South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second and final Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the two-match series 1–1.
Resuming play on the fourth day, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed early as wickets fell in quick succession. Captain Babar Azam was the first to depart, dismissed for 50 runs, followed shortly by Mohammad Rizwan, who managed 18.
The middle and lower order offered little resistance. Salman Ali Agha scored 28, Sajid Khan added 13, while Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were both dismissed for ducks. Asif Afridi remained unbeaten without scoring as Pakistan were bowled out, setting South Africa a modest target of 68 runs to win.
South Africa’s spin duo dominated the innings, with Simon Harmer claiming six wickets, while Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada took two and one wicket respectively.
In reply, South Africa comfortably chased down the target, reaching 68 for 2. Aiden Markram top-scored with 42, while Tristan Stubbs fell for a duck and Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 25.
With this victory, the two-Test series concluded 1–1, after Pakistan had won the opening Test.
For his brilliant bowling performance, Keshav Maharaj was named Player of the Match, while Mutusamy received the Player of the Series award.
Pakistan had earlier posted 333 runs in their first innings, to which South Africa responded strongly with 404 runs, establishing a lead that ultimately set the stage for their comfortable win in the second innings.
