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January 7, 2025
Pakistan shattered a record that had remained unbroken for over 122 years.
Pakistan’s spirited effort in the second Test against South Africa at Cape Town ended in a 10-wicket defeat, but not before they scripted a remarkable record. Following a dismal first-innings collapse for 194 in response to South Africa’s massive 615, Pakistan fought back valiantly in their follow-on innings, posting an impressive 478. This effort set a historic milestone as the highest total by a visiting team while following on in South Africa, breaking a 136-year record.
Led by captain Shan Masood’s superb 145 and an opening stand of 205 runs with Babar Azam (81), Pakistan showcased resilience despite the dire situation. Their second-innings total surpassed the previous highest follow-on total by a visiting team in South Africa—Australia’s 372/7 in Johannesburg back in 1902—by a significant margin.
Notably, Pakistan’s follow-on score was also only the second instance of a visiting team crossing 400 while following on in South Africa, a testament to their determination. The all-time record in this category remains with South Africa itself, who scored 572 against England in Durban in 1999.
Contributions from Salman Agha (48) and Mohammad Rizwan (41) helped Pakistan overcome the 421-run deficit, eventually taking a slender 57-run lead. However, South Africa chased down the modest target of 58 runs in just 7.1 overs, with David Bedingham’s blistering 44 off 30 balls ensuring a dominant series sweep for the hosts.
The victory also secured South Africa’s spot at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2023-25 cycle, guaranteeing their place in the WTC final against defending champions Australia at Lord’s in June.
Despite the loss, Pakistan’s fightback in the second innings and the record-breaking total will be remembered as a display of grit and determination.
Additionally, consider: Cummins Attributes Five-Test Series Triumph to ‘Strong Processes’ and Staying Steady Amid Challenges
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for 24kbet, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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