pakistan themselves won't have an answer if someone asks them about the pitch getting better to bat or not. The deck has stayed the same throughout the day, but it is amazing to see what can mental resolve do. Skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam, coming out to bat for the second time in this Test, having a mountain to climb, just put their head down and batted. They were helped with a few freebies by the South African seamers but they did not waste their start. Both made their starts count, adding a massive 205 for the opening wicket, giving immense confidence to the dressing room. Babar continued his form from the first innings, getting his second half century in the match, but just towards the closing stages of the day, lost his concentration and his wicket for 81.

A nervy end to the day but what a day of Test match cricket for Pakistan. We have seen two sides of the same team on Sunday. They had a torrid first half of the day, losing their way completely from a decent position, and having the followon enforced. But in reply, barring that last 15 minutes of the day, they have ended Day 3 pretty strongly.

Oh dear, that goes past the edge and the off stump! End of an incredible day as STUMPS have been called on DAY 3 with Pakistan at 213/1 trailing by 208 more runs. Marco Jansen lands it perfectly on a fuller length, just marginally outside off, and angles it into the batter. Khurram Shahzad with absolutely no foot movement has a feel for it away from the body and misses. The ball zips past the outside edge and mind you, not that far off from the off stump too.

Very full, at the stumps, Khurram Shahzad blocks it out.

FOUR! Amidst all the nerves, Khurram Shahzad gets one through the gap for a boundary. On a length, outside off, Shahzad pokes his bat at it with a slightly angled face. Gets a thick outside edge that splits the slip cordon to go past the second slip to his right and finds the fence.

Close to the outside edge! Shahzad is probably expecting a short ball and hence is way behind in the crease. The ball lands on a length and comes in with the angle but KS is standing away from the line of the ball, to the leg side. Pokes at the ball and cannot reach it, missing it by a distance.

Outside off, Khurram makes a Marnus Labuschagne type of leave. For those not aware, Labuschagne gets his bat down to play a shot but then, at the last moment, takes it away.

On a good length, outside off, Khurram Shahzad comes forward to defend. But the ball rises suddenly and takes him by surprise. He does well to fend it to the right of short leg and there is no one at fine leg. Masood sees that and calls him through, confident that they will get two and they do.

Last over of the day? Possibly. Especially with Marco Jansen to bowl. Only 3 minutes left. Can South Africa get one more wicket?

Full, on middle and leg, Shahzad tucks it to square leg and takes a single.

So nearly sneaked through. Full and on off, Khurram Shahzad plays it with a straight bat and just about manages to squeeze it out off the inner half of the bat.

Looped up full and on off, Khurram Shahzad taps it out to silly point.

Down the leg side, Shahzad stutters a bit but manages to play it down in front of short leg.

The arm ball, outside off, pushed towards point.

Fuller, around off, watchfully defended.

So we will have a Day 5 in the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo. The visitors had taken the extra half hour, but suddenly the skies became gloomy and with thunder and lightning in the vicinity, safety of the players became paramount. Zimbabwe end the day on 205/8 and they need another 73 for a memorable win. Craig Ervine, the skipper, is leading from the front, with a valiant 53, but from where can he find support? Only Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani left for the hosts. Probably they need to go to the dressing room and check for the video of the final day of the 2005 Ashes Test in Edgbaston. Except the end, of course, considering that they are the batting team.

Good length, over middle, Shan Masood dabs it down the deck.

Just got carried away a bit too much did Jansen. Puts extra effort on this ball and fires it full but way down leg. Kyle Verreynne does well to dive to that side and make a stop.

Full and on the pads, Khurram Shahzad chips it to the right of mid on for a single and gets off the mark.

Very full, but a bit wide outside off, Khurram Shahzad gets across and shoulders arms.

Nightwatchman time? Just 13 minutes left in the day's play. Indeed. Khurram Shahzad walks in at number 3, replacing Babar Azam.

