South Africa crush Pakistan by eight wickets to level the Test series 1-1

RAWALPINDI: South Africa clinched an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan to draw the two-match Test series 1-1 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest target, South African captain Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton gave their team a fiery start, adding 50 runs for the first wicket. Spinner Noman Ali provided Pakistan with two quick breakthroughs in the same over — first dismissing Markram for a brisk 42 off 45 balls, then removing Tristan Stubbs without scoring.

Despite those strikes, the Proteas remained untroubled. With just a few runs needed, Rickelton guided the chase with an unbeaten 25 off 29 deliveries, while Tony de Zorzi stood at the other end as South Africa reached the target comfortably in 12.3 overs.

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for 333 in 113.4 overs. Skipper Shan Masood led from the front with a patient 87 off 176 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Abdullah Shafique (57), Saud Shakeel (66), and Salman Ali Agha (45) also contributed with the bat.

For South Africa, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj was exceptional, taking 7 for 102, while Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with two and one wicket respectively.

In response, South Africa amassed 404 in their first innings — a commanding performance built on lower-order heroics. Senuran Muthusamy top-scored with an unbeaten 89, while Rabada blasted 71 off 61 balls. Stubbs (76) and de Zorzi (55) also made key contributions.

Debutant Asif Afridi was Pakistan’s standout bowler with a six-wicket haul (6/79), supported by Noman Ali (2 wickets), while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan picked up one apiece.

Facing a 71-run deficit, Pakistan faltered in their second innings. Simon Harmer struck early, removing Imam-ul-Haq for 9 and skipper Shan Masood for a duck. When Rabada dismissed Abdullah Shafique for 6, Pakistan were left reeling at 16-3.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel tried to stabilize the innings with a 44-run stand, but Harmer once again broke through, sending Shakeel back for 11. Babar and Mohammad Rizwan added some resistance, with Babar reaching a fluent fifty before falling for 50 off 87 balls. Rizwan managed 18 off 64.

Harmer continued his dominance, ending with brilliant figures of 6/50. Maharaj supported well with two wickets, as Pakistan were bowled out for 162, setting South Africa a mere 71 to win.

The Proteas chased the target with ease, sealing the game inside 13 overs to complete a convincing win and square the series.