On the third day of the second Test at Newlands, South Africa enforced the follow-on after restricting Pakistan to 194 in their first innings, establishing a commanding lead of 421 runs.
Pakistan’s batting faltered despite a promising 98-run fourth-wicket stand between Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46).
The partnership ended shortly after the morning drinks break when debutant Kwena Maphaka dismissed Babar, who edged a delivery to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne down the leg side. Rizwan’s resistance ended five overs later when Wiaan Mulder’s delivery caused him to misjudge a wild stroke, resulting in him being bowled.
With opener Saim Ayub unable to bat due to injury, Pakistan’s lower order offered little resistance, crumbling under South Africa’s bowling attack.
A day earlier, South Africa had showcased their dominance with Ryan Rickelton’s marathon innings of 259, the joint seventh-highest score by a South African in Test cricket.
The left-handed opener struck 29 fours and three sixes during his 343-ball knock, propelling South Africa to a formidable 566 for seven declared on the second day.
The Proteas’ victory in the first Test at Centurion on December 29 secured their place in the World Test Championship final.
That match witnessed a thrilling finish, with South Africa’s tailenders clinching a dramatic two-wicket win after a precarious collapse, denying Pakistan their first Test victory in South Africa in nearly two decades.
