South Africa cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Wednesday, leveling the two-match series at 1-1. The final Test ended on the fourth day, with South Africa comfortably chasing down the low target of 68 runs. Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer had the task of bowling South Africa into the final. For their part, they took 17 of Pakistan’s 20 wickets during the crucial stretch.
Usually known for his batting, Harmer proved his bowling credentials with a magnificent six for 50. It was his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, a noteworthy performance. South African Keshav Maharaj, 36, was the key figure in the success. With seven wickets in the first innings and two in the second, he established himself as the star player for a resurgent South African team.
Pakistan’s batting lineup crumbled in dramatic fashion, bowled out for a meager 138 runs on the fourth day. Babar Azam had started the innings again on 49 and soon formed an invaluable 34-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. Harmer had the better of him leg before wicket for 51. Once he left, Pakistan lost their last six wickets for just 44 runs, illustrating their collapse under pressure.
Aiden Markram was instrumental in South Africa’s successful chase and was Named Player of the Match. He made 42 runs being leg before wicket by Noman Ali. Ryan Rickelton was 25 not out as South Africa cruised to their target with plenty of wickets in hand. This win is South Africa’s 11th win in their last 12 Test matches, further solidifying their impressive run of form.
“There were moments where guys had to put their hands up and stand up for the team and they really did that and excelled in that. It took a lot of confidence and a lot of belief from wins, but when your character’s tested and you managed to come out on the right side, I think that means quite a bit more,” – Aiden Markram.
The loss has Pakistan with a lot of soul-searching to do. The opening batter, Shan Masood, accepted the difficult road ahead as a team, admitting, “We have a long way to go.” As both teams look forward to future matches, South Africa will take confidence from this victory, while Pakistan will aim to address their weaknesses exposed during the series.
