The second Test of the Pakistan-South Africa series in Rawalpindi was a contest dominated by spinners. While Pakistan’s Asif Afridi posed a threat, it was the two South African spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, who proved far more dangerous and decisive. In the end, Pakistan suffered the blow, with South Africa winning the match by eight wickets to level the two-Test series 1-1.
South Africa had last won a Test in Pakistan back in 2007, when they defeated Pakistan by 160 runs in Karachi. Today’s victory in Rawalpindi ended an 18-year wait for the Proteas to claim a Test win on Pakistani soil.
South Africa chased down a modest target of 68 runs in the fourth innings within 75 balls, showcasing a clinical finish. The opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton added 64 runs off just 71 deliveries, setting a solid foundation for the victory.
However, Pakistan’s Noman Ali struck twice early in the innings, reducing South Africa to 65 for 2 after 12 overs, slightly delaying the chase. The breakthrough moment came in the 13th over, when Ryan Rickelton struck a six off Sajid Khan, taking South Africa to the winning post with 73 runs for two wickets in 12.3 overs. Markram top-scored with 42 runs off 45 balls, including eight boundaries, while Rickelton remained unbeaten on 25.
On the fourth day, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 94 for 4 after 35 overs. However, South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack wrapped up the innings swiftly, bowling out the hosts for 138 runs in 49.3 overs. Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 44 runs. Babar Azam was the highest scorer with 50 runs, but Pakistan’s total gave South Africa a lead of 67 runs.
Simon Harmer was the standout bowler in the second innings, taking 6 wickets for 52 runs in 20 overs. On the 42nd over’s first ball, he dismissed Noman Ali, marking his 1000th wicket in first-class cricket — a remarkable milestone.
Pakistan’s first innings total was 333 runs, scored in 113.4 overs. The highest individual score was by captain Shan Masood, who made 87 runs. South African spinner Keshav Maharaj was impressive, taking 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs, while Harmer picked up 2 wickets.
South Africa replied with 404 runs in their first innings across 119.3 overs. The top score was an unbeaten 89 by Senuran Muthusamy. Maharaj’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award for his haul of 9 wickets for 136 runs in the match, which included 2 wickets for 34 runs in the second innings.
With 106 runs and 11 wickets in the series, Maharaj was named the Player of the Series for his outstanding contribution as a left-arm spinning all-rounder.
The first Test in Lahore was won by Pakistan by 93 runs, setting up a competitive series between the two sides. South Africa’s win in Rawalpindi levels the series and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion in future encounters.