RAWALPINDI: South Africa secured a convincing victory over Pakistan in the Rawalpindi Test, leveling the two-match series at 1-1.
The Proteas successfully chased a modest target of just 68 runs, losing only 2 wickets, as Pakistan’s batting faltered under pressure.
From the very start of the fourth day, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble. Wickets fell in quick succession during the first session, leaving the team struggling to post a defendable total. Captain Babar Azam was dismissed for 50, followed shortly by several other batsmen.
Mohammad Rizwan managed only 18 runs, while Salman Ali Agha contributed 28 and Sajid Khan scored 13. Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were both dismissed for ducks, and Asif Afridi remained unbeaten on zero.
With this fragile batting performance, Pakistan set South Africa a target of just 68 runs to claim victory. In Pakistan’s first innings, South African spinner Simon Harmer delivered a match-winning performance, taking 6 crucial wickets. Keshav Maharaj claimed 2 wickets, while Kagiso Rabada added 1 more to his tally.
Chasing the small target in their second innings, South Africa reached 68 runs with ease, losing only 2 wickets. Adam Markram top-scored with 42 runs, Tristan Stubbs was dismissed without scoring, and Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 25.
As a result, the two-match series concluded in a 1-1 draw. In the first innings of the series, Pakistan had posted a total of 333 runs, which South Africa surpassed with a strong response of 404 runs, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on Pakistan’s batting shortcomings.
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