During a resilient second-innings fightback, the duo set world record.
Shan Masood and Babar Azam made history by posting Pakistan’s highest opening stand against South Africa. They scored unbroken 205 runs, surpassing previous records against the Proteas.
In Saim Ayub’s absence, Masood scored a magnificent unbeaten 102 runs. This inning marked his sixth Test hundred and made him the first Pakistan captain to score a century.
For Masood, the century held particular significance as it marked his first score above 30 in nine innings. His determination shone through as he weathered South Africa’s challenging bowling attack.
Babar s performance, though just shy of a century, was equally impressive. His innings featured his third consecutive fifty on this tour, highlighting his consistency at the top of the order. Throughout the day, Babar accumulated 108 runs, with 27 in the first innings and 81 in the second, reinforcing his vital role as Pakistan’s anchor in difficult conditions.