Making a resounding comeback, South Africa produced a staggering all-round performance to beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, levelling the two-match series 1-1. Pursuing a modest target of (68) runs on the fourth day, the visitors cruised to victory with ease, with Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton firing (42) and (25*), respectively.
Pakistan, who began the day hoping to build on their overnight total, were bowled out for just (138) in their second innings. Babar Azam stood out as the star performer, scoring a fighting (50), but lost his wicket at the start of day four. Meanwhile, South Africa’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Simon Harmer engineering a Pakistan collapse. He nabbed six crucial wickets to put South Africa on top.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had opted to bat first after winning the toss. The home side posted (333) in their first innings, with Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel notching up (87), (57) and (66), respectively. In reply, South Africa delivered a strong batting performance to claim the upper hand. Middle-order contributions from Tristan Stubbs (76), Senuran Muthusamy (89*), and Kagiso Rabada (71) propelled the visitors to (404), giving them a valuable first-innings lead of 71 runs. Muthusamy’s composed knock was particularly crucial, as he shepherded the lower order and helped South Africa amass a huge total. It is worth noting that it is South Africa's first Test win in Pakistan since 2007.