Fans react as WTC defending champions South Africa bounce back to level series 1-1 with dominating win over Pakistan in Rawalpindi Test

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South Africa produced a commanding performance on Day 4 to defeat Pakistan by 8 wickets in the second Test at Rawalpindi, leveling the series 1-1. After Pakistan posted 333 in their first innings and 138 in their second, South Africa chased down the 68-run target in just 12.3 overs. Simon Harmer was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 6 wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, as the hosts struggled to mount any significant resistance. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton ensured a clinical chase, securing the win with relative ease and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series.

On Day 4, Pakistan’s second innings was undone by Harmer’s brilliant bowling performance. Harmer claimed 6 wickets, including crucial dismissals of Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan. Despite a gritty knock from Babar, who scored 50, Pakistan found themselves reeling at 138 all out. Keshav Maharaj provided excellent support, taking 2 wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen contributed with key breakthroughs. Pakistan’s batting crumbled in the face of South Africa’s relentless spin attack, and they were dismissed inside 50 overs. The fall of wickets came quickly, with the hosts unable to recover after an early collapse, leaving South Africa with a small but manageable target of 68 runs to win.

Also READ: Pakistan announce white-ball squads for South Africa series, Babar Azam returns in T20Is

South Africa’s response to the small target was calm and calculated. Opening with Markram and Rickelton, the Proteas moved quickly to the target, taking only 12.3 overs to complete the chase. Markram was the aggressive force, scoring 42 runs off 45 balls, including some crisp boundaries. Rickelton, on the other hand, was more cautious but solid in his approach, finishing on 25 not out. The pair made quick work of the task, despite some tight bowling from Pakistan’s seamers. The win was a testament to South Africa’s resilience, with their bowlers dominating the game and setting up a perfect conclusion to the series.

In a parallel universe, Simon Harmer and Kyle Abbott don't go the Kolpak way and along with Rabada form the deadliest bowling trio ever known in the history of mankind.

— Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) October 23, 2025

Meanwhile, an incredible fight back by South Africa. Led by the spinners. So what kind of wicket do you have for the 1st test in Kolkata?

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 23, 2025

Simon Harmer with all his experience has bowled exceptionally well which I was expecting before this series.

Varied his pace. Setting up batters for that slider/arm ball. Some overspin and hence the extra bit of bounce.

A game changing spell.

— Martial (@coverpoint_) October 23, 2025

"Spinners dominating in this series and who would've thought it's South African spinners?" says Ramiz Raja on commentary.

Crazy comment given the quality and experience of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. Senuran Muthusamy also had 277 FC wickets at 27.96 coming into this Test.…

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) October 23, 2025

Simon Harmer has a 1000 FC wickets.

Essex legend.

— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) October 23, 2025

Pakistan this year in Home Tests on illegal tracks – Lost a Test to WI after reducing them to 38/7 in 1st innings – Lost a Test to South Africa after reducing them to 235/8 with 98 runs lead In both series they're 1-0 ahead but couldn't win series #PAKvSA

— JSK (@imjsk27) October 23, 2025

Thank you Team South Africa for successfully chasing and closing the match on the 4th day's first session to make life easier for Rawalpindi and Islamabad residents.A deserving victory 🙌🏼 🇿🇦#PAKvSA

— Ali Sethi (@Alisethi_1) October 23, 2025

Last two South African wickets added 165 runs and our whole Pakistan team made 138.

If on spin wickets we can't get the tail out and can't bat in the second inning, then this whole thing is a disaster.#PAKvSA

— Adnan Alavi (@adnanalavi) October 23, 2025

The World Test Champions come back to win the 2nd Test in commanding fashion! 💪

Series level 1-1

Now, how many of us are wishing there was a 3rd Test?#PAKvSA #WTC27

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) October 23, 2025

Congratulations to SA Team to win this Test Match. SA Batters showed how to play in pressure and snatch Victory from the expected winning team. Pak Captain needs to learn from the expertise of SA Team. #PAKvSA

— Syed Khalid Mahmood (@SyedKhalidMah12) October 23, 2025

What a win by South Africa! Not easy to dominate the home side with such challenging conditions. Such a shame it's a two-match series, though. Would have loved to watch more such encounters. #PAKvSA

— Brashna Kasi (@Brashnaa) October 23, 2025

South Africa record a Test win in Pakistan for the first time since 2007 💥#Cricket #PAKvSA #SouthAfrica

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 23, 2025

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