CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa secured its seventh consecutive victory by defeating Pakistan by 10 wickets on the fourth day of the second Test match at Newlands on Monday, thus completing a 2-0 series triumph.
Pakistan, needing to follow on following their first innings score of 194, fought valiantly to stave off an innings defeat with just 10 players available after Saim Ayub sustained an injury on the first day. They were eventually bowled out for 478, which left South Africa requiring just 58 runs to clinch the victory.
David Bedingham and Aiden Markram efficiently accumulated the required runs in a mere 7.1 overs, securing the series after their earlier narrow win by two wickets at Centurion, which also concluded within four days.
“It’s satisfying, good old Test cricket that we’re used to,” remarked South African captain Temba Bavuma. “There was something in it for the new-ball bowlers initially, and then it flattened out. Late on day four, we saw some spin, which is consistent with what we have grown accustomed to.”
Since their 40-run victory over the West Indies at Providence in August of last year, South Africa has claimed 2-0 series wins against teams such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and now Pakistan, while also qualifying for their first World Test Championship final, scheduled for June at Lord’s.
Ryan Rickelton, who scored an impressive 259 in South Africa’s formidable first innings total of 615, was named player of the match, though he was unable to play on Monday due to a groin injury.
Pakistan’s determined batting performance was led by captain Shan Masood, who provided a gritty century while occupying the crease for over six hours. Masood eventually scored 145 before being dismissed by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka after lunch.
“Maphaka is an incredibly confident player who thrives in a competitive environment,” Bavuma expressed. “His spirit remained high, and he was eager to make a contribution for the team.”
Beginning the day at 213-1, nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad managed to frustrate South African bowlers in the early morning session until Marco Jansen caught him out at point for just 18 runs. Jansen nearly managed to dismiss Kamran Ghulam in the same over, but a catch at first slip went begging when Bedingham missed a straightforward chance.
Ghulam managed to hit four boundaries in his score of 28 before falling to a delivery from Kagiso Rabada that came back enough to hit the off stump while the batter misjudged the line.
The Proteas opted for the new ball after lunch and struck twice in quick succession. Rabada claimed the edge of Saud Shakeel, who managed just 23 runs, prompting a catch in the slips. Shortly after, they secured the crucial wicket of Masood through a successful lbw review, as Maphaka’s delivery hit the captain’s front pad.
Despite narrowing the deficit to 109, Pakistan found themselves 5 wickets down, leaving little room for error. Salman Ali Agha (48) and Mohammad Rizwan (41) dodged close lbw calls early in their innings before spinner Keshav Maharaj, who bowled lengthy spells, managed to dismiss both of them.
No. 9 batter Mir Hamza (16) briefly made an impact, smashing Rabada for a straight six, but he became the last wicket to fall, top-edging a delivery from Rabada, who concluded with impressive figures of 3-115. Maharaj and Jansen chipped in as well, with Maharaj achieving figures of 3-137 and Jansen 2-101, as South African bowlers labored through 122.1 overs throughout the innings.
Bedingham, stepping in to open the batting for the Proteas in Rickelton’s absence, finished with 44 not out off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.
“With our backs against the wall, we performed admirably,” Masood reflected. “Our start was poor, and we conceded too many runs initially, followed by a lackluster batting display on a pitch that was very conducive to runs. We need to improve our ability to deliver the initial blow.”
Looking ahead, Pakistan is set to face the West Indies in a two-Test series beginning January 17 in Multan.
