South Africa delivered a commanding performance to crush Pakistan by eight wickets in the second and final Test match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the two-match series 1–1. The victory came on the back of stellar all-round performances and a disciplined bowling effort that exposed Pakistan’s batting frailties once again.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, posted 333 runs in their opening innings. Shan Masood led the charge with a brilliant 87, while Saud Shakeel contributed a composed 66. However, frequent collapses in the middle order prevented the hosts from building a massive total. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer bowled with accuracy, taking key wickets to restrict Pakistan to a modest score.
In response, South Africa displayed grit and patience, piling up 404 runs in their first innings to take a 71-run lead. Senuran Muthusamy played the innings of his life with an unbeaten 89, while Kagiso Rabada surprised everyone with a fiery 71-run knock lower down the order. Their 98-run last-wicket partnership proved to be the turning point of the match, frustrating Pakistan’s bowlers and swinging the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor.
Pakistan’s second innings was a story of complete collapse. Facing a first-innings deficit, the home side crumbled for just 138 runs. None of the top-order batters managed to withstand the South African spin and pace combination. Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, claiming 6 wickets, while Rabada chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Chasing a small target of 68 runs, South Africa reached the mark comfortably at 73 for 2 within 12.3 overs. Aiden Markram (45)* and Tony de Zorzi (19)* steered their side home, sealing a comprehensive eight-wicket win.
