South Africa Completes The Sweep With a 10-Wicket Victory

South Africa secured an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test on Day 4 in Cape Town, sealing the series 2-0. The hosts comfortably chased the modest target of 58 runs in just over seven overs.

This victory underscored South Africa's exceptional form in the 2024/25 season, during which they remained unbeaten in Tests with nine wins and a single draw.

Pakistan's Resilience After Follow-On

Despite being forced to follow on, Pakistan showed remarkable resolve with the bat in their second innings, amassing a commendable 478. Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan played crucial roles in resisting South Africa’s bowling attack.

Agha survived an LBW shout shortly after Tea, narrowly getting his bat down in time. Rizwan, meanwhile, reached the 400-run mark for Pakistan with a boundary off Keshav Maharaj, who was wicketless until that stage.

However, the partnership ended abruptly when Rizwan chipped a soft catch to Temba Bavuma at cover off Maharaj, breaking their 88-run stand. Soon after, Agha fell to Maharaj and was caught at slip after surviving an earlier LBW decision through DRS. For those looking for other forms of entertainment, billy 777 login might be of interest.

Lower Order Contributions and Collapse

Pakistan’s lower order added valuable runs as Aamer Jamal and Mir Hamza took on Kagiso Rabada. Hamza played a brilliant lofted six down the ground off a length delivery, and the duo pushed Pakistan's lead past 50. However, both batters fell quickly, leaving South Africa with a small target to chase.

South Africa’s Swift Chase

With Ryan Rickelton unable to bat due to an injury, David Bedingham was promoted to open alongside Aiden Markram. Bedingham wasted no time, smashing an aggressive 47 off 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

Markram was supporting, rotating the strike efficiently as South Africa wrapped up the chase quickly, securing their seventh consecutive Test victory.

Key Moments in Pakistan's Second Innings

Morning Session:

South Africa began the day with two early strikes. Marco Jansen dismissed nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad, inducing an edge to the point fielder. Kagiso Rabada then produced a masterclass in swing bowling to clean up Kamran Ghulam with a delivery that nipped back sharply after setting him up with outswingers.

Post-Lunch Breakthroughs:

The hosts made significant inroads with the new ball after Lunch. Rabada accounted for Saud Shakeel, who nicked an angled delivery to second slip. In the following over.

Maphaka trapped Shan Masood LBW after a successful review, with the ball hitting him in line and crashing into the off-stump. These dismissals left Pakistan vulnerable heading into the final session.

South Africa’s Dominance Throughout the Match

South Africa’s first innings total of 615, highlighted by Ryan Rickelton’s monumental 259 and centuries from Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, laid a solid foundation. Pakistan's bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas and Salman Ali Agha, struggled to contain the hosts.

In contrast, Pakistan's first innings were underwhelming as they managed only 194, with Babar Azam (58) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) providing the only notable resistance. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, capitalized on the conditions to bundle them out cheaply.

Brief Scores

• South Africa: 615 (Ryan Rickelton 259, Temba Bavuma 106, Kyle Verreynne 100; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Salman Ali Agha 3-148) & 58/0 (David Bedingham 47*, Aiden Markram 14*)

• Pakistan: 194 (Babar Azam 58, Mohammad Rizwan 46; Kagiso Rabada 3-55, Keshav Maharaj 2-14) & 478 (Shan Masood 145, Babar Azam 81; Marco Jansen 2-85)

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Last Words

South Africa’s dominant performance in this series showcased their strength in both batting and bowling departments. With this win, they maintained their unbeaten streak in the 2024/25 season and solidified their position as a formidable Test side. Despite flashes of brilliance, Pakistan must address its consistency issues as it looks ahead to future challenges.