PAK vs SA (2nd Test) – Highlights
South Africa produced a dominant performance to claim an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Rawalpindi, emphatically sealing the series. The match, played from October 20 to 23, 2025, showcased a brilliant display of spin bowling from Keshav Maharaj, a resilient batting performance from Senuran Muthusamy, and a consistent all-round effort from the visitors that Pakistan struggled to counter.
PAK, batting first, posted a total of 333 runs in their opening innings. Shan Masood led the charge with a classy 87, while Abdullah Shafique contributed a patient 57 and Saud Shakeel added a crucial 66. Despite these contributions, Maharaj’s exceptional spin work dismantled Pakistan’s middle and lower order. He claimed seven wickets for just 102 runs, leaving the hosts unable to build substantial partnerships beyond the top and middle order. Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen also supported Maharaj well, with Harmer taking two wickets and maintaining pressure on the batsmen throughout.
SA responded with authority, posting 404 in their first innings. Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi provided solid foundations with scores of 76 and 55, respectively, but it was Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 that anchored the innings and allowed South Africa to recover from early hiccups. Maharaj continued his fine form with the ball, but Asif Afridi’s five-wicket haul for PAK also tested the visitors. Still, SA finished with a lead of 71 runs, placing the pressure back on the home side.
Pakistan’s second innings was a struggle, collapsing for just 138 runs under sustained pressure from South African bowlers. Harmer’s spin was once again decisive, claiming six wickets as Pakistan’s top and middle order failed to respond effectively. Only Babar Azam provided resistance with a measured 50, but the rest of the lineup faltered against disciplined lines and lengths. Noman Ali managed to take two wickets, but the damage had already been done, setting South Africa a modest target of 68 runs for victory.
Chasing a small total, South Africa’s openers sealed the win comfortably in just 12.3 overs. Ryan Rickelton scored an unbeaten 25 while Aiden Markram made a composed 42, guiding the visitors past the target with minimal fuss. Maharaj’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while Senuran Muthusamy’s contributions throughout the series, with 106 runs and 11 wickets, earned him the Player of the Series accolade.
The win highlighted South Africa’s growing dominance in conditions that traditionally favor spin, showcasing their ability to adapt to subcontinental pitches and their depth in both batting and bowling. For Pakistan, it was a disappointing finish to the series, with their batsmen struggling to cope with high-quality spin and lacking the resilience required in critical moments.
Pakistan vs South Africa Scoreboard
Pakistan – 333 & 138
South Africa – 404 & 73/2
Result – South Africa won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match – Keshav Maharaj
Keshav Maharaj
PAK vs SA Playing XIs
Pakistan | Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan, Asif Afridi |
South Africa | Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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