OUT! CAUGHT! At long last, South Africa get their 10th wicket of this match! Just when it seemed like Pakistan were well on course to end the day without losing any wicket in the second innings, Babar Azam loses his concentration. Was the carrot of a possible century dangling in front of his eyes? Marco Jansen came from around the wicket and bowed it on a length, a bit wide outside off. Could have been left alone, but Babar went for a big booming drive. Got a thick outside edge which went quickly behind. David Bedingham, who has been exceptional on the field, took a sharp catch at gully. The crowd finds its voice. Azam cannot believe what has happened. Starts trudging off now, for a wonderful 81, but he knows, he could have got more. PAKISTAN are 205/1 and trail by 216 runs. Maybe, there was some extra bounce in that dismissal as well, but it could have definitely been left alone.

Landed around middle and off, punched back to the bowler.

Floated full, on middle, Shan turns it to square leg.

Full and on off, Masood makes a confident block.

Full, outside off, Shan Masood drives it to long off.

Slower through the air, outside off, lands and turns in sharply, along with extra bounce. Masood adjusts well to play it down in front of short leg.

A bit quicker, around off, Shan Masood goes back and works it on the bounce to David Bedingham at short leg.

Landed outside off, little bit of turn, Babar Azam reaches out and drives it through the covers for a single.

It is now getting a bit ridiculous from a South African point of view. It is almost like whenever a bowler returns for a new spell, barring Keshav Maharaj, everyone else is bowling at least one no ball in the returning over. The no ball count has gone upto 10 now, with every seamer barring Kwena Maphaka bowling a no ball at least. This is to go with 11 in the first innings. So 21 in total already.

FOUR AND HUNDRED FOR THE PAKISTANI SKIPPER, SHAN MASOOD! What a knock under immense pressure! After two-and-a-half days of struggle for Pakistan, their captain has stood tall, leading from the front with a brilliant century. A captain’s innings in every sense of the word! Marco Jansen goes full and on middle, Shan Masood drives it past mid on to his left. Keshav Maharaj chases the ball up towards the boundary cushions but loses the race eventually. The dressing room rises to applaud its leader and so does the crowd! This is Masood's FIRST CENTURY AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA in Tests.

Fuller and outside off, Babar Azam punches it to deep point for one and gets the skipper back on strike for the last ball. Pakistan and this partnership now go to 200 runs!

Full and at the stumps, jagging back in late, Shan Masood flicks it to deep square leg and gets a single. Moves to 98 now!

On a good length, outside off, nipping back in, SM looks to tuck it across but misses. No LBW appeal, as it was too high.

On middle and leg, Shan gets across and works it towards mid on.

Similar ball, tempting Masood again and this time, the skipper connects. Moves his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers. Temba Bavuma seemed to have it covered but fumbled at the last moment, allowing his counterpart to return for the second. Masood onto 97 now.

Ooohhh... steady there, nervy skipper. Full and wide outside off, Shan Masood thinks it is right in his arc to drive and goes hard after it, without moving his feet. Luckily for him, he misses. In the end, would not have mattered even if he had edged it. NO BALL called by the third umpire.

Double change. Marco Jansen is back on, with around 25 minutes left in the day. 7-0-40-0 so far.

Maharaj slows it up and hits the rough, just around off and gets the ball to turn away past the outside edge as Babar Azam looks to block it straight.

Flighted full again, Babar charges down the track, converts it into a full toss and whips it straight to mid on.

Looped very full, on middle, Babar Azam turns it to mid-wicket.

A touch short, on middle and leg, the skipper punches this down the ground, towards long on, for a single, to move to 95.

Slower through the air, around off, Masood goes back and helps it on the bounce to David Bedingham at short leg.

Full and around off, Shan Masood lunges and defends.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, what was anticipated to be a 5-day thriller, has now rocketed towards a 4-day finish. Champion Rashid Khan has spun a web around the home side, picking up 6 wickets, as Zimbabwe have slipped from 157/4 to 178/8! With the extra half hour taken, will Afghanistan be able to close the Test out today itself? The target for Zimbabwe is 278. Long way away. Only Craig Ervine stands between the visitors and victory. Keshav Maharaj returns. 12-3-33-0 so far.

Good length, just outside off, Shan Masood pushes it to the left of short third and calls Babar for a single. He now moves to 94 runs!

Length, on middle, blocked to mid on by Shan.

Bashes the deck hard, on a short of a length, over middle, Babar Azam taps it in front of cover and steals a quick single.

Full again, but around leg this time, Shan Masood nudges it to deep square leg for a single.

