Despite some fight from Pakistan, the hosts chased down the target effortlessly without losing a single wicket.
Shan Masood couldn’t extend his century from the previous day, and despite good starts, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan failed to capitalize. While Pakistan managed to avoid an innings defeat through collective effort, they couldn’t set a challenging target. South Africa comfortably secured a big win chasing the modest total.
On Monday, the Proteas claimed victory in the Cape Town Test, defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets. Chasing just 58 runs, they reached the target in only 43 balls.
After scoring 615 in their first innings, South Africa dismissed Pakistan for just 194, enforcing the follow-on. Pakistan fought back in their second innings, posting 478, but it wasn’t enough to make the game competitive.
Starting the fourth day on 213/1, Pakistan lost momentum. South Africa’s aggressive batting made short work of the chase, with David Bedingham scoring an unbeaten 44 off 30 balls, including 2 sixes and 4 fours. Aiden Markram remained not out on 14.
With this win, South Africa whitewashed Pakistan 2-0 in the series, extending their winning streak to seven consecutive Test matches.
Key Highlights:
- Day Four Collapse: Resuming with hope, Pakistan lost nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad early. Marco Jansen dismissed Shahzad, who was caught at point after scoring 18. Kamran Ghulam, dropped early on 4, eventually fell for 28 as Kagiso Rabada dismantled his stumps.
- Shan Masood’s Resistance: Masood fought hard with a brilliant 145, forming partnerships with Saud Shakeel and others. Shakeel, surviving a close LBW review before lunch, fell after scoring 23.
- Middle-Order Collapse: Pakistan’s middle order tried to build resistance. Rizwan (41) and Salman (48) added 88 runs before Keshav Maharaj broke the stand. Maharaj also dismissed Salman and Aamer Jamal (34) to clean up the lower order.
- Bowling Excellence: Rabada and Maharaj led the South African attack, taking 3 wickets each. Marco Jansen, with his consistent performance, earned the Player of the Series award.
- Aggressive Chase: David Bedingham, opening for the first time in his 12-Test career, displayed attacking cricket, smashing consecutive fours and sixes to seal the win in style.
Match Summary:
- South Africa 1st Innings: 615
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 194
- Pakistan 2nd Innings (Follow-On): 478 (Masood 145, Salman 48, Rabada 3/115, Maharaj 3/137)
- South Africa 2nd Innings (Target 58): 61/0 in 7.1 overs (Bedingham 44*, Markram 14*)
Result: South Africa won by 10 wickets.
Series: South Africa won the 2-match Test series 2-0.
Player of the Match: Ryan Rickelton.
Player of the Series: Marco Jansen.
