Rawalpindi, October 23, 2025: South Africa completed a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, levelling the two-match series 1–1 with a clinical all-round performance led by spinner Simon Harmer and all-rounder Keshav Maharaj.
Set a modest 68-run target, South Africa coasted to victory before lunch on the fourth day, finishing at 73 for 2, with Aiden Markram (42) and Ryan Rickelton (25*) guiding the visitors home. The win marked South Africa’s first triumph in their defence of the ICC World Test Championship title and Pakistan’s first home defeat after winning the toss since adopting spin-friendly pitches.
Pakistan, resuming their second innings at 84 for 5 overnight, suffered a swift collapse on the final morning, adding only 54 runs before being bowled out for 138. Babar Azam provided brief resistance with a fluent 50 — his first home Test half-century since 2022 — but his dismissal off Harmer’s second over of the day triggered a dramatic slide.
Harmer, who finished with 6 for 50, reached a remarkable career milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets, becoming only the fourth South African to achieve the feat. His tight, teasing off-spin kept Pakistan under constant pressure as wickets tumbled in clusters.
Mohammad Rizwan fell soon after Babar, attempting an aggressive drive only to edge the ball onto his pad, offering a simple catch to short leg. Harmer then dismissed Noman Ali with a beautifully flighted delivery that turned sharply from the rough, claiming his milestone wicket amid roars of celebration from his teammates.
Pakistan’s lower order offered little resistance. Miscommunication between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Ali Agha led to a run-out, before Keshav Maharaj (3 for 29) wrapped up the tail. Sajid Khan was stumped attempting an extravagant hit, leaving Pakistan’s batting in ruins once again — their second-innings frailties recurring throughout the series.
South Africa’s chase was straightforward. Markram launched the innings with aggressive intent, striking boundaries on both sides of the wicket, while Rickelton ensured a composed finish. Pakistan’s spinners, rotated frequently in hope of a miracle, were comfortably handled as South Africa crossed the line with ease.
Noman Ali picked up two late wickets — trapping Markram lbw and dismissing Stubbs for a duck — but the result was already beyond doubt. Rickelton sealed the emphatic win with a six over long-off.
Earlier in the match, South Africa had piled up 404 in their first innings, powered by Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89, Tristan Stubbs’ 76, and Kagiso Rabada’s aggressive 71. Pakistan’s Asif Ali was the standout bowler with figures of 6 for 79. Pakistan responded with 333, anchored by Shan Masood’s 87 and Saud Shakeel’s 66, but Maharaj’s 7 for 102 kept the hosts behind.
The comprehensive win reflected South Africa’s adaptability and discipline. Pakistan captain Shan Masood admitted after the match that his side failed to build on early advantages and must address middle-order collapses.
With the series level, both teams will now look ahead to the deciding Test, where Pakistan will seek redemption and South Africa will aim to build on their resurgent form.
