While Pakistan did end up losing by 10 wickets against South Africa in the second Test at Cape Town, it was after a valiant fight in the second innings where they posted a total of 478 while following on.
After South Africa posted 615 in their first innings, Pakistan were skittled over for just 194, forcing them to follow-on. However, led by a superb 145 by captain Shan Masood, Pakistan fought hard in the second innings, ultimately setting a new record on South African soil, reports NDTV.
Pakistan's total of 478 is now the highest score while following on by a visiting team in South Africa in the 136 years since the first time a Test match was played in the nation. It is also the first time a visiting team has crossed the total of 400 while following on in South Africa.
It surpasses the previous best follow-on total of 372/7 set by Australia in Johannesburg in 1902, over 122 years ago.
The record of the highest follow-on total in South Africa belongs to the host nation, who scored 572 against England in Durban in 1999.
Opening the batting, Shan Masood and Babar Azam (81) set up a 205-run stand, 11 runs more than the total managed by Pakistan in their first innings. On Day 4, Masood reached a brilliant century, while valuable contributions were made by Salman Agha (48) and Mohammad Rizwan (41).
This meant that Pakistan managed to overturn the follow-on deficit of 421, and ultimately were bowled out for 478, giving them a 57-run lead.
Despite the valiant batting performance, the 58-run target proved to be a cakewalk for the Proteas, who reached it in just 7.1 overs.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
