Babar Azam, Shan Masood set world record in Test cricket

In the second Test of the series against South Africa, Pakistani batters Babar Azam and Shan Masood etched their names in the history books by setting a world record partnership while following on.

The match, currently underway in Cape Town, saw Pakistan forced to follow on after South Africa scored 194, bringing Proteas' mammoth first-innings total to 615 runs.

However, Pakistan staged a remarkable recovery in their second innings. 

Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam formed a brilliant 205-run opening partnership, reducing the deficit to 208 runs. 

This partnership not only provided stability to Pakistan’s innings but also set a new record for the highest opening partnership in a second innings by a team following on in Test cricket history.

At the close of play on the third day, Pakistan had scored 213 runs for the loss of one wicket. 

Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 102, alongside Khurram Shahzad, who was not out on 8. Babar Azam contributed a resilient 81 before being dismissed. South Africa still holds a lead of 208 runs.

This opening stand is also Pakistan’s highest opening partnership in Test matches played in South Africa. The previous record was set in 1998 when Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail shared a 101-run stand at the same venue.

Shan Masood achieved several personal milestones during the innings. He broke a streak of poor form, crossing 30 runs for the first time in nine innings, and went on to score his sixth Test century. 

With this ton, he became the first Pakistani captain to score a Test century in South Africa.

Despite this spirited fightback, South Africa leads the two-match series 1-0 and has already secured a spot in the ICC Test Championship final.