Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 Match Summary — South Africa Clinch Series with 8-Wicket Win in Rawalpindi
Cricket fans witnessed an intense battle in Rawalpindi as South Africa sealed a memorable victory over Pakistan by eight wickets in the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025. The win not only leveled the two-match series 1-1 but also strengthened South Africa’s position in the World Test Championship 2025 standings.
This thrilling contest had everything — resilience, spin magic, dropped chances, and a standout bowling performance that turned the game in South Africa’s favor.
Match Overview — Rawalpindi Test Highlights
- Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd Test 2025
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Date: October 20–23, 2025
- Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
- Series: 2-Match Test Series (Drawn 1-1)
- Toss: Pakistan won and opted to bat first
Despite a promising start on Day 1, Pakistan lost control after a brilliant comeback from the South African lower order and an incredible bowling display by Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj.
Pakistan’s First Innings — Solid Start but Sudden Collapse
Pakistan, after winning the toss, chose to bat on a pitch that looked ideal for batting on the first day. The openers Abdullah Shafique (57) and Imam-ul-Haq (17) gave a steady start before Harmer drew first blood.
The standout performer for Pakistan was Shan Masood (87), who played a captain’s innings, anchoring partnerships with Shafique and Saud Shakeel (66). The pair stitched crucial runs but failed to convert their starts into a big hundred.
Babar Azam’s dismissal for just 16 runs turned the tide. Once Masood fell, Pakistan’s middle and lower order couldn’t resist the spin duo of Maharaj and Harmer.
Pakistan 1st Innings Summary
- Shan Masood — 87 (176)
- Saud Shakeel — 66 (147)
- Abdullah Shafique — 57 (146)
- Simon Harmer — 2/75
- Keshav Maharaj — 7/102
Pakistan were bowled out for 333 runs in 113.4 overs, missing a golden chance to post a 400-plus total.
Read More: Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series
South Africa’s Response — Grit and Guts Lead to 404
South Africa started cautiously, losing both openers cheaply, but middle-order stability arrived through Tristan Stubbs (76) and Tony de Zorzi (55).
However, the game’s biggest turning point came from the lower order, where Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71 off 61 balls) stunned Pakistan’s bowling attack with a remarkable 9th-wicket stand.
Asif Afridi, the left-arm spinner making his mark, claimed a brilliant 6-wicket haul, keeping Pakistan alive in the contest. But dropped catches and missed stumpings allowed South Africa to push their total to 404, earning a 71-run lead — a psychological edge that Pakistan couldn’t recover from.
South Africa 1st Innings Summary
- Muthusamy — 89*
- Stubbs — 76
- Rabada — 71
- Asif Afridi — 6/79
- Noman Ali — 2/92
Pakistan’s Second Innings — Harmer’s Spin Web Destroys Hopes
Chasing the deficit, Pakistan needed a solid second innings to stay alive. However, what followed was a collapse that defined the match.
Simon Harmer produced one of the finest bowling spells of his career, picking up 6 wickets for 50 runs. Keshav Maharaj supported him with 2 wickets as Pakistan were bundled out for 138 runs.
Only Babar Azam (50 off 87) and Salman Agha (28) showed resistance, while the rest of the lineup fell cheaply.
The failure of the top order — Imam-ul-Haq (9), Shafique (6), and Masood (0) — set the tone for an inevitable defeat.
Pakistan 2nd Innings Highlights
- Babar Azam — 50
- Salman Agha — 28
- Simon Harmer — 6/50
- Keshav Maharaj — 2/34
Pakistan managed just 138 runs, setting South Africa a target of 68 runs.
South Africa’s Chase — Markram and Rickelton Seal the Win
With a target of only 68 runs, South Africa made quick work of the chase on the fourth morning. Aiden Markram (42 off 45) batted aggressively before falling lbw to Noman Ali, while Ryan Rickelton (25*) ensured there were no hiccups.
South Africa reached 73/2 in 12.3 overs, sealing an 8-wicket victory and squaring the series 1-1.
