South Africa beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test match to draw the series 1-1. The Proteas took all the success they could get, with Simon Harmer claiming bowling figures of seven for 33. Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada played crucial innings towards the back end with the bat.
It was the fourth morning of play, and Pakistan faced an intimidating task. They started their second innings 94 for four, a very precarious lead of only 23 runs. The side could not have a more painful and dramatic collapse, taking six scared wickets in only 44 runs returned, therefore bowing out for 138. Simon Harmer was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, claiming an impressive 6-50. He duly reached the personal milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets when Noman Ali edged a delivery through to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
Pakistan had earlier managed 333 in their first innings, with the ever-dependable Shan Masood top-scoring with 87. They found it difficult to follow that momentum up in the second innings. Despite coming under fire, Babar Azam was able to reach his half-century before being trapped leg before wicket by Harmer. The team’s batting was then further exposed as they were unable to form any real partnerships. When they needed one was when the tide turned against them.
Counter to India’s batting collapse, South Africa found some great resistance through their packed batting attack, posting 404 in their first innings. Muthusamy led the way with an unbeaten 89, while Rabada struck a career-best 71. The Proteas made light work of their target of 68 runs, crushing the Proteas for 73 for two in just 12 overs. Veteran Noman Ali dismissed Aiden Markram for 42 runs and then got the big fish—Tristan Stubbs for an embarrassing four-ball duck.
Markram reflected on the match, stating, “It was a really good response after the first Test and we were put under pressure in this Test once again.” He reiterated the importance of players making key plays and timely production from everyone.
The game ended in South Africa’s first win overall and a deserved one at that, setting the players up with confidence for matches to come. As Masood noted, “It’s been four wins out of six since we’ve operated on these wickets,” indicating positive progress for Pakistan despite the loss.
“We take a lot of confidence and a lot of belief from the win, but when your character is tested and you manage to come out on the right side, that means quite a bit more.” – Unnamed source
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