In a remarkable display of resilience, Pakistan set a new record by scoring 478 runs in their second innings after being forced to follow on during the second Test against South Africa in January 2025. This achievement marks the highest total ever recorded by a team after following on in Test cricket history. Pakistan’s remarkable effort surpassed the previous record of 372/7 set by Australia in Johannesburg back in 1902.
The match had initially taken a bleak turn for Pakistan, as they were forced to follow on after being dismissed for just 194 in response to South Africa’s mammoth total of 615 runs. With a daunting target ahead, Pakistan’s prospects seemed grim. However, the team’s response was nothing short of extraordinary, with a strong display of determination from their top-order batsmen. Captain Shan Masood led from the front, scoring a brilliant 145 runs, while Babar Azam contributed a valuable 81. Together, they formed a 205-run opening partnership, the highest in history for a team following on. Their efforts were crucial in helping Pakistan post an impressive second-innings total.
The feat was further complemented by contributions from the middle order, including a well-paced 69 by Fawad Alam and a quick-fire 53 from Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan’s impressive total of 478 came despite the overwhelming deficit they faced after the first innings. This total is now the second-highest ever scored by a team after following on, trailing only India’s remarkable 510 against England in 1967 at Leeds.
However, despite this valiant effort, Pakistan ultimately fell short of achieving a victory. South Africa required just 58 runs to win, and they chased the target down with ease, securing a dominant 10-wicket victory. While the result may not have been in Pakistan’s favor, the team’s fightback in the face of adversity was lauded by many. The effort to push their total so high was seen as a testament to the team’s grit and resolve, particularly in such challenging circumstances.
As Pakistan now looks ahead to their upcoming series against the West Indies starting January 17, 2025, the team will hope to build on the positives from this match, especially the resilience shown by their top-order batsmen. Although they didn’t win, the 478-run total after following on will remain a historic moment in the annals of Test cricket.