Last Updated on 2 days by Charbel Coorey
South Africa levelled the two-match series against Pakistan after a magnificent, stirring fightback in Rawalpindi. About 24 hours before they sealed victory by eight wickets, the Proteas were on the mat at 235/8 in reply to Pakistan’s 333 on a turning pitch.
At that stage, all signs pointed to a similar outcome to the first Test in Lahore. Pakistan took a first innings lead of 111 and went on with the job despite being bowled out for 167 in the third innings.
This time, South Africa had other ideas. The returning Keshav Maharaj, along with Senuran Muthusamy, put on 71 to get the Proteas into a second innings shootout scenario. However, they weren’t done there, with Kagiso Rabada playing one of the greatest-ever knocks by a number 11, smashing a 61-ball 71 that included a glorious six off Shaheen Afridi over long on.
Rabada and Muthusamy, who played so magnificently for his unbeaten 89, put on 98 for the final wicket. This flattened Pakistan. Their body language in the Rawalpindi sunshine told the story. Shan Masood looked a little frazzled, and the fear was a third innings collapse could be on the cards.
It turned out that way. As they did against the likes of Bangladesh and England at home last year, Pakistan fell apart in the third innings. They couldn’t recover mentally from South Africa’s lower-order onslaught, falling to 16/3. Babar Azam played nicely for his 49* yesterday and gave hope of leading a strong response for his team, but when he was dismissed for 50 today, it led to another procession.
Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, taking 6/50 in an exhibition of spin bowling. The offspinner took his 1,000th First Class wicket in the process, making a career out of beating batsmen in the air and threatening both edges.
PAK vs SA 2nd Test Reactions: WTC Champions South Africa get first win of new cycle
Pakistan were rolled for 138. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton put on a quick 64 for the first wicket, before two consolation wickets for the hosts.
The result saw praise for South Africa and criticism for Pakistan in equal measure. The Proteas showed why they are the World Test Champions, while Pakistan displayed the flaws that stops them from challenging for a top-two spot in the WTC table.
Praise for South Africa after stirring comeback
“The SA spinners are cooking. After India’s 0-3 rout against NZ last year, I’m slightly worried. Remember, NZ also played a Test series vs SL before coming here. Lost that but got valuable practice,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of the reactions to South Africa’s win.
Criticism for Pakistan after letting the match slip
“To have the opposition 8 wickets down and nearly 100 runs behind on first innings, but then lose the match by 8 wickets is remarkable even by Pakistan cricket standards,” wrote a fan on X (formerly Twitter).
Here are some of the reactions to Pakistan’s defeat.
The next Test for South Africa is a mouthwatering series in India starting November 14. Pakistan’s next Test assignment is two Tests away to Bangladesh in March-April 2026.