Full outside off, Shan Masood goes for a drive again but gets through the inner half of the blade to mid on. He makes a fumble and Shan Masood calls out for a quick single but is sent back by Babar.

FOUR! MOVES INTO THE 90s! Full, outside off, from around the stump, overpitched, Shan Masood comes forward and drives it wide of cover for a boundary. A good start to the over for Pakistan and their skipper is inching closer to his hundred.

Good followup delivery! Bangs it into the deck, on a back of a good length, just outside off, shaping away a bit off the seam, Babar Azam throws his hands in an attempt to slice it through off but misses.

Oh no, not the best of balls from Kwena Maphaka, and this isn't the first time he has missed his radar. Fires it full and way down leg, Kyle Verreynne dives to his right but fails to make a clean stop. The ball rolls behind him and the batters take a bye.

On a good length, angling into middle and off, Babar Azam just taps it in front of cover and takes a single.

FOUR! DIGS IT OUT! A yorker from around the stumps, just outside off, coming in with the angle, Babar Azam digs it out in the gap between first slip and gully. Aiden Markram makes a full stretched dive to his right but can't stop the ball from going to the boundary at deep third.

BEATEN! Back of a length, outside off, going away, Babar Azam goes for an expansive cut shot off the back foot but misses it.

Good length, around middle, coming in with the angle, Shan Masood tries to flick it off the front foot. But misses it as the ball kisses the pads and goes to deep fine leg. They take a single, signalled as a leg bye.

Reload. Kwena Maphaka comes charging in but has to abort just at the time of the delivery. Reason? Kyle Verreynne. No, not his fault, in fact it was good that he stopped Maphaka. In the nick of time, Verreynne, surveyed the field and saw deep backward square leg, fine leg and leg gully in place. As per cricketing rules, you cannot have three fielders behind square on the leg side. Will be deemed a no ball. Accordingly, the field got changed.

Babar lets this outside-off delivery go through.

Oh what happened there? KG bowls this a bit closer to the off-stump line and on a length. Babar Azam goes fishing at it and gets beaten by not more than a whisker. A slight lapse of concentration maybe.

On a length, outside off, Babar Azam holds his bat high and makes a leave.

On a good length, outside off, Babar Azam steers it to cover.

On a good length, coming into the batter, around off and middle, Shan Masood tries to punch it off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads. He gets a single as the ball rolls over to point.

Full outside off, Shan Masood comes forward and blocks it out with ease.

Understandably, Kwena Maphaka must be feeling the nerves in his debut Test. He picked up 2 wickets in the first innings but has struggled almost throughout the match, not quite able to stick to one line or length. Maphaka was a sensation in the latest edition of the Under-19 World Cup, played in South Africa, in 2024. He was projected to be a special player for Protean future and was fast tracked into competitive cricket. He even got a contract in the Indian T20 League, with Mumbai, but struggled. Maybe, all of these in such quick time, could be nerve-wracking for the kid. Hence, Temba Bavuma is almost right into his ears every ball, just to make the kid feel that he belongs to this level.

On a good length, outside off, Babar Azam sees the line and opts to make another leave.

Outside off, full, lets it go does Babar.

FOUR! In total control! Back of a length, on middle, Babar Azam pulls it square on the leg side. He rolls his wrists over the ball and keeps it down the ground to beat deep mid-wicket to his right.

Comes around the wicket now, on a good length, shaping in, Babar Azam comes forward and defends it.

Back of a length again, around middle, angling into the batter, Shan Masood pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Starts with a back-of-a-length ball, down the leg side, from over the wicket, Shan Masood swivels and watches the ball going through to the keeper. He takes it by diving to his right.

At the stumps, on a tight length, Babar covers the line and keeps it down.

KG goes full and on off, Babar Azam drives it neatly but can't get it past mid off.

Length, over middle, Shan Masood works it across to deep mid-wicket for one.

Good length, around middle, coming in with the angle, Shan Masood keeps it down to the leg side off the front foot.

FOUR! STRAIGHT DOWN THE GROUND! Full again, overpitched, just outside off, inviting the drive, Shan Masood comes forward and drives it down the ground, to the left of the bowler for a boundary. Mid on dives to his right, but in vain. The partnership is now worth 173. The deficit is now 248.

