Cape Town, Jan 5 (Reporter) South Africa tightened their grip on the ongoing Test against Pakistan at Newlands as Day 3 saw an exceptional display of resilience from Pakistan’s batsmen after an underwhelming first innings. Pakistan began the day under pressure but found brief respite in a solid 98-run partnership between skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Babar led from the front, scoring a well-compiled half-century before being dismissed by debutant Kwena Maphaka, who celebrated his maiden Test wicket. Rizwan contributed a determined 46 but fell to Wiaan Mulder’s accurate bowling. Keshav Maharaj provided the crucial breakthrough before lunch, stumping Salman Agha to leave Pakistan struggling at 155/6. The lower order offered little resistance, collapsing for a mere 39 additional runs as South Africa enforced the follow-on with a commanding 421-run lead. Faced with a daunting task, Pakistan’s opening pair, Babar Azam and Shan Masood, staged an impressive fightback. They carried the team to 80-0 by Tea, showing patience and skill against South Africa’s bowling attack. The partnership flourished further, adding 205 runs, the highest opening stand for Pakistan against South Africa. Babar, in sublime touch, scored 81 before being caught by David Bedingham. Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 102, registering his sixth Test century. Pakistan ended the day at 213/1, narrowing the deficit to 208 runs and keeping their hopes alive. South Africa laid the foundation for their dominance on Day 1, recovering from 72/3 to post a formidable first-innings total. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s century and Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 176* ensured a strong finish. Day 2 saw Rickelton convert his knock into a brilliant 259, supported by Kyle Verreynne’s third Test century. South Africa declared at a mammoth 615. Their bowlers then reduced Pakistan to 64-3 by stumps, despite resistance from Babar and Rizwan. This match has significant implications for the ICC World Test Championship standings. Australia, with their recent series victory over India, has secured a spot in the 2025 final. The ongoing series offers both Pakistan and South Africa an opportunity to strengthen their positions in the rankings. As Day 4 beckons, all eyes will be on Shan Masood and the Pakistan middle order to see if they can turn their resurgence into a remarkable comeback or if South Africa will assert their dominance once again...////...