South Africa produced a commanding efficiency on Day 4 to defeat Pakistan by 8 wickets within the second Check at Rawalpindi, leveling the collection 1-1. After Pakistan posted 333 of their first innings and 138 of their second, South Africa chased down the 68-run goal in simply 12.3 overs. Simon Harmer was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 6 wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, because the hosts struggled to mount any important resistance. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton ensured a medical chase, securing the win with relative ease and setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the collection.
Pakistan’s collapse on Day 4: Simon Harmer’s six-wicket haul shatters the hosts
On Day 4, Pakistan’s second innings was undone by Harmer’s sensible bowling efficiency. Harmer claimed 6 wickets, together with essential dismissals of Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Regardless of a gritty knock from Babar, who scored 50, Pakistan discovered themselves reeling at 138 all out. Keshav Maharaj offered wonderful assist, taking 2 wickets, whereas Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen contributed with key breakthroughs. Pakistan’s batting crumbled within the face of South Africa’s relentless spin assault, and so they had been dismissed inside 50 overs. The autumn of wickets got here shortly, with the hosts unable to recuperate after an early collapse, leaving South Africa with a small however manageable goal of 68 runs to win.
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South Africa’s medical chase: Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton seal the victory
South Africa’s response to the small goal was calm and calculated. Opening with Markram and Rickelton, the Proteas moved shortly to the goal, taking solely 12.3 overs to finish the chase. Markram was the aggressive pressure, scoring 42 runs off 45 balls, together with some crisp boundaries. Rickelton, alternatively, was extra cautious however stable in his method, ending on 25 not out. The pair made fast work of the duty, regardless of some tight bowling from Pakistan’s seamers. The win was a testomony to South Africa’s resilience, with their bowlers dominating the sport and organising an ideal conclusion to the collection.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
In a parallel universe, Simon Harmer and Kyle Abbott do not go the Kolpak method and together with Rabada kind the deadliest bowling trio ever identified within the historical past of mankind.
— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) October 23, 2025
In the meantime, an unbelievable struggle again by South Africa. Led by the spinners. So what sort of wicket do you might have for the first check in Kolkata?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 23, 2025
Simon Harmer with all his expertise has bowled exceptionally effectively which I used to be anticipating earlier than this collection.
Various his tempo. Establishing batters for that slider/arm ball. Some overspin and therefore the additional little bit of bounce.
A sport altering spell.
— Martial (@coverpoint_) October 23, 2025
“Spinners dominating on this collection and who would’ve thought it is South African spinners?” says Ramiz Raja on commentary.
Loopy remark given the standard and expertise of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. Senuran Muthusamy additionally had 277 FC wickets at 27.96 coming into this Check.…
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) October 23, 2025
Simon Harmer has a 1000 FC wickets.
Essex legend.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) October 23, 2025
Pakistan this 12 months in Dwelling Assessments on unlawful tracks
– Misplaced a Check to WI after lowering them to 38/7 in 1st innings
– Misplaced a Check to South Africa after lowering them to 235/8 with 98 runs lead
In each collection they’re 1-0 forward however could not win collection #PAKvSA— JSK (@imjsk27) October 23, 2025
Thanks Crew South Africa for efficiently chasing and shutting the match on the 4th day’s first session to make life simpler for Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents.
A deserving victory 🙌🏼 🇿🇦#PAKvSA— Ali Sethi (@Alisethi_1) October 23, 2025
Final two South African wickets added 165 runs and our entire Pakistan group made 138.
If on spin wickets we will not get the tail out and might’t bat within the second inning, then this entire factor is a catastrophe.#PAKvSA
— Adnan Alavi (@adnanalavi) October 23, 2025
The World Check Champions come again to win the 2nd Check in commanding vogue! 💪
Sequence stage 1-1
Now, how many people are wishing there was a third Check?#PAKvSA #WTC27 pic.twitter.com/WtZg1Q9orC
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) October 23, 2025
Congratulations to SA Crew to win this Check Match. SA Batters confirmed easy methods to play in stress and snatch Victory from the anticipated profitable group. Pak Captain must study from the experience of SA Crew. #PAKvSA
— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) October 23, 2025
What a win by South Africa! Not straightforward to dominate the house facet with such difficult situations. Such a disgrace it is a two-match collection, although. Would have cherished to observe extra such encounters. #PAKvSA
— Brashna Kasi (@Brashnaa) October 23, 2025
South Africa report a Check win in Pakistan for the primary time since 2007 💥#Cricket #PAKvSA #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/GDMMjnkCKx
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025
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