Full outside off, from around the wicket, Shan Masood comes forward and drives it straight to cover.

Overcompensates with a very full ball, at the pads, clipped to deep mid-wicket for two more by Babar.

FOUR! Crunched with power! Back of a length, outside off, begging to be put away. Babar Azam waits back and punches it through point for a boundary.

On a length, outside off, Babar Azam with an angled face of the bat cuts it straight to short third.

Good length, outside off, stays low in bounce, Shan Masood manages to keep his bat down in time and takes a single as the ball rolls over wide of cover.

Full around middle and leg, Babar Azam flicks it off the front foot to square leg and takes a single to get off the strike.

A wayward delivery by Kwena Maphaka to start this new spell! On a good length, down the leg side, from over the wicket, stays low in bounce as well. Babar Azam just watches the ball go through to the keeper.

FOUR LEG BYES! The extra ball gives extra runs for Pakistan. Rabada comes in from around the wicket and fires it down the leg side. Masood misses his tickle but the ball deflects off the pads past the diving keeper, Kyle Verreynne, into the fine leg fence.

Fuller, around off, well kept out.

Around off, punched towards cover point.

Drama! Oh dear, KG!!! It was a good delivery, landing on a length outside off and then skidding through, beating Shan Masood's attempted flick, to catch him on the pads. Rabada appealed for LBW but umpire Dharmasena shook his head. Now, the Saffas were in the process of discussing whether that should be reviewed or not but Dharmasena stops them, as he informs that the third umpire has told him in his ear that it is a NO BALL! Bavuma is losing patience now, with these oversteppings. Catch the bowling coach and ask him, what exactly is he observing during warmups? Ball Tracker shows it to be clipping leg stump, so umpire's call would have stayed.

Back of a length, outside off, Shan Masood dabs it in front of extra cover and shouts, a big 'NO'.

On a good length, around off, coming in with the angle, Shan Masood defends it off the front foot.

Comes around the wicket, down the leg side, good length, Shan Masood tries to tickle it fine but misses it. The keeper takes it as he makes a full stretched dive to his right.

Kagiso Rabada returns. 8-0-42-0 so far.

On a good length, around off, coming in, Masood works it behind square leg. He takes the single and sets off blindly for the second, but Babar shouts 'NAHI, NAHI, NAHI'. Babar then gestures to Masood a bit angrily at first, as to what is the need for such risky runs and then gestures further to his skipper to just calm down a bit.

Full, outside off, Shan Masood comes forward and gets across, driving it straight to Kagiso Rabada at mid on.

On a good length, outside off, Babar Azam punches this on the up through the covers for a single.

Slightly shorter than the previous one, on the fifth stump, Shan Masood cuts it off the back foot to deep point for a single.

Good length, outside off, from around the wicket, coming in with the angle, Shan Masood comes forward and defends it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, from over the wicket, Babar Azam guides it wide of point and takes a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Fabulous is more of an understatement for Pakistan. They have played out nearly 3 hours now, and what is more, they are getting under the skin of the South African bowlers. The ball is not doing anything and all the bowlers barring Maharaj are struggling and getting frustrated. However, with the final hour of the day approaching, it is danger time for the batters. Normally, at this stage, one wicket brings two and even three. Can South Africa work on that?

Full and around off, the skipper looks to defend off the front foot now, but gets an outside edge to short third.

Landed around off, Masood plays from the crease and is forced to defend in a hurry.

This is now Shan Masood's highest score in an inning of a Test against South Africa, bettering his previous best of 75 in Abu Dhabi, in 2013.

Full and around off, Shan Masood lunges and defends.

Drags his length this time, outside off, Masood again goes on his knees and sweeps it out to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs. The fielder runs in and gives it a good chase to save the boundary. Masood wants to get the third one but is sent back by Babar.

FOUR! Nicely done! Floated full, outside off, from over the wicket, turning in with the angle, Shan Masood goes on his knees and sweeps it to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Flighted full, outside off, Shan Masood comes forward and covers the line of the ball to defend it.

Change of angle, comes around the wicket, takes pace off and bowls it on a length, outside off. Shan Masood is a touch early into the shot but manages to adjust and push the ball into cover for a run.

