Pakistan’s reign in the top two of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table lasted just a few days, as defending champions South Africa stormed back in the second Test at Rawalpindi to register their first points of the new cycle.
The Proteas, trailing 1-0 in the series, roared back with an 8-wicket win to not only level the two-match series but also stay in contention with the other title hopefuls.
Pakistan, who had entered the Test on a high after their win in Lahore, were completely outplayed by the Proteas’ spin duo of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, who combined for 17 wickets in the match.
After posting 333 in their first innings — a total built around captain Shan Masood’s 87 and Saud Shakeel’s 66 — Pakistan looked competitive on a slow, turning surface. However, Maharaj’s exceptional spell of 7 for 102 dismantled the hosts’ middle order and ensured South Africa remained within striking distance.
In response, South Africa delivered a commanding batting performance, anchored by Senuran Muthusamy’s unbeaten 89 and an explosive 71 from Kagiso Rabada. Their total of 404 gave the visitors a 71-run lead, despite a spirited effort from Asif Afridi.
Pakistan’s second innings quickly unraveled. The top order collapsed against Harmer’s sharp off-spin, with the right-armer claiming 6 for 50. Only Babar Azam (50 off 87) offered resistance as Pakistan were bowled out for a disappointing 138, setting South Africa a modest target of just 68 runs.
The visitors chased it down with ease, sealing victory with eight wickets to spare.
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Deductions | Points | Win % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 100.00% | |
| 2 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67% | |
| 3 | India | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 61.90% | |
| 4 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 50.00% | |
| 5 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 50.00% | |
| 6 | England | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 26 | 43.33% | |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67% | |
| 8 | West Indies | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | |
| 9 | New Zealand | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
With this win, South Africa climb the WTC points table, keeping their title defense hopes alive. Pakistan, meanwhile, drop crucial points after suffering their first home Test defeat of the season.
South Africa will take on India in November as their next test assignment while Pakistan will have to wait until August to take on England in their backyard.
The focus now shifts to the white-ball leg of the tour, with the first T20I scheduled for October 28 in Rawalpindi.
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.