South Africa thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets to level Test series 1-1

Pakistan’s batting frailties once again came to the fore as the hosts crumbled on the fourth day of the second Rawalpindi Test, setting South Africa a modest target of just 68 runs, which the visitors comfortably chased down for the loss of only two wickets.

The win leveled the two-match Test series 1–1.

The day began with Pakistan under pressure as Babar Azam, who resumed on 50, was the first to fall early in the morning session. His dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse as wickets tumbled one after another. Mohammad Rizwan managed only 18, while the rest of the batting lineup offered little resistance.

Salman Ali Agha showed brief resilience with 28 runs, and Sajid Khan contributed 13, but the tailenders folded quickly — Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were both dismissed for ducks, leaving Asif Afridi unbeaten on zero as Pakistan were bowled out cheaply.

From South Africa’s bowling attack, Simon Harmer was the star of the show with a superb six-wicket haul, while Keshav Maharaj picked up two and Kagiso Rabada claimed one wicket.

Chasing 68 for victory, South Africa made light work of the target. Aiden Markram top-scored with a fluent 42, while Tristan Stubbs fell for a duck. Ryan Rickelton (25 not out) guided the Proteas home without further drama.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan had posted 333 in their first innings, but South Africa responded strongly with 404, gaining a crucial lead that ultimately proved decisive.

With the victory, South Africa ensured the two-Test series ended evenly poised at 1–1, while Pakistan will be left ruing another batting collapse that cost them a home Test they had started brightly.