Outside off, Babar taps it with soft hands towards point and calls his skipper through for a quick single. Moves to 60 now.

On a length, around off, Babar Azam punches it down the ground, towards mid on.

Goes fuller, outside off, Babar Azam drives it to cover off the front foot.

On a good length, around off, slanting into the batter, Babar Azam blocks it out. Well, again it has been called a NO BALL for the umpteenth time in this Test.

Goes fuller this time, just outside off, Babar Azam defends it right under his eyes. A solid defense!

Back of a length, around off, from over the wicket, coming in with the angle, Babar Azam keeps it down off the front foot.

When it rains, it pours. After struggling for a long time to get a solid opening partnership, Shan Masood and Babar Azam have now registered the HIGHEST OPENING STAND for Pakistan against South Africa, going past Imran Farhat and Taufeeq Umar's 137 in Faisalabad, way back in 2003!

On middle and off, well kept out.

That scooted through! Landed outside off, Shan Masood got a long way across to defend but the ball hit the rough and went past the bat, not bouncing much at all!

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

Full again, just outside off, Shan Masood takes out his front leg and clips it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, outside off, Shan Masood comes forward and nudges it to mid on off the front foot.

Drops it short, around off, from over the wicket, turning in, Shan Masood eases out to the leg side.

Interesting. A WARNING for Kyle Verreynne. Apparently, when the Babar-Mulder spat was going on, with Babar in the middle of the pitch, Verreynne was apparently trying to run Babar out. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena has given him a friendly warning now, to just uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. A lot of verbal volleys are on display now.

Outside off, eased through point for a run.

Landed outside off, Babar reaches out and pushes it towards sweeper cover for a single.

Ahh... the umpires are getting involved now. Dharmasena is asking the players to calm down but Babar is actually flashing a smile. Now, Aiden Markram and Kyle Verreynne get across to just pacify Babar but no one is even looking in the direction of Mulder. The last thing that Pakistan need is for either of Babar or Masood to lose their concentration.

Frustration, frustration. Full and outside off, Babar Azam drives it straight back. Wiaan Mulder collects and then has a shy at the striker's end, but hits Babar instead. The batter is happy to just check where the ball went but Mulder wants to have a word with the batter. Now, Babar responds and the situation turns into an argument.

Hard length, outside off, going away, from over the wicket, Babar Azam shoulders arms to let it go.

On a good length again, around middle, slow in pace, Shan Masood tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Good length, around off, from around the wicket, Shan Masood keeps it down off the front foot.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, in the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, it seems we are going to head towards an interesting Day 5 finish. The hosts are 139/4, trying to recover through the stand between Sikandar Raza and Craig Ervine. They now need another 138 runs, but one wicket can lead to a collapse. Who will prevail?

FOUR! ELEGANT! Very full, on middle, Babar Azam comes forward and drives it straight back. Keshav Maharaj tries to get across to his right with half a dive but cannot stop the ball. It goes through and bisects mid on and mid off!

Full, with a round-armish action from around the wicket, on middle, Babar defends solidly.

Tossed up, around middle and off, Babar Azam gets a big stride to defend.

A big shout for LBW, but there seems to be some bat involved! The replay confirms just that and Keshav Maharaj knew it straightaway. Pushed through quicker and fuller, on middle and off, slanting into the batter. Babar Azam lunges to block but gets an inside edge back onto his pads. Big inside edge!

Full again, on off, driven to long on for one by Shan Masood!

Full and on off, Shan Masood tucks it across.

Down the leg side, Masood helps it to fine leg for a run.

On middle and leg, Shan Masood clips it to mid-wicket this time.

Fuller, around middle, driven towards mid on.

Angling into the stumps, on a hard length, with a lack of bounce this time. Babar Azam clips it off his pads to deep backward square leg for one.

Keeps it right where he bowled the last one and Babar offers an even better looking block off the front foot.

Straight and full, at the stumps, blocked out by Babar.

Lands it on a fuller length, outside off, easy picking for the batter. Shan leans ahead and pushes it to deep cover for a single. Another front foot NO BALL!

