South Africa leveled the series with a commanding eight-wicket win in Rawalpindi.
Simon Harmer struck with the fifth ball of the day, removing Babar Azam before taking two more wickets. His six-wicket haul played a key role in bowling Pakistan out for under 150, paving the way for a comfortable chase. South Africa reached the modest target with ease, leveling the two-match Test series 1–1.
The visitors wrapped up victory before lunch on the fourth day, chasing down 68 in just 12.3 overs after dismissing Pakistan for 138 in their second innings. Pakistan had won the opening Test by 93 runs, but this time, South Africa hit back in style.
It was a historic result — South Africa’s first Test win in Pakistan in 18 years. Their previous victory came in 2007 in Karachi, where they won by 160 runs. Out of 11 Tests played in the country, the Proteas have now won three, lost four, and drawn four.
Harmer recorded career-best figures of 6 for 50, surpassing his previous best of 4 for 51. However, Keshav Maharaj, who took seven wickets in the first innings and finished with nine in the match, was named Player of the Match. Maharaj also contributed a valuable 30 runs in South Africa’s first innings.
Senuran Muthusamy, who scored an unbeaten 89 in the first innings to secure the lead, didn’t take a wicket in this match but still won the Player of the Series award, having claimed 11 wickets in Lahore.
Starting the day at 94 for 4, Pakistan lasted only 14.3 overs before collapsing for 138 — losing their last six wickets for just 42 runs.
Harmer trapped Babar Azam lbw after the Pakistan captain added just one run to his overnight 49. Three overs later, he dismissed Mohammad Rizwan to complete his five-wicket haul.
In the very next over, Harmer had Nauman Ali caught behind, reaching the 1,000-wicket milestone in first-class cricket — becoming only the fourth South African to do so.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out soon after, and Sajid Khan survived a close call when he was dropped at slip. But Maharaj struck immediately, bowling Salman Ali Agha (28 off 32) with a delivery that turned sharply. Sajid was then stumped off Maharaj, ending Pakistan’s innings.
In the chase, Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram came out with attacking intent. They added 51 runs in just 10 overs before Markram (42 off 31, 8 fours) and Tristan Stubbs fell within four deliveries, with only four runs needed for victory.
Rickelton sealed the win in style, launching Sajid Khan for a six to take South Africa to their target. He remained unbeaten on 25 off 21 balls with one six and two fours.
The three-match T20I series between the two sides begins next Tuesday.
Match Summary
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 333
- South Africa 1st Innings: 404
- Pakistan 2nd Innings: 138 all out in 49.3 overs (Babar 50, Harmer 6/50, Maharaj 2/34)
- South Africa 2nd Innings: 73/2 in 12.3 overs (Markram 42, Rickelton 25*)
Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Keshav Maharaj
Series Result: Drawn 1–1
Player of the Series: Senuran Muthusamy
