ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 ***LEAD***South Africa bounced back in commanding way to level the two-match Test series, defeating Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
After losing the first Test, the Proteas showed determination and composure to seal a comfortable victory on Day 4. Chasing a modest target of 68, South Africa reached the total with ease.
Captain Aiden Markram led from the front, striking a brisk 42 off 45 deliveries, featuring eight boundaries, before being dismissed by Noman Ali, who also accounted for Tristan Stubbs, dismissed for a duck. South Africa were cruising at 50 for 1 in 9.2 overs, having built a solid 64-run opening stand.
Noman Ali was the most successful bowler for Pakistan, taking both wickets to fall. He also finished the series with 14 wickets.
Ryan Rickelton then guided his team home with an unbeaten 25 from 29 balls, including two fours and a six, ensuring South Africa wrapped up the match in style.
Earlier, Pakistan resumed their innings at 94 for 4 on Day 4, with Babar Azam on 49 and Mohammad Rizwan on 16. However, the hosts faltered quickly, managing to add only 44 runs before being bowled out for 138.
Babar reached his 29th Test half-century off 87 baslls but was trapped lbw by Simon Harmer after adding just a single run to his overnight score. Rizwan (18) followed soon after, offering a simple catch to Tony de Zorzi off an inside edge.
The lower order offered little resistance, Noman Ali was dismissed for a duck, Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out, and Salman Agha (28 off 42) and Sajid Khan (13 off 16) added brief contributions before the innings folded.
South Africa’s disciplined bowling and composed chase ensured a comfortable win, tying the series 1–1. For South Africa, Harmer took six wickets for 50 in 20 overs and finished with eight wickets in the match.
Keshav Maharaj was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance, while his team mate Senuran Muthusamy, earned the Player of the Series award for his consistent displays throughout the two Tests.
Both sides will now feature in a three-match T20I series, with the first T20I scheduled at the same venue on October 28.
Scores in brief: South Africa beat Pakistan by eight wickets- Pakistan 333 all out, 113.4 overs (Shan Masood 87, Saud Shakeel 66, Abdullah Shafique 57, Salman Ali Agha 45; Keshav Maharaj 7-102, Simon Harmer 2-75) and 138 all out, 49.3 overs (Babar Azam 50, Salman Ali Agha 28; Simon Harmer 6-50, Keshav Maharaj 2-34).
South Africa 404 all out, 119.3 overs (Senuran Muthusamy 89 not out, Tristan Stubbs 76, Kagiso Rabada 71, Tony de Zorzi 55; Asif Afridi 6-79, Noman Ali 2-92) and 73-2, 12.3 overs (Aiden Markram 42, Ryan Rickelton 25 not out; Noman Ali 2-40).