Babar and his love affair in South Africa. This is his 10th inning in Tests in this country and he has averaged more than 42. He has registered 5 50-plus scores. It is the most for any player from Pakistan, going past Asad Shafiq's 4. Just the second player after Taufeeq Umar, from Pakistan, to register 2 50-plus scores in the same Test in this country. Meanwhile, WIAAN MULDER is finally back on, after having bowled just 1 over early on.

Full and around off, Azam lunges to defend.

Around middle and leg, flicked past short leg for a run.

A touch short, on middle, Babar goes back and nurdles this through square leg for a single.

Nicely bowled! Gives the ball enough air and hits the rough patch, just around off, Babar Azam prods to block.

Floated full, on middle, Babar Azam eases it out to mid on.

Nagging length, outside off, Shan Masood rocks back and whips it to long on for a single.

Shaun Pollock on air informs us that Kagiso Rabada is not at his fittest. He has been struggling with his knee which continues to be dodgy and one guesses that Masood is aware of that. It has been a couple of times now that he has clipped the ball in the direction of Rabada and taken him on, probably guessing that Rabada will not attack the ball at full strength.

Down the leg side, Babar Azam misses his flick.

Full and straight, this time Masood pushes it with soft hands to the left of mid on and takes a quick single. It is Kagiso Rabada out there.

Full and just outside off, Shan Masood blocks it out watchfully towards mid on.

FOUR! Latched onto that one quickly! Short one and on off, Shan Masood swivels back and pulls it more like a short-arm jab in front of square on the leg side and beats mid on to his left.

Back of a length, on off, Babar Azam cuts it to deep point for one.

FIFTY FOR BABAR! Third in a row and his 29th in Test cricket! A huge round of applause across the stadium for this superb knock. Jansen goes full and on off, Babar Azam drives it neatly to deep cover for a couple of runs.

On 49 now, is Babar.

Landed around off, the skipper tries to work it through the leg side and gets it past short leg, but cannot beat mid-wicket.

Quicker, around off, Masood blocks it right in front of short leg.

Landed outside off, Shan Masood works it towards short leg.

Full, on off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off.

Slows it up and drags the length down, around off, Babar Azam quickly rocks back and punches it to mid off. The batters set off for a risky run and the fielder hits the stumps at the bowling end. Keshav Maharaj appeals for a run-out check, hoping Babar wouldn't have grounded his bat in time but the replays confirm otherwise. Comfortably in and grounded!

From around the wicket Maharaj spears it full, on off, Babar Azam defends.

On a good length, outside off, nipping back in a long way, Shan pushes it towards mid on.

FOUR! A bit of an outside edge but Masood was mostly in control. On a good length, outside off, the skipper looks to open the face of his bat and guide this behind the wickets. Is a bit early and hence, the ball runs off a bit of the outside edge. But it goes all along the ground, to the right of gully and beats deep backward point to his right.

Short, outside off, Shan Masood punches this through the covers but Tristan Stubbs makes a good stop.

Angled it into the stumps, fuller in length, clipped to square leg.

A bit fuller, on off, Shan Masood drives it to mid off.

Lovely ball! Perfect length, just outside off, and straightening off the deck. Shan Masood is caught in his crease and tries to poke at it but luckily doesn't nick it back like he did in the first inning. The ball zips past the outside edge.

Following a trend is Shan Masood, when he has come out to open in a Test inning. In the last 12 innings before this match, he had 5 single-digit scores, which includes 4 ducks. Prior to that, he had three centuries in 3 matches. So given that the first case is taken care off, will we see the second case happening?

Around off, Babar dead-bats this.

Fuller, around middle, Masood pushes this down to long on for a run.

Full, outside off, Babar Azam stays leg side of the ball and drives it to long off for a run. Moves to 48.

Full, on middle, Shan Masood tucks it to square leg for a single.

Oh Hello? Looks like Shan Masood is running out of patience against Maharaj. Sent upstairs for a stumping check. Fired in full, outside off, Masood looks for a slog sweep but misses out by a long way. The keeper, Kyle Verreynne is quick to collect the ball and knock the bails off. The replay shows Shan had his back foot grounded when the ball clipped the bails. A great reminder for the Pakistani skipper to grind in harder and make the most of this start.

Floated full, outside off, Shan Masood is deceived in flight but manages to keep it out with an angled bat.