World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-winners South Africa opened their win account in the new cycle. On Day 4 of the Rawalpindi Test, Pakistan suffered another collapse as Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan failed to put up a fight against Simon Harmer. Bowled out for 138, Pakistan set a non-threatening target of 68 which was chased down by visitors with eight wickets in hand. This is South Africa’s first Test win on Pakistan soil since 2007. The Aiden Markram-led side levelled the series 1-1.
Everything goes downhill for Pakistan after Babar’s fifty
Starting the day at an overnight score of 94/4, Babar reached his fifty from the second ball, his first after seven innings. But it was short-lived as Babar got out lbw to Harmer. A few overs later, Harmer got rid of Rizwan as well. Noman Ali became Harmer's 1,000th first-class cricket scalp. The last thing Pakistan needed was a run out. A mix-up between Salman Agha and Shaheen led to latter getting run out. Keshav Maharaj joined the party and got rid of Agha, Sajid Khan to bowl out Australia for 138.
Easy run chase for South Africa
Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram looked to end the run chase quickly. They deal in boundaries against a disheartened Pakistan. In the 12th over, Noman broke the partnership by trapping Markram in front of the stumps. The captain hit eight fours in his 45-ball 42. In the same over, Tristan Stubbs edged one to slip fielder, getting out for a four-ball duck. In the next over, Rickelton finished the run chase in style with a six against Sajid. He remained unbeaten for 25 off 29 deliveries.
What happened on first 3 days of Rawalpindi Test?
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bat first. Masood top-scored with 87. Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel contributed with fifties as Pakistan posted 333 on the board. Maharaj cleaned up the tail as he claimed a seven-wicket haul.
In reply, South Africa's Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi hit fifties. But, on Day 3, the visitors suffered a collapse. They were struggling at 235/8. But, Senuran Muthusamy joined forces with Proteas tail to frustrate Pakistan. Muthusamy and Maharaj shared a 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Then Rabada played the knock of a lifetime. He smashed four fours and as many sixes in his 61-ball 71, maiden fifty across formats. The 98-run partnership helped South Africa post 404 and take a crucial 71-run lead. Muthusamy remained unbeaten for 89.