South Africa's strong start falters as Pakistan fight back in Cape Town
South Africa enjoyed a promising start in the second Test, with a 61-run opening stand setting the tone. Reeza Hendricks and Sarel Erwee, particularly Hendricks, played aggressively, accumulating runs quickly. However, Pakistan clawed their way back into the match, dismissing key batsmen Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Tristan Stubbs.
The first hour belonged to South Africa, with Hendricks leading the charge. He displayed fluent strokeplay, including several crisp drives. Markram also contributed with a couple of boundaries. Unfortunately, Saim Ayub sustained an ankle injury while fielding, adding to Pakistan's concerns.
While the bowlers initially struggled to find consistent movement, they gradually tightened their lines and lengths. Markram, who survived a close call early on, was eventually caught behind off Shahzad. Mulder followed suit, caught behind off Mohammad Abbas. Hendricks reached his fifty before the lunch break, but Stubbs' dismissal left South Africa at 72/3 at the end of the first session
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