2nd Test: South Africa beat Pakistan by 8 wickets to level series 1-1 

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): South Africa outclassed Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the two-match series 1-1.

Pakistan’s dismal show with both bat and ball cost them the match, as the Proteas chased down a modest target with ease.

Pakistan could manage only 138 runs in their second innings, leaving South Africa a mere 68 to win.

The visitors reached the target comfortably, losing just two wickets along the way. Skipper Babar Azam stood firm with a resilient 50, but none of the other batters could provide support.

Mohammad Rizwan, Nauman Ali, and Shaheen Afridi were dismissed without scoring, exposing Pakistan’s fragile middle and lower order.

South Africa’s spinners completely dismantled the hosts. Keshav Maharaj starred with a remarkable seven-wicket haul, while Simon Harmer took six to crush Pakistan’s batting resistance. Their precise spin attack left the Pakistani batters with no answers on a turning track.

For Pakistan, debutant Asif Afridi was the lone bright spot. He bowled superbly, claiming six wickets and troubling the Proteas batters throughout, but his effort went in vain as the team failed to capitalize.

Earlier, South Africa had piled up 404 runs in their first innings, thanks to valuable contributions from Kagiso Rabada, who made 71, and unbeaten Matthew Sammy, who scored 89. Their lower-order partnership pushed the visitors to a strong lead of 71 runs, which ultimately proved decisive.

Pakistan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired badly. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique fell cheaply, while the middle order faltered once again. Despite Babar’s fighting half-century, the rest of the lineup collapsed under pressure.