South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 4, Live Score Updates

Looking for news around the globe, word is filtering in that Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to commence from 29th January, 2025, could see the Kangaroos hopping without their regular skipper, Pat Cummins. Steve Smith might just get the nod to lead the side in that series. Cummins has expressed his desire to spend time with his family. Normally, what happens is, once the international season ends in Australia, for the Men, the players are released to play their domestic T20 League, the Big Bash. But, after an energy-sapping series with India, and given that the Lankan tour is not far off, the Test stars are not quite keen to play for a while. Steven Smith has been named in the Sydney Sixers squad but highly doubtful that he will play. Travis Head has made it pretty clear that he will not play for Adelaide Strikers as he wants some rest.

The second new ball will be due in 3 overs and South Africa might just take it immediately as soon as it becomes available. They will aim to strike multiple times and if that does happen, then we could see a finish before Tea itself. In contrast, if Pakistan manage to blunt the new ball, then we could actually be talking about how much can the visitors set for the Proteas to score. Unlike South Africa, Pakistan have got a long tail and the hosts will be eyeing to expose that. The second session should start by 1110 GMT.

South Africa are still on top in this game, but the problem sometimes is in the mind. Normally, when you get a lead of 400-plus and enforce the follow on, you are expected and you expect from yourself too, to quickly polish off the opposition. The home side would have dreamt of a win last night itself at the start and then, looked for quick wickets this morning too. But because of those partnerships, the heat is getting to the side which is actually on top. Last evening, the banter was one proof while now, the shock exhibited just before Lunch only because you missed a review, is bordering on the lines of desperation. One can understand if the game is getting out of hand, but still, there is a lot of time left in the contest.

When Shan Masood plays an innings like this, he almost looks invincible. His technique has been excellent and barring a slight weakness against reverse swing, which can happen to anyone, he has been as solid as a rock. He has to be the answer to Ryan Rickelton's 259 if Pakistan are to try and make a challenge in this Test match. And for that, he needs partners. One good thing so far in this innings has been the partnerships - 205, 30, 43 and the current one - 34. What this does is, prevents collapses and allows the new batter to get set. Saud Shakeel has come in and without taking much risks, kept milking the bowlers around, frustrating the hosts.

Barring that half an hour before Drinks, Pakistan have done reasonably well in this session of play. Perhaps it was a ploy overnight, in the dressing room, when Khurram Shahzad started to play his shots this morning. But what surprised us was that even Kamran Ghulam started to attack. Normally, teams do this when the deficit is under 75, so that quick runs can be scored, unlike here. However, after Ghulam's dismissal, the visitors have gone back to playing traditional cricket, playing on the merit of the balls.

The bowling certainly did not look as flat as it was almost the whole of Sunday. Barring the no balls, everyone who bowled, hit their mark. Marco Jansen got rid of the nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad while Kagiso Rabada managed to dislodge the attacking Kamran Ghulam. However, it has been an innings of toil for the bowlers, as the team has bowled 77 overs now. The pitch might be showing some signs of odd bounce but that is very infrequent. There is a small sign of reverse swing as well but other than that, the pitch still looks a very good one to bat on.

Excellent session for both sides. Primarily Pakistan, who managed to score 99 runs in 28 overs but South Africa bowled really well to pick up 2 wickets. What this stat does not show is that they could have got maybe 1 or 2 more.

Drama just before the last ball before Lunch. Tristan Stubbs is moving across to silly point and is calling for a helmet. However, umpire Kumar Dharmasena is asking the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, also to wear a helmet. All in readiness now.

Are we going to get one more? Yes, we will.

Not sure what the delay is for. The South Africans are in a huddle and are shocked looking at the giant screen. If they are shocked as to how did the umpire not give it out, well, if you look at the replay, Kyle Verreynne was going down the leg side. Second, why didn't they review it in the first place? Third, what is the point now, brooding over spoilt milk? Fourth, doesn't a lead of 113 give you enough confidence of getting your man again? Finally, they get moving. This will definitely be the last over before Lunch now.