The second Test of the Pakistan-South Africa series in Rawalpindi turned into a battle of spinners. While Pakistan’s Asif Afridi was a threat, the South African spinners Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj proved far more dangerous. Ultimately, it was Pakistan who suffered the defeat. South Africa won the match by 8 wickets, thereby leveling the two-match Test series 1-1.
South Africa had not won a Test match in Pakistan since 2007, when they defeated Pakistan by 160 runs in Karachi. Today, in Rawalpindi, the Proteas ended their 18-year wait for a Test win on Pakistani soil.
On the day of the victory, Simon Harmer achieved a remarkable milestone by taking his 1000th wicket in first-class cricket.
South Africa chased down the target of 68 runs in the fourth innings in just 75 balls. The opening pair, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, put on a solid partnership, scoring 64 runs off 71 balls.
Noman Ali struck twice for Pakistan, reducing South Africa to 65 for 2 after 12 overs, slightly delaying the chase. However, Rickelton hit a six off Sajid Khan in the 13th over, guiding South Africa to victory at 73 for 2 in 12.3 overs.
Markram was the top scorer with 42 runs off 45 balls, including 8 boundaries, while Rickelton remained unbeaten on 25.
Pakistan resumed their second innings on the fourth day at 94 for 4 after 35 overs. However, South Africa’s controlled bowling wrapped up the innings in just 87 balls. Pakistan lost their last 6 wickets for 44 runs and were all out for 138 in 49.3 overs. Babar Azam was the highest scorer with 50 runs. This 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. His 1000th first-class wicket came when he dismissed Noman Ali on the first ball of the 42nd over.
Pakistan was all out for 333 runs in their first innings after batting for 113.4 overs. Captain Shan Masood scored the highest with 87 runs. Keshav Maharaj was exceptional, taking 7 wickets for 102 runs in 42.4 overs. Harmer took 2 wickets.
South Africa responded with a total of 404 runs in their first innings, played out over 119.3 overs. The highest score was an unbeaten 89 by Senuran Muthusamy.
Keshav Maharaj was named Man of the Match for his brilliant performance, taking 9 wickets for 136 runs in the match, including 2 for 34 in the second innings.
Maharaj also received the Player of the Series award for scoring 106 runs and taking 11 wickets throughout the series.
In the first Test held in Lahore, Pakistan won by 93 runs.
The series now stands tied at 1-1 following South Africa’s impressive victory in Rawalpindi.