The two-match Test series ended on a disappointing note for Pakistan. It was a show of brute force from South Africa as they rolled over the tourists and won the second Test by 10 wickets. However, after being skittled for 194 in the first innings, Pakistan stood tall and staged a gutsy fightback to keep themselves alive in the match. 

Shan Masood led from the front and opened the batting in the absence of Sam Ayub. His monumental contribution of 145 powered Pakistan to 478. His double-century plus opening stand with Babar helped Pakistan erase the deficit and make South Africa bat again, albeit for only a few overs. 

See also: Watson Believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Will Shine in Champions Trophy Despite Test Struggles

Pakistan create history by surpassing a rare 136-year-long record

Pakistan re-wrote the record books following the conclusion of the second Test on Monday. After being asked to bat again, the visitors responded with a lot of character and posted 478 in the second innings to eke out a paltry 57 runs. The score of 478 is now the highest score by any visiting team in South Africa while following on in nearly 136 years. 

In the process, Pakistan also succeeded in breaking another record which stood since 1902. They become the first touring team to cross a total of 400 while following on in South Africa. The previous best follow-on record of 372-7 in Johannesburg belonged to Australia. However, the only record that remained intact was South Africa's follow-on total of 572 against England in Durban in 1999 which remains the highest-ever follow-on total recorded on South African soil. 

South Africa in the midst of a golden run in Test cricket

Fortunes for the South African cricket team changed drastically ever since Temba Bavuma took over the captaincy responsibilities. In this World Test Championship cycle, they've been victorious in eight out of 12 matches. The win against Pakistan in Cape Town marked their seventh consecutive Test win. 

The victory assured that South Africa will secure the top position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2023-25 cycle, regardless of the outcomes of other matches. The Proteas are set to compete in their inaugural WTC final against the current champions, Australia, at Lord's in June.