Proteas chase down a modest target to level the two-match series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
RAWALPINDI: South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, leveling the two-match series 1-1.
Chasing a modest target of 68 runs, the Proteas reached the target with eight wickets to spare. Captain Aiden Markram played a key role, making 42 runs before being dismissed by Noman Ali. Markram’s dismissal left the visitors at 64-2, but the Proteas were untroubled, sealing the victory shortly after.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse on Day 4
Resuming on Day 4 at 94-4, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered in the morning session, adding just 44 more runs. Off-spinner Simon Harmer was the star for South Africa, finishing with exceptional figures of 6-50, which included a maiden five-wicket haul. Harmer’s performance was instrumental in dismantling Pakistan’s innings, as the hosts were bowled out for 138.
The first blow came early in the day when Harmer trapped Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam leg-before for 51. This wicket was particularly crucial, as Azam’s half-century had been Pakistan’s most significant contribution. Following Azam’s departure, Pakistan’s batting order crumbled, with Harmer striking again to dismiss Mohammad Rizwan (18) and Noman Ali (0) in quick succession.
Harmer’s Milestone and Quick Dismissals
Harmer’s wicket of Noman Ali also marked his 1,000th first-class wicket in his 235th match, a major milestone for the 36-year-old spinner. Pakistan’s resistance was soon broken completely as Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out without scoring, and Keshav Maharaj took the final three wickets, including Salman Agha (28) and Sajid Khan (13), to seal the innings.
South Africa’s Dominant Performance
Earlier in the match, Pakistan posted 333 in their first innings, with Shan Masood (87) and Saud Shakeel (66) leading the charge. South Africa responded with 404, anchored by career-best innings from Senuran Muthusamy (89*) and Kagiso Rabada (71). Muthusamy’s knock, along with Rabada’s explosive 71, helped the Proteas build a commanding lead.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make significant breakthroughs in the second innings. Asif Afridi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6-79, but South Africa’s lower order held firm to build a sizeable lead.
Player of the Match and Player of the Series
Maharaj was named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution with the ball, while Muthusamy was awarded Player of the Series for his stellar performances in both Tests.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan had won the first match of the series by 93 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and with the series now tied, both teams will look ahead to the next challenge in their respective campaigns for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
