Despite suffering a 10-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second Test at Cape Town, Pakistan showed remarkable resilience in their second innings, posting an impressive total of 478 while following on. After South Africa’s massive first-innings score of 615, Pakistan crumbled to 194, forcing them to bat again. However, a superb knock of 145 by skipper Shan Masood led Pakistan’s spirited fightback, setting a new record on South African soil.
Pakistan’s total of 478 is now the highest score by a visiting team while following on in South Africa in the 136 years since Test cricket began in the country. It is also the first time a touring side has crossed the 400-run mark while following on in South Africa. The previous record of 372/7 was set by Australia in Johannesburg back in 1902, more than 122 years ago.
The overall record for the highest follow-on total in South Africa is still held by the hosts, who scored 572 against England in Durban in 1999.
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Opening the second innings, Shan Masood and Babar Azam (81) stitched together a 205-run partnership—surpassing Pakistan’s first-innings total by 11 runs. Masood’s century on Day 4 provided stability, while contributions from Salman Agha (48) and Mohammad Rizwan (41) added crucial runs to help Pakistan recover from a 421-run deficit.
Pakistan ultimately managed to gain a 57-run lead, but South Africa needed just 58 runs to secure victory.
The Proteas chased the target comfortably in 7.1 overs, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham opening the batting. Bedingham’s quick-fire 44 off 30 balls sealed South Africa’s win and a 2-0 series sweep.
The victory also ensured South Africa would finish at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table for the 2023-25 cycle, guaranteeing them a place in the final against defending champions Australia at Lord’s in June.