South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test | Proteas Secure WTC Final Spot
The cricketing action in Cape Town on South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd test Day 4 ended with the Proteas securing a resounding 10-wicket victory, further underlining their dominance in Test cricket this season. While Pakistan put up a spirited fight in their second innings, recovering from a massive first-innings deficit, South Africa comfortably chased down the target of 58 late in the day.
Pakistan’s Gritty Fightback After Follow-On
Forced to follow on with a 421-run deficit, Pakistan fought resiliently to post 478 all out in their second innings. Captain Shan Masood led from the front, showcasing his class with a heroic innings of 145 runs, featuring 17 boundaries. His innings were the backbone of Pakistan’s recovery, with vital contributions from other batters in challenging conditions.
Despite Masood’s heroics, Pakistan faced multiple setbacks, including playing a batter short after Saim Ayub was ruled out with a broken ankle on the opening day. Here’s how Pakistan’s notable partnerships unfolded:
- Shan Masood & Saud Shakeel (51 runs for the fourth wicket): This stand showed resilience before Shakeel fell to Kagiso Rabada for 23.
- Mohammad Rizwan & Salman Ali Agha (88 runs for the sixth wicket): The pair stabilized the innings with Rizwan scoring 41 and Salman contributing a vital 48.
- Babar Azam Scored fifty and got back in powerful routine.
- Aamer Jamal’s quick-fire 34 added crucial late runs, helping Pakistan push their total towards respectability.
However, they were undone by South Africa’s bowlers with the second new ball. Debutant Kwena Maphaka, just 18 years old, claimed a dream wicket, trapping Masood leg-before-wicket to end his marathon knock.
South Africa’s Clinical Chase in 7.1 Overs
With only 58 runs needed, South Africa wasted no time in finishing the job. David Bedingham, stepping in as opener for the injured Ryan Rickelton, smashed an unbeaten 44 off 30 balls to seal the win in just 7.1 overs. His aggressive performance underlined South Africa’s batting depth and composure under pressure.
Rickelton, who had earlier scored an incredible 259 runs in South Africa’s first innings of 615 South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd test Day, suffered a hamstring strain while fielding, ruling him out of the chase.
South Africa’s Bowlers Face Tough Conditions
The Proteas’ bowlers faced a herculean task on a placid fourth-day pitch that offered very little assistance. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, expected to dominate, toiled hard to return figures of 3/137 from 45 overs. Kagiso Rabada chipped in with two wickets, while Maphaka impressed with his control and wicket of Masood on debut. Despite the flat conditions, the bowlers stuck to their plans and eventually dismantled Pakistan’s lineup.
Key Stats of the South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Match
| Statistic | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| First-Innings Runs | 194 | 615 |
| Second-Innings Runs | 478 | 58/0 (chased in 7.1 overs) |
| Top Scorer (SA) | Ryan Rickelton (259) | David Bedingham (44*) |
| Top Scorer (Pak) | Shan Masood (145) | — |
| Best Bowler (SA) | Keshav Maharaj (3/137) | Kagiso Rabada (2/117) |
WTC Final Beckons for South Africa
This victory increased South Africa’s winning streak to seven consecutive Tests, marking their second-best sequence in history. The Proteas now sit firmly atop the WTC table, and with Australia awaiting in the final at Lord’s in June, confidence in the South African camp couldn’t be higher.
Positives for Pakistan Despite Defeat
Although a 2-0 series loss was a disappointing outcome for Pakistan, the fight shown by players like Shan Masood, Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha provides a glimmer of hope. With continued development, the team could come back stronger in future assignments.
South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd test Match Quick Highlights
- South Africa First Innings: 615 (Rickelton 259, Rabada 39 off 17).
- Pakistan First Innings: 194 (Bowlers dominated).
- Pakistan Second Innings: 478 (Masood 145, Salman 48, Rizwan 41).
- South Africa won by 10 wickets on Day 4, chasing 58 in 7.1 overs.
South Africa continues to prove why they are one of the most dominant teams in Test cricket today, with their eyes firmly set on becoming WTC champions in June.
