ISLAMABAD: South Africa handed Pakistan a resounding eight-wicket defeat on the fourth morning of the second Test at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Islamabad, leveling the two-match series 1-1 on Thursday.
Skipper Aiden Markram, alongside opener Ryan Rickelton, set up the victory with a solid start before Markram was dismissed by Noman Ali, just four runs shy of the target, after scoring 42. The Proteas comfortably chased down the 68-run target in just 13 overs.
Earlier, South Africa bowled out Pakistan for a mere 138 in their second innings, leaving themselves with a straightforward chase. Pakistan’s batting imploded in the first session of the day, losing six wickets for just 44 runs after a subpar performance with the ball on Wednesday.
Simon Harmer played a pivotal role in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, claiming impressive figures of six wickets for 50 runs. Keshav Maharaj provided able support, finishing with two for 34.
Beginning the fourth day at 94 for four, Pakistan’s innings quickly unraveled as they lost Babar Azam early after adding only two runs to their overnight total. Muhammad Rizwan scored 18, Salman Ali Agha managed 28, and Sajid Khan contributed 13, but their efforts were in vain against the dominating Proteas bowling attack.