Watch: Pakistan's Saim Ayub rushed to hospital after freak injury in 2nd Test vs South Africa

Pakistan faced a significant setback as star batsman Saim Ayub sustained an ankle injury during the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town. The unfortunate incident took place in the seventh over when Ryan Rickelton hit a ball through the slips leaving Ayub and Aamer Jamal to give chase. Jamal managed to retrieve the ball but Ayub twisted his ankle while preparing to return it. The young player was visibly in agony and had to be taken off the field for treatment. Following an assessment by the team physio, Ayub was stretchered off the ground and later transported to the hospital for further scans. The severity of Ayub's injury is currently unknown.

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Ayub had been in exceptional form during the South Africa tour, playing a crucial role in Pakistan's dominant 3-0 victory in the ODI series. He was honored with the Player of the Series award for his outstanding performances including two impressive centuries in three matches. As one of Pakistan's key players across all formats, a serious injury to Ayub would be a significant blow not only for the ongoing Test match but also for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled for next month.

In the second Test, Pakistan staged a strong comeback after South Africa's openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton put together a fifty-run partnership for the first wicket. Markram was the first to be dismissed, caught behind off Khurram Shahzad after scoring 17 runs. Mohammad Abbas then claimed the wicket of Wiaan Mulder for five, followed by Salman Agha removing Tristan Stubbs for a duck.

With South Africa leading the series 1-0 following a narrow victory in the first Test, Pakistan had a golden opportunity to secure a win in the second Test. However, a spirited performance by Kagiso Rabada in the fourth innings turned the tide in South Africa's favor, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. This win also ensured South Africa's qualification for the World Test Championship final.

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