South Africa delivered a commanding performance, thrashing Pakistan by 10 wickets in the second Test at Newlands on Monday. Chasing a modest target of 58, the Proteas wrapped up the series 2-0 in emphatic fashion.
Read More: South Africa Dominates Pakistan in Second Test at Newlands
Despite a resilient fightback led by Captain Shan Masood’s masterful century (145), Pakistan could not avoid defeat. Contributions from Babar Azam (81), Agha Salman (48), and Mohammad Rizwan (41) helped the Green Shirts post 478 in their second innings, averting an innings defeat.
Resuming at 213/1, Pakistan still trailed South Africa’s mammoth first-innings total of 615 by 208 runs. Nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad added 18 before falling to Marco Jansen, leaving Pakistan at 235/2.
Shan Masood, in sublime form, partnered with Kamran Ghulam to add 43 runs, but Ghulam departed for 28 after a sharp delivery from Kagiso Rabada. Masood soldiered on with Saud Shakeel, guiding Pakistan to 309/3 at lunch.
Masood’s brilliant innings eventually ended at 145, courtesy of Maphaka. Despite Rizwan’s gritty 41, Pakistan set South Africa a modest target of 58, which the hosts chased down effortlessly.
South Africa’s first-innings dominance was built on Ryan Rickelton’s monumental 259 and Kyle Verreynne’s brisk 100. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha with three wickets each, struggled to contain the Proteas.
Forced to follow on after being dismissed for just 194 in their first innings, Pakistan’s top order finally showed resistance. A record 205-run opening stand between Masood and Babar Azam gave hope, but South Africa’s relentless attack proved too much.
While Shan Masood and Babar Azam showed flashes of brilliance, Pakistan’s overall performance fell short of expectations. The 2-0 series loss highlights the need for significant improvements in both batting depth and bowling execution.
South Africa, on the other hand, demonstrated clinical precision throughout the series, solidifying their status as one of the most formidable sides in Test cricket.