South Africa 2nd Innings Summary
- Aiden Markram — 42
- Ryan Rickelton — 25*
- Noman Ali — 2/40
Key Performers — Match-Changing Contributions
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Harmer | South Africa | 6/50 & 2/75 |
| Keshav Maharaj | South Africa | 7/102 & 2/34 |
| Senuran Muthusamy | South Africa | 89* (155) |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 71 (61) & 1 wicket |
| Asif Afridi | Pakistan | 6/79 |
| Shan Masood | Pakistan | 87 (176) |
Turning Points of the Match
1. Dropped Chances on Day 2
Pakistan dropped Muthusamy twice, and those errors cost over 70 valuable runs.
2. Rabada’s Counterattack
Rabada’s fearless 71 off 61 balls completely shifted momentum toward South Africa.
3. Harmer’s Spell of Destruction
In Pakistan’s second innings, Harmer’s flight, dip, and turn dismantled the batting lineup within two sessions.
4. Lack of Application from Pakistan’s Top Order
No partnership exceeded 40 runs in the second innings — a clear sign of batting failure.
Scorecard Summary (Condensed)
| Innings | Team | Runs | Overs | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | Pakistan | 333 | 113.4 | Masood 87, Shakeel 66 |
| 1st Innings | South Africa | 404 | 119.3 | Muthusamy 89*, Rabada 71 |
| 2nd Innings | Pakistan | 138 | 49.3 | Babar 50, Harmer 6/50 |
| 2nd Innings | South Africa | 73/2 | 12.3 | Markram 42, Rickelton 25* |
Post-Match Reactions
Shan Masood (Pakistan Captain):
“We let it slip. The dropped catches and missed chances cost us. Credit to Harmer and Maharaj — they were outstanding.”
Aiden Markram (South Africa Captain):
“Proud of the team’s fight. Away wins are special, and this one means a lot for the WTC. Muthusamy and Rabada showed immense character.”
World Test Championship Impact
With this win, South Africa gained vital WTC 2025 points, moving closer to the top three. Pakistan, on the other hand, lost crucial home points, putting pressure on their upcoming away series.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
Expert Analysis — Lessons for Pakistan
- Spin Handling: Pakistani batters struggled against Harmer and Maharaj on a home track — a major concern.
- Lower-Order Fragility: Pakistan’s tail failed to support middle order under pressure.
- Fielding Errors: The dropped chances in South Africa’s first innings changed the game.
- Leadership and Strategy: Masood’s defensive field placements allowed easy singles and partnerships to flourish.
- Positive Signs: Asif Afridi’s six-wicket haul was a silver lining — a promising debut.
Read More: Keshav Maharaj Career Statistics 2025 – Record-Breaking Year
Top 10 FAQs about Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025
1. Who won the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025?
South Africa won the second Test by 8 wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
2. What was the series result between Pakistan and South Africa?
The two-match Test series ended 1-1, with both sides winning one Test each.
3. Who was the Player of the Match?
Simon Harmer was named Player of the Match for his 8 wickets and match-winning spell.
4. What were Babar Azam’s scores in the match?
Babar scored 16 in the first innings and 50 in the second innings.
5. Who took the most wickets for South Africa?
Keshav Maharaj (9 wickets in total) and Simon Harmer (8 wickets) dominated the bowling charts.
6. How did Pakistan perform in the second innings?
Pakistan collapsed for just 138 runs, losing 6 wickets to Harmer’s off-spin.
7. Who was Pakistan’s best bowler in the match?
Asif Afridi, who took 6/79 in the first innings, was Pakistan’s standout bowler.
8. How many runs did South Africa’s lower order add?
The last three wickets added over 160 runs, turning the match completely in South Africa’s favor.
9. Where was the match played?
The match was held at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, known for its spin-friendly surface.
10. What’s next for both teams?
Pakistan will tour New Zealand for a two-Test series, while South Africa will host India in December 2025.
Conclusion — A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan
The Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 will be remembered for its drama, spin dominance, and South Africa’s resilience. Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on early chances and their batting collapse cost them the match and series momentum.
For South Africa, it was a statement win — built on discipline, grit, and teamwork. Simon Harmer’s 6/50 and Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 symbolized their all-round superiority.
As Pakistan prepares for its next challenge, the Rawalpindi Test stands as a reminder: in Test cricket, one bad session can undo two days of hard work.
