Rawalpindi, October 23, 2025 – South Africa produced a remarkable all-round performance to defeat Pakistan in the second Test and level the two-match series 1-1. The victory marks the Proteas’ first Test win in Pakistan since 2007 and only their third triumph in Asia in the past decade, underlining why they remain the reigning World Test Champions.
South Africa Secure Historic Victory
The visitors chased down a modest target of 68 runs with ease, thanks to a solid start by Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. Despite quick dismissals of Markram (42) and Stubbs (0), the Proteas cruised to victory without much trouble. Earlier, Pakistan’s batting crumbled against Simon Harmer, who delivered a brilliant six-wicket haul, exposing the hosts’ struggle against quality spin. Babar Azam’s half-century was the only highlight for Pakistan in the second innings, while Salman Agha added some resistance lower down.
Rabada and Muthusamy Lead South Africa’s First-Innings Comeback
The turning point came when Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada stitched together a crucial lower-order partnership. Muthusamy remained unbeaten on 89, while Rabada struck his maiden Test fifty with a composed 71, guiding South Africa to 404 and earning a 71-run lead. The pair’s heroics deflated Pakistan’s bowlers, who had previously reduced the Proteas to 235/8, led by debutant Asif Afridi’s five-wicket haul.
Pakistan’s First Innings and Early Dominance
Earlier, Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss and posted 333 runs. Skipper Shan Masood led from the front with a fluent 87, while Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel added crucial half-centuries. Keshav Maharaj was the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming seven wickets and keeping the hosts in check despite several dropped chances by his teammates.
Middle-Order Rescue for South Africa
In response, South Africa were in early trouble before Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi steadied the innings with a vital 113-run stand. Both registered well-deserved fifties before Afridi’s spin brilliance gave Pakistan a brief upper hand, which was later overturned by Muthusamy and Rabada’s extraordinary counterattack.
Player Awards and Reactions
• Player of the Match: Keshav Maharaj – 9 wickets and 30 runs
• Player of the Series: Senuran Muthusamy – 11 wickets and 106 runs
Maharaj said he focused on consistency and flight, praising Rabada and Muthusamy for their match-winning stand. Muthusamy expressed joy over his contribution, saying the series meant a lot to him as he tried to deliver whenever given a chance.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram hailed the victory as a strong response after their first-Test loss, noting the team’s growing confidence and balance between pace and spin. Pakistan skipper Shan Masood acknowledged South Africa’s quality, admitting missed fielding chances and poor lower-order batting cost them the game.
Series Concludes on a Balanced Note
The two-match Test series ends 1-1, with both captains, Shan Masood and Aiden Markram, sharing the trophy. Both teams will now shift focus to the upcoming three-match T20I series, beginning Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 3 PM GMT.
This thrilling contest showcased Test cricket at its finest — a perfect mix of skill, grit, and drama — leaving fans eagerly awaiting the T20 clash between these two formidable sides.