World Test champions South Africa secured a commanding eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the second of a two-match Test series, sealing victory in Rawalpindi on Thursday, 23 October. Chasing a modest target of 68 on Thursday morning after a terrific bowling performance, South Africa comfortably surpassed the mark with eight wickets to spare.
This marked South Africa’s first win in Pakistan since 2007, ending a three-match losing streak that included a defeat in the series opener in Lahore.
SA vs PAK, 2nd Test Scorecard
Winning in spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan, a month before their upcoming two-Test series in India, South Africa showcased resilience despite the absence of captain Temba Bavuma. This victory allowed the Proteas to level the series and will give them confidence heading into the series against India.
India, having swept the West Indies 2-0 in a home series earlier this month, will be aware that South Africa will pose a much sterner challenge, perhaps drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s historic 3-0 whitewash of India earlier in the year.
“Really good response after the first Test. We were put under pressure once again here and guys had to put their hands up, and they did that. It feel that way, which is a great space to be as a team. Still work in progress for us in these conditions. Gives us heaps of belief and confidence,” stand-in captain Aiden Markram said.
Bolstered by the return of Keshav Maharaj, who claimed a seven-wicket haul in Pakistan’s first innings, South Africa produced a steely performance to bounce back and collect crucial World Test Championship points. Maharaj finished the match with nine wickets, while off-spinner Simon Harmer took eight wickets, including a decisive six-wicket haul in the second innings, helping bowl Pakistan out for 138.
PAkK vs SA, 2nd Test Day 4 highlights
The defining moment of the Test came during South Africa’s first innings, when they recovered from 235 for 8 to post 404, taking a 71-run lead. When Tristan Stubbs fell for a well-made 76 on the morning of Day 3, it seemed Pakistan might establish a sizeable first-innings lead. However, crucial partnerships from Senuran Muthusamy (89), Keshav Maharaj (30), and Kagiso Rabada (71) frustrated the Pakistan bowlers.
Muthusamy showcased his batting skills while having a quiet Test with the ball, and Rabada celebrated a well-deserved maiden international fifty. Muthusamy and Rabada added 98 runs for the 11th wicket, putting Pakistan back under pressure.
BABAR LONE WARRIOR
In Pakistan’s second innings, the pressure told. Apart from Babar Azam, who scored a fifty, none of the other batters were able to make an impact. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer tore through the top order, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Shan Masood for single-digit scores.
Pakistan were reduced to 16 for 3, but Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the innings, temporarily averting the threat of a collapse. At stumps, Pakistan were 94 for 4, with hopes pinned on Babar. However, he fell early on Day 4, triggering a collapse.
Pakistan lost their final six wickets for just 42 runs on the morning of Day 4, failing to set a challenging target for South Africa. While the pitch assisted spin, Pakistan simply did not have enough runs on the board to trouble the Proteas in the final innings.
Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, making his debut at 38, claimed six wickets, but his efforts were in vain as Pakistan’s batting failed to support him.
South Africa will play three T20Is and as many ODIs in Pakistan between October 28 and November 7. Their first Test in India will begin on November 14 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Captian Bavuma is expected to return from injury for the two-Test series. The World Test Championship-winning skipper is slated to play against India A vs South Africa A in Bengaluru to get used to the conditions.
