South Africa Crush Pakistan to Win Pindi Test and Level the Series
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South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at Rawalpindi to level the two-match series 1–1. Simon Harmer’s six-wicket haul and Aiden Markram’s composed innings powered the Proteas to a commanding win.
Introduction
In a dominant display of discipline and determination, South Africa thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the two-match series 1–1.
Chasing a modest target of 68 runs, the Proteas made light work of Pakistan’s fragile bowling attack on Day 4, completing victory with eight wickets to spare. The win came after South African spinner Simon Harmer produced a career-defining performance, claiming 6 wickets for 50 runs and reaching the milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets.
Pakistan’s batting lineup, led by captain Babar Azam, collapsed spectacularly in the morning session — a familiar story that has haunted the team throughout recent home series.
Pakistan’s Collapse: Another Morning to Forget
Resuming Day 4 at 94 for 4, Pakistan’s hopes rested on Babar Azam, who began the day at his fluent best, having already reached a gritty half-century. However, within the first few overs of the morning, South Africa’s spinners ripped through Pakistan’s middle and lower order.
Harmer’s Magic Spell
Simon Harmer struck early, trapping Babar Azam leg-before with the fifth ball of the morning — a crucial breakthrough that set the tone for Pakistan’s implosion. The dismissal of Babar, who scored 50, shattered any remaining resistance from the hosts.
Just nine runs later, Mohammad Rizwan fell to Harmer as well, edging a ball that sharply turned and was safely pouched by Tony de Zorzi close to the wicket.
Harmer, 36, bowled with guile and precision, mixing flight and drift to outthink Pakistan’s lower order. He also achieved a personal milestone, taking his 1,000th first-class wicket when he dismissed Noman Ali for a duck — a record that underlines his longevity and class in red-ball cricket.
By the time Harmer wrapped up the innings, Pakistan had managed just 138 runs in their second innings, adding only 44 to their overnight total.
Maharaj and Harmer Seal Pakistan’s Fate
While Harmer was the chief architect of Pakistan’s collapse, his spin partner Keshav Maharaj played an equally important supporting role. Maharaj claimed two wickets, removing Salman Ali Agha (28) and Sajid Khan (13) to end the innings swiftly.
South Africa’s bowling performance was a perfect demonstration of controlled aggression. Harmer and Maharaj bowled in tandem, maintaining relentless pressure and exploiting the wear and tear of the Rawalpindi pitch, which had started offering turn and uneven bounce.
Pakistan’s Tail Folds Without Resistance
The lower order once again offered little resistance. Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out without scoring, while Noman Ali and Sajid Khan succumbed to soft dismissals.
The last six wickets fell for just 44 runs, continuing a worrying trend for Pakistan — a team that has struggled to bat as a unit throughout 2025.
South Africa’s Chase: Professional and Clinical
Chasing 68 runs, South Africa made a confident start despite losing two quick wickets.
Aiden Markram Leads from the Front
Captain Aiden Markram set the tone with a fluent 42 off 56 balls, playing with authority against Pakistan’s new-ball pair. His innings included a string of boundaries that silenced the local crowd and showed why he remains one of the most consistent Test captains in world cricket.
Noman Ali managed to dismiss both Markram and Tristan Stubbs (0) in the same over, offering a brief glimmer of hope for Pakistan. However, Tony de Zorzi (18)* and Keegan Petersen (6)* calmly guided the visitors across the line in the next few overs.
The winning runs came with a flick through mid-wicket, sealing South Africa’s victory inside 90 minutes of play on Day 4.
Series Levelled 1–1: A Tale of Two Matches
This Rawalpindi Test marked a dramatic turnaround for South Africa, who had lost the first match in Karachi after a disappointing batting performance. The Proteas’ ability to regroup and dominate the second game underlined their mental resilience and strategic adaptability.
Key Performers
- Simon Harmer: 6/50 in the second innings, completing 1,000 first-class wickets.
- Keshav Maharaj: 2 vital wickets to wrap up Pakistan’s innings.
- Aiden Markram: A calm and composed 42 in a small chase.
- Senuran Muthusamy: Named Player of the Series for his consistent all-round performances.
- Keshav Maharaj: Declared Man of the Match for his match-winning contribution with ball and leadership in the field.
