South Africa Dominate Pakistan: A Resounding Victory
South Africa dominate Pakistan in an emphatic ten-wicket victory, despite a commendable fightback by the visitors. Pakistan overcame a massive deficit of 421 runs. However, South Africa’s target of 58 runs was a mere formality.
South Africa posted a massive 615 in their first innings, with Rickelton, Bavuma, and Verreynne scoring centuries. Pakistan responded with 194, with Babar Azam top-scoring with 58. South Africa enforced the follow-on and bowled out Pakistan for 478 in their second innings, with Shan Masood scoring a brilliant 145.
Pakistan’s Resilient Fight
South Africa’s dominance was challenged by Pakistan’s resilient fight. Despite the deficit, Pakistan made South Africa work hard for the win. Shan Masood’s century and Babar Azam’s 81 were standout performances. Pakistan’s batsmen showed determination, with a mammoth 205-run opening stand between Masood and Babar.
South Africa enforced the follow-on and bowled another 122.1 overs. They were frustrated by an 88-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. Keshav Maharaj eventually broke through, and regular wickets followed.
Key Moments and Performances
Marco Jansen got nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad out early on. Rabada cleaned up Kamran Ghulam. Maharaj bowled through the session, with his variations posing a threat. Shahzad chipped a ball to Maharaj at point, and Ghulam was bowled by Rabada.
Masood’s century ended in contentious circumstances. Maphaka got one to shape away and hit Masood’s pad. Hawk-Eye showed it hitting the stumps. Masood protested as he walked off.
Final Push by Pakistan
Agha and Rizwan rebuilt after Masood’s departure. They wore off the sheen of the second new ball. Pakistan wiped out the deficit, but Rizwan chipped Maharaj to short cover. Agha fell shortly after, two runs shy of his half-century.
Mir Hamza had some fun with a heave for the only six of the innings. Aamer Jamal reverse-swept Maharaj to slip. Rabada wrapped up the innings.
South Africa’s Quick Chase
Bedingham provided a quick 47 off 30 balls. South Africa sealed the win in just 43 balls, marking their qualification for the WTC final in style.
Despite Pakistan’s great resistance, South Africa dominated Pakistan with a commanding performance. It was their seventh successive Test win.
