South Africa cruised to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, leveling the two-match South Africa vs Pakistan series 1-1.
The visitors made light work of a modest 68-run target, reaching 73 for 2 in just 12.3 overs. Skipper Aiden Markram led from the front with a quickfire 42 off 45 balls, while Ryan Rickelton stayed unbeaten on 25 to seal the win. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali picked up both wickets for Pakistan, but the damage had already been done.
VGOTEL Mobile Presents Bank Alfalah Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series 2025
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2025
South Africa won by 8 wickets in the 2nd Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium #PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/srrfL7VAsU
The result marks a strong comeback for South Africa, who had lost the opening Test in Lahore. Their dominant all-round performance in Rawalpindi ensured the South Africa vs Pakistan series ended evenly poised, with both sides showing glimpses of brilliance.
Sajid Khan comes down the track and clears long-on with a clean strike for SIX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2025
Watch live in UK region, sign up now at https://t.co/Z0RXSR7gYM#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/5o8BFrxzod
Pakistan’s batting once again collapsed under the pressure of South Africa’s spinners. Starting Day 4 at 94 for 5, the home side could only add 44 more runs before being bowled out for 138. Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, claiming a magnificent 6 for 50, while Keshav Maharaj chipped in with 2 for 34.
Babar Azam tried to steady the innings with a fighting 50 off 87 balls, and Mohammad Rizwan added 18, but once the pair departed, Pakistan’s middle and lower order crumbled. The final five wickets fell for just 42 runs, exposing the team’s recurring struggle against spin even on home soil.
Babar Azam reaches his 30th Test half-century #PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/PCZAbZrAOQ
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 23, 2025
Earlier, Pakistan had posted 333 in their first innings, built on solid contributions from Shan Masood (87), Saud Shakeel (66), and Agha Salman (45). However, that total was soon overshadowed by South Africa’s strong response of 404, powered by Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 and Kagiso Rabada’s blistering 71 off just 61 balls.
Debutant Asif Afridi was Pakistan’s standout performer with the ball, taking 6 for 79 — his best Test figures so far — but his efforts went in vain as the batters failed to build on the slight first-innings lead.
The Proteas’ spin pair, Harmer and Maharaj, were the true match-winners, combining for 15 wickets across the game. Their control and accuracy on a turning pitch exposed Pakistan’s vulnerability against quality spin — a concern that continues to haunt the hosts.
South Africa’s clinical display, from Rabada’s counterattacking knock to Harmer’s match-winning spell, showcased their growing adaptability to subcontinental conditions.
