Breaking News: South Africa Beat Pakistan by 8 Wickets in 2nd Test 2025 — Series Ends 1-1
In a dramatic finish at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets to level the two-match series 1-1 in the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025. The visitors dominated with both bat and ball, led by Simon Harmer’s six-wicket spell and a resilient lower-order stand that broke Pakistan’s resistance.
This victory marks South Africa’s first Test win on Pakistani soil in nearly a decade and adds crucial points to their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 campaign.
Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 — Match Summary
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Dates: October 20–23, 2025
- Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
- Series: 1–1 Draw
- Toss: Pakistan won, elected to bat first
Despite early promise, Pakistan’s inability to maintain partnerships and dropped catches cost them dearly, while South Africa’s spinners and tailenders turned the match on its head.
Pakistan’s First Innings — Bright Start, Painful End
Batting first, Pakistan seemed in control as Abdullah Shafique (57) and Shan Masood (87) steadied the innings after an early wicket. Saud Shakeel (66) added valuable runs, and Pakistan crossed 300 comfortably.
However, South Africa’s spin duo — Keshav Maharaj (7/102) and Simon Harmer (2/75) — ripped through the lower order, restricting Pakistan to 333 runs in 113.4 overs. A total that once looked commanding soon appeared underwhelming given the pitch conditions.
Captain Babar Azam managed only 16, falling cheaply, while Pakistan’s tail contributed little. The missed opportunity to score beyond 400 would later haunt the hosts.
South Africa’s 1st Innings — Lower Order Takes Charge
South Africa’s reply began shakily, losing openers Aiden Markram (32) and Ryan Rickelton (14) early. But Tristan Stubbs (76) and Tony de Zorzi (55) rebuilt with a patient stand.
The turning point came when Senuran Muthusamy (89 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (71 off 61) added a stunning 9th-wicket partnership of 98 runs. Pakistan dropped Muthusamy twice — and paid the price.
Left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, playing his first major home Test, was Pakistan’s standout performer with 6/79, while Noman Ali picked up two wickets. Still, South Africa’s 404 total gave them a 71-run lead and complete control of the match.
Read More: Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 Match Summary
Pakistan’s Second Innings — Harmer Spins a Web
Pakistan’s second innings turned into a nightmare. Simon Harmer, the South African off-spinner, bowled one of the finest spells of his career, claiming 6 wickets for 50 runs.
Only Babar Azam (50) and Salman Agha (28) provided brief resistance. The rest fell cheaply as Maharaj (2/34) and Harmer combined to humiliate Pakistan’s batting on home turf.
From 60/3, Pakistan never recovered, eventually collapsing to 138 all out in 49.3 overs. The lack of patience and poor shot selection reflected the mental pressure caused by South Africa’s disciplined bowling.
South Africa’s Chase — Markram Leads the Way
Chasing a modest target of 68, South Africa made quick work of the chase. Aiden Markram smashed 42 off 45 balls, setting the tone, while Ryan Rickelton (25)* calmly finished the job.
Despite Noman Ali’s two wickets, the Proteas reached 73/2 in just 12.3 overs, completing an emphatic 8-wicket win to end the series 1-1.
Key Performers — Heroes of the Match
| 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) |
| Asif Afridi | Pakistan | 6/79 |
| Shan Masood | Pakistan | 87 (176) |
Turning Points That Changed the Game
- Dropped Catches: Pakistan dropped Muthusamy twice, allowing South Africa to add over 70 extra runs.
- Rabada’s Blitz: Rabada’s fearless counterattack of 71 runs shifted momentum.
- Harmer’s Spell: His 6-wicket masterclass dismantled Pakistan’s second innings.
- Top-Order Collapse: Pakistan’s top order failed to apply themselves against spin.
Post-Match Reactions
Shan Masood (Pakistan Captain):
“We had our chances but didn’t capitalize. Fielding let us down. Credit to South Africa’s bowlers for keeping us under pressure.”
Aiden Markram (South Africa Captain):
“A proud moment for the team. Winning in Asia is never easy. Harmer and Maharaj were exceptional, and our lower order showed great fight.”
WTC 2025 Points Table Update
With this win, South Africa climbed the World Test Championship 2025 ladder, earning 12 valuable points. Pakistan, however, lost ground after a poor home display.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
| Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 12 |
Read More: Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Announces Squads for South Africa and Sri Lanka Series
What This Defeat Means for Pakistan
This loss raises major questions about Pakistan’s approach in home conditions. The team’s struggle against spin, coupled with missed chances and poor lower-order contributions, highlight tactical gaps.
On a brighter note, Asif Afridi’s 6-wicket haul showed that Pakistan’s spin reserves remain promising. Yet, consistent batting failures continue to haunt the side.
Conclusion — A Lesson in Discipline and Execution
The Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 was a reminder that Test cricket rewards patience and precision. South Africa’s combination of tight bowling, sharp fielding, and fearless lower-order batting secured a historic win.
For Pakistan, this match serves as a wake-up call. Poor fielding, inconsistent batting, and strategic lapses overshadowed flashes of brilliance. As the team looks ahead to its New Zealand tour, lessons from Rawalpindi will be vital for improvement.
