In pics: Mohammad Rizwan's reckless shot puts Pakistan in danger against South Africa in 2nd Test

Pakistan's batting woes continued even on a surface where batting looked easy by getting bundled out for a mere 194 in response to South Africa's mammoth 615 in the first innings of the second Test at Newlands. The hosts forced a follow-on with Pakistan still trailing 421 runs.

The third day of the Test began with Pakistan continuing on their overnight score, having already lost three wickets. Teams' senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan provided a glimmer of hope but their resistance was short-lived. Babar was dismissed in an unfortunate manner, strangled down the leg side while trying to play a flick shot.

Meanwhile, Rizwan, who had looked set and was batting fluently on 46, threw away his wicket in a crucial situation. Wiaan Mulder bowled a short-of-a-length delivery on the stumps, and Rizwan stepped down the track and attempted an unnecessary slog. The ball crashed into the stumps, leaving Rizwan shell-shocked who fell four runs short to reach his half-century.

Mohammad Rizwan is out to Mulder - he tries to hoick the delivery and inside edges onto his stumps.#SAvPAK | #PakistanCricketpic.twitter.com/6vRet231qd

— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) January 5, 2025

Ryan Rickelton's magnificent double-century in the first innings

Pakistan's first innings started horribly as they lost their first three wickets on the score of just 20 runs, courtesy of brilliant bowling by the South Africa fast-bowling duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. After that, Babar and Rizwan steadied the ship by stitching a 98-run stand for the fourth wicket. However, after they both went back to the pavilion, the Men in Green started losing their wickets constantly and were bowled out for just 194 runs.

South Africa's first-innings total of 615 runs was built on the back of stellar performances. Ryan Rickelton starred with a remarkable 259-run knock, anchoring the innings brilliantly. Skipper Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100) contributed magnificent centuries, providing solidity to the batting lineup. Towards the end, Marco Jansen (62) and Keshav Maharaj (40) chipped in with valuable runs, ensuring the Proteas posted an imposing total.

Also Watch:Ryan Rickelton's mother gets emotional after her son scored century