RAWALPINDI: South Africa wrapped up a dominant victory over Pakistan in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, chasing down a modest 68-run target in just 13 overs to win by eight wickets and level the two-match series 1-1.
The emphatic win marked a strong comeback for the Proteas, who had lost the opening Test — part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle — in Lahore.
After Pakistan’s fragile batting collapsed earlier in the day, South Africa’s openers made light work of the chase. Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi set the tone with positive stroke play before Tristan Stubbs steered the team home comfortably against a deflated Pakistani attack.
The visitors’ victory was built on a superb display of spin bowling by Simon Harmer, who claimed 6-50 in the second innings, and Keshav Maharaj, who added 2-38, as Pakistan were bowled out for 138 before lunch on Day 4.
Resuming on 94-4, Pakistan’s hopes of setting a competitive target hinged on captain Babar Azam, who made a fluent 50 before being trapped lbw by Harmer. The off-spinner then tore through the middle and lower order, removing Mohammad Rizwan (18) and Noman Ali (0) in quick succession. A brief partnership between Salman Ali Agha (28) and Sajid Khan (13) offered momentary resistance, but the hosts’ collapse was swift and complete.
Earlier in the match, South Africa’s lower order had seized control on Day 3, turning a fragile innings into a commanding 404-run total in reply to Pakistan’s 333. Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 and Kagiso Rabada’s explosive 71 off 61 balls shifted momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor.
For Pakistan, debutant Asif Afridi was a bright spot, taking 6-79 with skill and precision. In their first innings, Pakistan’s top order — led by Shan Masood (87), Saud Shakeel (66), and Abdullah Shafique (57) — had laid a solid foundation, but Maharaj’s 7-102 prevented a commanding total.
The Rawalpindi pitch, offering sharp turn and uneven bounce, proved decisive as South Africa’s experienced spin duo exploited conditions perfectly. The loss highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing struggles against quality spin in home conditions.
With the series now squared, South Africa’s clinical performance underscored their resilience and tactical discipline. The Proteas will take confidence from their balanced attack and composed batting, while Pakistan face tough questions over their batting depth and inability to capitalize on home advantage.
