The year 2025 started poorly for the Pakistan cricket team. In the final match of the two-Test series, South Africa posted a massive total of over 600 runs in their first innings. When Pakistan came out to bat in their first innings, they failed to even cross the 200-run mark. As a result, Pakistan was forced to follow on.
However, after following on, Pakistan made a strong comeback and created history by recording their first-ever 200+ opening partnership in a follow-on innings. Before this, Pakistan had managed only one century partnership after following on, which was in 1958. Hanif Mohammad and Imtiaz Ahmed had shared a 152-run stand against the West Indies in Bridgetown.
In the ongoing second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, Shan Masood and Babar Azam put together a 205-run partnership for the first wicket, making it the highest opening partnership for Pakistan after being forced to follow on.
Earlier in the match, South Africa also witnessed a big partnership in their innings. Rassie van der Dussen and captain Temba Bavuma added 235 runs for the fourth wicket. South Africa scored a massive 615 runs in 141.3 overs. Rassie van der Dussen smashed 259 runs, Temba Bavuma scored 106, and Kyle Verreynne contributed 100 runs.
For Pakistan, only one batsman managed to score a half-century in the first innings, and the team was bundled out for 194 runs. This forced them to follow on. The big question now is whether Pakistan can avoid an innings defeat. They are still trailing by 208 runs.