RAWALPINDI — World champions South Africa produced a commanding all-round performance to secure a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second and final Test at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, earning a hard-fought 1-1 series draw.
Set a modest target of 148 runs, the Proteas chased down the total with ease on the fourth day, losing only two wickets along the way. The victory not only leveled the series but also marked a significant comeback after their defeat in the first Test in Karachi, reaffirming their status as a formidable force in the longest format of the game.
A Pitch for Patience Yields a Swift Result
The Rawalpindi pitch, in stark contrast to the spinning track in Karachi, offered consistent assistance to the seamers throughout the match. While it made for a challenging batting spectacle, it ultimately facilitated a result inside four days. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan’s first innings never gained momentum against a disciplined South African attack.
Kagiso Rabada was the chief destroyer, exploiting the conditions with precision and pace to claim a crucial four-wicket haul. He was ably supported by Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj, who kept the pressure on from the other end. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 272, a total that seemed below par given the conditions.
Elgar's Grit and van der Dussen's Resolve
South Africa’s response was built on the bedrock of a classic Test match innings from captain Dean Elgar. In a display of immense concentration and skill, Elgar ground out a patient 126, facing 260 deliveries and hitting 17 boundaries. He shared a vital 141-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, who contributed a composed 97.
Their stand wrested the initiative firmly away from Pakistan. Reflecting on his innings and the team's response after the first Test loss, Elgar stated, "It was tough out there, but that's Test cricket. We knew we had to respond with character, and the boys showed immense fight. This is a very special win for the group."
Despite a late flurry of wickets from Hasan Ali, who finished with five wickets, South Africa managed a significant first-innings lead of 71 runs. This advantage proved to be a decisive factor in the context of the match, putting Pakistan under immediate pressure in their second innings.
Second Innings Collapse Seals Pakistan's Fate
Facing a deficit, Pakistan needed a solid start to set a competitive target. However, their second innings unraveled dramatically. The top order failed to fire, and only a fighting 61 from Fawad Alam provided any semblance of resistance against a relentless South African pace battery.
The damage was done by the seam trio, with each making critical contributions:
- Kagiso Rabada continued his fine form, adding three more wickets to his match tally.
- Anrich Nortje bowled with express pace and aggression, also claiming three scalps.
- Lungi Ngidi provided the crucial breakthroughs, dismantling the middle order with a devastating spell.
Pakistan was bowled out for 217, setting South Africa a target of 148. The collapse left the home team and their supporters stunned, as a series victory that seemed within grasp suddenly slipped away. Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, conceded the team's batting let them down, "We lost back-to-back wickets in both innings and couldn't build partnerships. That was the difference."
Comfortable Chase Caps Professional Performance
Any hopes of a Pakistani fightback were quickly extinguished by South Africa's openers. Aiden Markram, in particular, was in imperious form, playing a fluent and aggressive innings. He raced to 59 off just 69 balls, effectively ending the contest in the first session of the fourth day. His innings included 10 elegant boundaries, putting the Pakistani bowlers on the back foot from the outset.
While Markram and Elgar (17) fell before the finish line, Rassie van der Dussen (31*) and Temba Bavuma (13*) guided the Proteas home without further alarm. The winning runs were struck just after the lunch interval, sparking celebrations in the South African camp. Player of the Match, Kagiso Rabada, praised the team's collective effort, "We knew we had to bounce back. The bowlers were exceptional, and the batters put their hands up. It's a great feeling to draw the series."
A Series Drawn, Momentum Gained for South Africa
The 1-1 series result is a fair reflection of a closely contested battle between two proud cricketing nations. For Pakistan, it was a missed opportunity to claim a rare series victory over a top-tier side at home. Their batting inconsistencies, a recurring theme, were exposed in the decisive Test.
For South Africa, however, this victory carries immense significance. To travel to subcontinental conditions and fight back from a defeat to level the series demonstrates resilience and skill. The performance of their pace attack, led by Rabada, and the leadership of Dean Elgar, provides a solid foundation as they continue their campaign in the World Test Championship.
The drawn series ensures that both teams share the spoils, but it is South Africa who will fly home with the greater confidence, having answered tough questions about their character and ability to adapt in challenging away conditions. The victory in Rawalpindi serves as a powerful statement from the world champions.