Cricket
Proteas thrash Pakistan by 8 wickets in Rawalpindi─── MORGAN PIEK 09:26 Thu, 23 Oct 2025
The Proteas levelled the two-Test series against Pakistan with an eight-wicket victory in Rawalpindi on Thursday, following a brilliant morning session by the reigning World Test Champions.
On day four of the second and final Test, South Africa bowled out the hosts for 138 in their second innings after Pakistan resumed on 94/4 with a lead of just 23 runs. Their strong position was set up by a superb final-wicket stand between Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada on Wednesday during South Africa’s first innings.
A magnificent unbeaten 89 from Muthusamy, combined with a quickfire 71 off 61 balls from Rabada, lifted the Proteas to 404 all out – this after being in trouble at 210/7.
That inspired partnership gave South Africa a 71-run lead, which they fully capitalised on with the ball, reducing Pakistan to 16/3 after just 16.1 overs in their second innings.
Simon Harmer. Photo: Cricinfo
On Thursday, seasoned spinner Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, taking 6/50 in 20 overs, while Keshav Maharaj chipped in with 2/34 in 11.3 overs.
Babar Azam managed to add only one run to his overnight score before being dismissed for 50, while Salman Agha contributed 28 and Mohammad Rizwan scored 18.
Chasing just 68 runs for victory, the Proteas made light work of the target, reaching it in only 12.3 overs.
Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada. Photo: Cricinfo
Aiden Markram top-scored with 42 off 45 balls before being trapped lbw with four runs needed for the win. Tristan Stubbs faced four deliveries before being caught in the slips for a duck, while Tony de Zorzi didn’t face a ball.
Ryan Rickelton sealed the victory in style with a six, finishing unbeaten on 25 off 29 balls.
Noman Ali claimed both South African wickets but was taken apart by the batters, conceding 40 runs in his six overs.
Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Cricinfo
Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South African bowlers in the Pakistani first innings with 7/102 in 42.4 overs, to go with his two in the second innings – and ultimately was named as the Man of the Match.
The former North West Dragons captain Muthusamy, in turn, was named as the Player of the Series for his 106 runs and 11 wickets in the two Tests.
The attention now turns to white-ball cricket with the 1st T20 International set to be played on Tuesday in Rawalpindi.
