Harmer’s spin brilliance decimates Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup
Pakistan’s hopes of staging a comeback in the second Test against South Africa faded on the fourth day as the hosts collapsed for just 138 runs, leaving the Proteas needing only 68 runs to seal a comfortable victory at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Resuming the day on 94 for 5, Pakistan’s batting lineup once again crumbled under pressure. South African off-spinner Simon Harmer was the chief destroyer, producing a match-defining spell of 6 wickets for 43 runs in 19 overs. His relentless accuracy and variation dismantled Pakistan’s lower order, exposing the team’s continued struggles against quality spin.
Captain Babar Azam stood firm amidst the chaos, crafting a fighting 50 off 87 balls, his 30th Test half-century. However, once Babar fell, Pakistan’s innings unraveled rapidly. Mohammad Rizwan added 18 runs, while Salman Agha contributed a brief 28 before both succumbed to Harmer’s guile. The rest of the lineup failed to reach double digits as wickets fell in quick succession.
South Africa’s spinners dominate as Pakistan falter again
While Harmer stole the spotlight, fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj provided excellent support, bagging 2 wickets for 34 runs. Pacer Kagiso Rabada chipped in with one wicket to complete Pakistan’s misery. The home side’s innings ended inside 50 overs, highlighting their inability to build partnerships on a turning track.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had managed 333 runs in their first innings, thanks to solid contributions from Shan Masood (87), Saud Shakeel (66), and Abdullah Shafique (57). However, South Africa responded strongly with a commanding 404-run total, taking a vital 71-run lead.
Senuran Muthusamy top-scored with an unbeaten 89, while Tristan Stubbs (76) and Kagiso Rabada (71 off 61 balls) powered the visitors into control. For Pakistan, debutant Asif Afridi was the lone bright spot, impressing with 6 wickets for 79 runs in his maiden Test appearance.
With South Africa requiring just 68 runs on the final day, the Proteas appear firmly on course to clinch the series — leaving Pakistan searching for answers ahead of the next assignment.
