Masood, Babar lead Pakistan's fight back after follow-on against South Africa on Day 3

Shan Masood's century and Babar Azam's 81 lead Pakistan to 213/1 after being bowled out for 194 in the first innings.

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Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam shared a solid 205-run opening partnership on Day 3 of the second Test, reducing Pakistan's deficit to 208 runs after South Africa enforced the follow-on following their first innings total of 194. The pair formed a resilient 205-run partnership for the first wicket, drastically reducing the touring side’s deficit to 208 runs.

The duo’s collective performance was a dramatic turnaround, as Pakistan, who were bundled out for just 194 in the first innings, managed to score 213 for 1 by the end of day’s play, showing signs of a determined recovery.

Both Masood and Babar played with composure and dominance, with Masood reaching his sixth Test century, while Babar displayed solid form, scoring his second half-century of the day.

Masood remained unbeaten on 102 at the close of play, having faced 203 balls and stroked 12 boundaries. The night-watchman Khurram Shehzad was with him, batting on 8, as Pakistan ended the day with a solid platform in their second innings.

Babar, who looked in complete control, was on the verge of completing his century before he was dismissed by South Africa’s Marco Jansen for 81 off 124 balls.

His innings featured 10 boundaries and was a testament to his return to form after a challenging first innings. Babar’s departure just before the end of the day’s play was a blow to Pakistan’s recovery, but the solid foundation laid by Masood and Babar kept the visitors in the game.

Earlier, in Pakistan's first innings, the visitors were in disarray. Starting the day at 64 for 3, Babar and Muhammad Rizwan’s dismissals triggered a collapse. Babar was dismissed for 58, and Rizwan followed soon after for 46.

The fall of both set batsmen saw a string of quick wickets as Pakistan’s lower order crumbled. Salman Ali Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza all departed without contributing much, leaving Pakistan with no significant resistance.

The Green Shirts were already facing a mountain to climb after being bowled out for 194 in their first innings, trailing by 551 runs against South Africa's mammoth total of 615. Pakistan had already lost their captain early in the first innings when he was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada in the first over.

Kamran Ghulam followed soon after, leaving Pakistan in danger at 18 for 2. Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a duck, further exacerbating their woes.

South Africa's towering total was largely due to Ryan Rickelton’s monumental 259-run innings, a knock that helped push the hosts to 615 in their first innings.

Kyle Verreynne also contributed a quick-fire 100 from just 147 balls, dominating Pakistan’s bowlers. Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha each claimed three wickets, while Mir Hamza and Khurram Shahzad took two wickets each.

With the Green Shirts already 1-0 down in the two-match series, the pressure was on them to win the second Test in order to level the series.

While the second-innings fightback by Masood and Babar has given Pakistan hope, they still face a daunting challenge to make a successful comeback in the match.