PAK vs SA 2nd Test: South Africa Win by 8 Wickets, Series Level; WTC Points Updated

Pakistan must be really shocked about losing this Test match. They shouldn’t have let it slip. They played really well for the first two and a half days, but then one bad day ruined everything.

After winning the toss, Pakistan was already in a good position as the pitch was going to become difficult as the game progressed. Their batters made merry and Captain Shan Masood led from the front scoring a brilliant 87. Contributions from Abdullah Shafique (57) and Saud Shakeel (66) took Pakistan to a really good first innings score of 333.

Their bowlers responded in fine fashion and debutant Asif Afridi was the star of the show. He picked up 6 wickets on debut and was the best Pakistani bowler in that first innings. South Africa was playing well at 185/4. Tristan Stubbs (76) and Tony de Zorzi (55) were the key architects.

Pakistan Shocked as Early Lead Slips Away in Test Against South Africa

However, Asif Afridi triggered a collapse and put them in a spot of bother at 235/8. Pakistan who was staring at an 80+ first innings lead all of a sudden lost all rhythm. Resistance from Senuran Muthusamy and a brilliant counterattack from Kagiso Rabada took South Africa past Pakistan's score and they eventually ended at 404 with a lead of 71 runs. Muthusamy was brilliant with his 89* and Rabada scored a breathtaking 71.

Pakistan jolted by them conceding the lead were rocked early and reduced to 16/3. Babar Azam led a beautiful counterattack and was not out overnight with Mohammad Rizwan. Babar got to his 50 in the first over but also fell on that score in that very over causing a big dent to Pakistan's chances! Rizwan followed and the tail absolutely collapsed. From 94/4 overnight Pakistan perished to 138 all out, gaining a lead of just 67. South Africa needed just 68 runs.

It was only a matter of time before they got the runs! Markram and Ryan Rickelton attacked the Pakistani spinners and knocked down 64 runs without the loss of a wicket. Pakistan did get two wickets in quick succession, but it was too late as South Africa was just one hit away. Rickelton smashed Sajid Khan over his head and got the victory for his side! The series is drawn at 1-1! Wish there was a third Test!

ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027 - Points Table

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