Pakistan vs South Africa 2021, 2nd Test: Day 4 - Aiden Markram And Rassie van der Dussen Provide Solid 4th Innings Start In 370 Runs Chase

After Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant century set the big fourth innings target for the visitors South Africa, the top-order batsmen provided a great start for the visitors to set up a thrilling final day of the series-decider match against the hosts Pakistan at Rawalpindi.

Starting the day on the overnight score of 129/6, Pakistan were all out for 298 runs. Chasing down the 370 runs target, South Africa batted strongly and scored 127/1. The visitors are 243 runs away from the victory, while the hosts need nine more wickets to win this Test.

Pakistan vs South Africa 2021, 2nd Test: Day 4 – Mohammad Rizwan’s century and tail-enders secured the 350+ 4th innings target for the visitors

The visitors South Africa started the day with a strong fashion as Keshav Maharaj bowled Hasan Ali for 5 runs. But once again the visitors lost their grip in the game due to wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan and the tail-ender batsmen.

At first, Yasir Shah and Rizwan put the 53 runs partnership for the eighth wicket, where Rizwan also completed his half-century. George Linde finally took the wicket of Yasir Shah, who scored 23 runs. At lunch, Pakistan scored 217/8.

Mohammad Rizwan and Nauman Ali set up the big partnership for the ninth wicket that secured their 350+ lead over the visitors. Rizwan finally completed his first Test century in 185 balls.

After the 97 runs partnership for the ninth wicket, Nauman Ali lost his wicket after scoring 45 runs as Kagiso Rabada took his wicket.

Playing his third Test match, Linde claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul after he bowled Shaheen Shah Afridi for just 4 runs.

Rizwan remained not out for 115 runs off 204 balls (15 fours). In the meantime, Linde had the bowling figures of 26-9-64-5.

Pakistan vs South Africa 2021, 2nd Test: Day 4 – Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen have almost set up the century partnership after Dean Elgar’s early dismissal

Chasing down the big target of 370 runs, South Africa lost their opener Dean Elgar (17) just before the tea break. Shaheen Shah Afridi provided that breakthrough as Elgar was caught behind.

However, the visitors made a strong comeback in the last session where they didn’t lose a wicket but added 90 runs. While opener Aiden Markram has scored 59 not out, Rassie van der Dussen (48*) is two runs away from his half-century. Meanwhile, they have already put the 94 runs partnership for the unbroken second wicket.

Brief Scores: Pakistan – 272 (Faheem Ashraf 78*, Babar Azam 77; Anrich Nortje 5/56) & 298 (Mohammad Rizwan 115*, Nauman Ali 45; George Linde 5/64)

South Africa – 201 (Temba Bavuma 44*, Wiaan Mulder 33; Hasan Ali 5/54) & 127/1 (Aiden Markram 59*; Rassie van der Dussen 48*; Shaheen Shah Afridi 1/22)

Latest Status (at the stumps of day 4) – South Africa need 243 runs to win