Pakistan Check captain Shan Masood has shattered an all-time Pakistan file through the second Check towards South Africa at Newlands, Cape City.
Masood and Babar Azam led Pakistan’s fightback after the Proteas enforced a follow-on within the first innings of the Newlands Check. The guests had been bowled out cheaply for 194 in reply to South Africa’s daunting first-innings rating of 615.
After being handed a 421 path within the follow-on Masood and Babar notched up a file 205-run stand for the opening wicket earlier than Babar was dismissed for 81. Masood carried on. He grew to become the primary Pakistani captain to attain 100 in South Africa earlier than getting dismissed for 145.
In the meantime, Masood has shattered one other all-time Pakistan file. His 145 is now the very best rating by a Pakistani cricketer in South Africa in Check cricket. Masood has shattered the file beforehand held by Azhar Mahmood, who had scored 136 in a Check towards the Proteas within the Johannesburg Check in 1998.
Highest Check rating a Pakistan participant in South Africa:
1 – Shan Masood: 145 in South Africa in 2025
2 – Azhar Mahmood: 136 in South Africa in 1998
3 – Taufeeq Umar: 135 in South Africa in 2003
4 – Saeed Anwar: 118 in South Africa in 1998
5 – Asad Shafiq: 111 in South Africa in 2013
Masood misses Sachin’s historic feat
In the meantime, Masood has missed out on a historic feat of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Former Indian batter Sachin holds the file for the very best rating by an Asian captain in South Africa – 169. Masood may have damaged that file too had Kwena Maphaka not trapped him LBW.
Highest rating by an Asian captain in South Africa:
1 – Sachin Tendulkar: 169 in South Africa in 1997
2 – Virat Kohli: 153 in South Africa in 2018
3 – Shan Masood: 145 in South Africa in 2025
4 – Dimuth Karunaratne: 103 in South Africa in 2021
5 – Saleem Malik: 99 in South Africa in 1995
South Africa had made 615 after opting to bat first. Ryan Rickelton slammed 259, whereas Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne made 106 and 100, respectively.