South Africa thrashed Pakistan by 10 wickets in the second Test in Cape Town to complete the series sweep 2-0. South Africa's win over Pakistan marked their seventh consecutive victory in the longest format of the game.
South Africa hammer Pakistan by 10 wickets in 2nd Test
Pakistan, forced to follow on after a dismal first innings score of 194, staged a brave comeback despite the setback. They were further hampered by the injury to Saim Ayub on the first day, leaving them with only ten batters to fight the battle. However, they fought valiantly, posting a respectable 478 runs in their second innings. This left South Africa with a modest target of 58 runs to seal the deal.
David Bedingham and Aiden Markram efficiently chased down the target in just 7.1 overs, sealing the series win for South Africa.
Since their impressive 40-run victory against the West Indies in Providence last August, South Africa have consistently achieved 2-0 series wins against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and now, Pakistan. This string of successes has secured their place in the inaugural World Test Championship final, scheduled to be held at Lord's in June.
Ryan Rickelton, who contributed a magnificent 259 runs in South Africa's decisive first innings total of 615, was awarded the Player of the Match. However, he was unable to take the field on Monday due to a groin injury.
South Africa dominate Pakistan from the word go
South Africa's decision to bat first proved fruitful as they amassed a formidable total of 615 runs. Three South African batsmen cracked centuries, with Ryan Rickelton leading the charge with a spectacular 259. Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100) also chipped in with their substantial contributions. The Pakistan bowlers struggled to contain the South African onslaught, with Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza each claiming three wickets. Despite some breakthroughs, the Proteas dominated the opening innings, accumulating runs with relative ease.
In response, Pakistan's batting faltered considerably. Captain Shan Masood was dismissed early in the innings, setting a precarious tone. The team struggled to withstand the disciplined South African bowling attack. Babar Azam top-scored with 58 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46. However, the middle and lower order offered little resistance, resulting in a meager total of 194 runs in their first innings. Kagiso Rabada was the most effective bowler for South Africa, claiming three wickets. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen each contributed two wickets to the South African bowling effort. This significant first-innings deficit forced Pakistan to follow on, trailing by a substantial 421 runs.
Shan Masood-Babar Azam's batting bravado in vain
Pakistan mounted a spirited fightback in their second innings, spearheaded by a defiant 145 from captain Shan Masood. He forged a substantial 205-run opening partnership with Babar Azam, who contributed 81 runs. Despite losing quick wickets after the second new ball, Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) formed a resilient partnership, frustrating the South African bowlers. However, Keshav Maharaj, who returned to the XI, broke through, dismissing both batters and effectively ending Pakistan's resistance. Aamer Jamal's quick-fire 34 helped Pakistan reach a respectable 478, preventing an innings defeat but leaving South Africa with a modest target of 58 runs.
South Africa quickly overhauled the target in just 7.1 overs. David Bedingham displayed aggressive intent, smashing an unbeaten 47 off 30 balls, including five fours and three sixes. Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 14. This victory marked South Africa's second 10-wicket win over Pakistan in Tests, with the first occurring in Durban in 2002. It also extended their impressive unbeaten streak in the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Notably, South Africa have sealed their spot in the WTC 2023-2025 final where they will face Australia for the coveted title.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will next be locking horns West Indies in a two-match Test series which is scheduled to start from January 17 in Multan.