Shan Masood, Babar Azam set new record against South Africa

Babar Azam and Shan Masood etched their names in history as they forged the highest opening partnership for Pakistan against South Africa in Test cricket. The duo’s unbroken stand of 140 runs on day three of the second Test in Cape Town surpassed the previous record of 133 runs, set by Yasir Hameed and Younis Khan in Centurion during the 2006-07 season.  

Coming into the second innings with Pakistan following on after being bowled out for 194 in response to South Africa's mammoth 615, Babar and Masood stood tall under pressure. Babar Azam, opening the innings due to Saim Ayub’s injury, led from the front with a fluent unbeaten 59, while Masood brought up a gritty unbeaten 70.  

This opening stand not only broke the long-standing record but also gave Pakistan a fighting chance in the match. The pair displayed impeccable technique and temperament, blunting the South African attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.  

Babar and Masood’s effort is the latest addition to Pakistan’s illustrious partnerships against South Africa:  

1st Wicket: Babar Azam and Shan Masood – 140* in Cape Town (2023-24).  
2nd Wicket: Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan – 161 in Lahore (2007-08).  
3rd Wicket: Yasir Hameed and Younis Khan – 133 in Centurion (2006-07).  
4th Wicket: Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq – 186* in Dubai (2010-11).  
5th Wicket: Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq – 219 in Cape Town (2012-13).  
6th Wicket: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mushtaq Ahmed – 144 in Faisalabad (1997-98).  
7th Wicket: Fawad Alam and Faheem Ashraf – 102 in Karachi (2020-21).  
8th Wicket: Naved-ul-Hasan and Salman Nazir – 56 in Centurion (2006-07).  
9th Wicket: Mohammad Rizwan and Nauman Ali – 97 in Rawalpindi (2020-21).  
10th Wicket: Azhar Mahmood and Moin Khan – 151 in Rawalpindi (1997-98).  

Earlier in the match, Pakistan was dismissed for 194 in their first innings, with Babar top-scoring with 58. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada (3-55) and Keshav Maharaj (2-14), dominated the proceedings. The Proteas had already piled up a commanding 615 in their first innings, courtesy of centuries from their top-order batters.  

Forced to follow on, Pakistan seemed to be staring at an innings defeat before Babar and Masood’s heroics gave the visitors hope. Their partnership is not only the highest opening stand against South Africa but also Pakistan’s first 50-run opening partnership in nine Tests.  

The partnership displayed a mix of caution and aggression, with both batters taking calculated risks and punishing loose deliveries. Babar’s drives and Masood’s backfoot punches lit up the Cape Town crowd, as the duo countered the pace and spin with ease.  

With Pakistan still trailing by 281 runs, much will depend on this record-breaking pair to continue their resistance on day four. If Babar and Masood can extend their stand, Pakistan might yet salvage a draw or even force South Africa onto the back foot.