Pakistan’s hopes of winning the two-Test series against South Africa were dashed as they suffered a heavy defeat in the second Test at Rawalpindi. South Africa secured an 8-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1. Despite preparing the pitch to their liking, winning the toss, and electing to bat first, Pakistan failed to capitalize.

How Pakistan Lost the Rawalpindi Test

• First Innings: Pakistan scored 333 runs, while South Africa responded with a strong 404.

• Second Innings Collapse: Pakistan’s batting crumbled in the second innings, managing just 138 runs. Six batsmen failed to reach double figures, and four didn’t score at all. Only Babar Azam contributed a half-century (50 runs), while Salman Agha scored 28. Top-order batsmen Imam-ul-Haq, Shafiq, and captain Masood were dismissed cheaply.

South Africa needed only 68 runs to win and reached the target in 12.3 overs, losing just two wickets.

Keshav Maharaj: Hero of the Match

South African all-rounder Keshav Maharaj played a match-winning role, taking 7 wickets for 102 runs in Pakistan’s first innings and contributing a vital 30-run knock. Other key performers included Senuran Muthusamy, who remained unbeaten on 89 in the first innings, and Kagiso Rabada, who scored 71 runs off 61 balls batting at number 11.

Despite a brief first-innings advantage when Pakistan bowled South Africa out for 210, the hosts could not maintain momentum, ultimately succumbing to a comprehensive defeat.