Pakistan’s Inconsistent Batting Under Fire
Pakistan’s batting frailties once again took center stage. Despite moments of brilliance from Babar Azam, the team failed to build partnerships or occupy the crease for long periods.
This collapse — the latest in a string of similar failures — raises serious questions about Pakistan’s Test batting strategy, especially on home soil.
“Our players need to show more discipline and application,” said captain Babar Azam after the match. “Losing quick wickets in clusters is costing us matches we should be controlling.”
Missing the Spark
Since December 2022, Babar has not scored a century in Test cricket — a statistic that reflects Pakistan’s broader struggles with conversion and consistency.
The middle order’s inability to support the captain has been a persistent issue, while the tail continues to fold cheaply under pressure.
South Africa’s Spin Duo: The Turning Point
The Rawalpindi Test will be remembered for the South African spinners’ masterclass. Harmer and Maharaj shared all ten wickets in the final innings, outbowling Pakistan’s own spin attack on home soil.
Their partnership revived memories of the Kumble-Harbhajan and Lyon-Smith duos — bowlers who thrive in tandem and complement each other’s style.
“It was about patience and accuracy,” Harmer said post-match. “We knew the wicket would help if we kept things simple. Credit to Maharaj — he made it easier by creating constant pressure.”
Historic Milestone: Harmer Reaches 1,000 First-Class Wickets
Simon Harmer’s achievement of 1,000 first-class wickets adds him to an elite group of bowlers who have sustained excellence over a long period. The milestone, achieved in his 235th match, reflects both skill and longevity.
His performance at Rawalpindi — 6/50 — not only turned the match but also reaffirmed his value to South Africa’s red-ball setup, especially in subcontinent conditions.
“It’s been a long journey,” Harmer said with a smile. “To do it in a winning cause makes it even more special.”
Fans React: Frustration and Admiration
The result sparked mixed reactions from fans across Pakistan and South Africa.
In Pakistan, cricket enthusiasts took to social media to express disappointment at the team’s batting collapse. Many fans called for greater accountability and a shake-up in the batting lineup before the next Test series.
South African supporters, meanwhile, celebrated their team’s comeback and hailed the spin duo of Harmer and Maharaj as “heroes of the subcontinent.”
“To win a Test in Asia through spin domination — that’s something special,” tweeted a South African fan after the match.
What This Means for Both Teams
For South Africa
The win boosts South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) campaign and gives them confidence ahead of their next assignment at home. Their bowling depth and leadership under Markram proved critical to this comeback.
The success of Harmer and Maharaj also reinforces the Proteas’ growing adaptability to Asian conditions, a challenge that has historically troubled visiting teams.
For Pakistan
The defeat exposes Pakistan’s structural weaknesses in Test cricket — overreliance on individual brilliance, fragile lower order, and tactical lapses in batting approach.
The coaching staff, led by head coach Gary Kirsten, now faces pressure to rebuild confidence ahead of the upcoming tour of Australia.
“We need to reassess how we approach innings under pressure,” said a team source. “Technical flaws and mindset issues are hurting us in crunch moments.”
Match Summary
Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
Series: Two-match series drawn 1–1
Toss: Pakistan (elected to bat first)
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Key Stats:
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 240 all out
- South Africa 1st Innings: 310 all out
- Pakistan 2nd Innings: 138 all out
- South Africa Target: 68 (chased in 19 overs)
- Player of the Match: Keshav Maharaj
- Player of the Series: Senuran Muthusamy
Expert Analysis
Cricket pundits praised South Africa’s composure under pressure, noting that discipline and spin control made the difference.
Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja called it “a tactical defeat” rather than a talent issue:
“Pakistan failed to adapt. Harmer and Maharaj bowled exactly how Yasir Shah used to bowl on these pitches — tight lines, attacking stumps. That’s where we lost it.”
South Africa, on the other hand, showcased a model for success in Asia — patience, planning, and precise execution.
Conclusion
South Africa’s emphatic victory in Rawalpindi not only leveled the series but also reminded the cricketing world that they remain a formidable Test side in all conditions. For Pakistan, it was another painful reminder that talent without temperament can only take a team so far.
As the two teams part ways with honors shared, South Africa leaves with renewed confidence — and Pakistan, with plenty of questions to answer before their next red-ball challenge.
The Proteas’ spin duo, led by Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, may well have rewritten the script for how South Africa wins in Asia — not through pace, but through patience, precision, and pure spin artistry.
