CAPE TOWN: South Africa secured a comfortable 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Newlands on Monday, clinching the two-match series 2-0. Despite a valiant second-innings fightback from the visitors, the Proteas comfortably chased down a modest target of 58 runs late on Day 4.
Chasing 58, South African openers David Bedingham and Aiden Markram needed just 7.1 overs to seal the win.
Bedingham smashed 44 runs off 30 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes, while Markram added 14 runs to complete the chase without any loss.
Earlier, Pakistan displayed commendable resistance in their second innings, managing to avoid an innings defeat. The team was bowled out for 478 after being forced to follow on, following a dismal first innings score of 194 in response to South Africa’s colossal 615.
Masood leads Pakistan’s resistance
Captain Shan Masood led the fightback with a superb knock of 145, anchoring Pakistan’s innings with determination and composure.
His sixth Test century came after a resilient partnership with Babar Azam on Day 3, which had initially revived Pakistan’s hopes.
South Africa win the second Test by 10 wickets after Pakistan's fightback in their second innings.#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/KDetBq7bT1
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 6, 2025
Masood, starting Day 4 unbeaten, found support from Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, but South Africa’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Rizwan contributed 41 runs, while Salman Ali Agha added 48 to extend Pakistan’s innings.
Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s tail could not hold firm, with Mir Hamza (16) and Aamer Jamal (19) adding 37 runs for the eighth wicket before the innings folded in 122.1 overs.
South Africa’s bowling
South Africa’s bowlers displayed discipline and control, with Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada leading the attack.
Both took three wickets each, while Marco Jansen and Kwena Maphaka chipped in with two and one wickets, respectively.
The Proteas’ bowlers were clinical in both innings, limiting Pakistan to 194 in the first innings before bowling them out again for 478.
South Africa’s batting powerhouse
The foundation of South Africa’s dominance was laid by Ryan Rickelton, whose monumental 259-run knock in the first innings was the highlight of the series.
Kyle Verreynne’s quickfire 100 off 147 balls added further heft to South Africa’s massive total of 615, leaving Pakistan facing an uphill battle.
Series whitewash
This emphatic victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive Test series whitewash, underlining their strong form heading into the World Test Championship final.
Final scores
South Africa 1st Innings: 615 all out
Pakistan 1st Innings: 194 all out
Pakistan 2nd Innings: 478 all out
South Africa’s Target: 58/0
Pakistan Playing XI
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
South Africa Playing XI
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
