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

South Africa Produce great performance on Day 4 defeat of Pakistan by 8 wickets In the second Test in Rawalpindi, the series was leveled 1-1. After Pakistan scored 333 runs in the first innings and 138 in the second innings, South Africa chased down the target of 68 runs in just 12.3 overs. Simon Harmer He was the outstanding bowler for South Africa, taking 6 wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, as the hosts struggled to meet any significant resistance. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton It ensured a clinical chase, secured victory with relative ease, and set the stage for a thrilling finale to the series.

Pakistan collapse on day four: Simon Harmer’s six-wicket haul shattered the hosts

On the fourth day, Pakistan’s second over was undone by Harmer’s brilliant bowling performance. Harmer claimed 6 wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Muhammad Radwan. Despite a powerful knock from Babar, who scored 50 runs, Pakistan found themselves reeling at 138 all out. Keshav Maharaj He provided excellent support, taking 2 wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen Contribute to major breakthroughs. Pakistan’s batting collapsed in the face of a persistent South African attack, and they were dismissed within 50 runs. The fall of wickets came quickly, as the hosts were unable to recover from the early collapse, leaving South Africa with a small but manageable target of 68 runs to win.

Read also: Pakistan announces white-ball squads for South Africa series, Babar Azam returns for T20Is

Clinical pursuit for South Africa: Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton seal victory

South Africa’s response to the small goal was calm and measured. Opening with Markram and Rickelton, the Proteas moved quickly to the target, taking just 12.3 overs to complete the chase. Markram was the aggressive force, scoring 42 runs off 45 balls, including some crisp boundaries. Rickleton, on the other hand, was more cautious but aggressive in his approach, finishing 25th not out. The duo made quick work of the task, despite some tight bowling from the Pakistani seamers. The win was a testament to South Africa’s resilience, as their bowlers dominated the game and put together a perfect conclusion to the series.

Here’s how fans reacted:

In a parallel universe, Simon Harmer and Kyle Abbott do not go the way of Colback, and together with Rabada they form the most dangerous bowling trio in the history of mankind.

– Prithvi (@Prithvi10_) October 23, 2025

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

– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 23, 2025

Simon Harmer with all his experience played very well which is what I expected before this series.

Its speed varied. Setting up batters for that slider/arm ball. Some overtaking and thus a little bounce.

Spell change game.

– Martial (@coverpoint_) October 23, 2025

“Spinners are dominating this series and who would have thought they were spinners from South Africa?” Rameez Raja says in the caption.

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

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) October 23, 2025

Simon Harmer has 1000 wickets.

Essex legend.

– Bahram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) October 23, 2025

Pakistan this year in home tests on illegal tracks
– Lost a Test to WI after being reduced to 38/7 in the first innings
– Lost a Test to South Africa after being reduced to 235/8 by 98 runs
In both series they lead 1-0 but were unable to win the series #PACVSA

– JS Kabylie (@imjsk27) October 23, 2025

Thank you to the South African team for chasing and closing the match successfully in the first session of the fourth day to make life easier for the people of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Well deserved win 🙌🏼 🇿🇦#PACVSA

– Ali Sethi (@Alisethi_1) October 23, 2025

The last two wickets of South Africa added 165 runs and our entire Pakistan team scored 138 runs.

If we can’t get the tail off the wicket and we can’t bat in the second innings, the whole thing is a disaster.#PACVSA

– Adnan Alawi (@adnanalavi) October 23, 2025

The World Test Champions return to win the second Test in dominating style! 💪

Series level 1-1

Now, how many of us wish there was a third test?#PACVSA #World Trade Center27 pic.twitter.com/WtZg1Q9orC

– ThePoppingCreaseSA (@PoppingCreaseSA) October 23, 2025

Congratulations to SA for winning this test match. The SA Batters showed how to play under pressure and snatch victory from the expected winning team. Pak Captain needs to learn from the SA team’s experience. #PACVSA

– Syed Khaled Mahmoud (@SyedKhalidMah12) October 23, 2025

What a win for South Africa! It is not easy to control the homeowners in such difficult circumstances. It’s unfortunate that it’s a two-game series. I would love to see more meetings like this. #PACVSA

– Brashnaa Kasi (@Brashnaa) October 23, 2025

South Africa records a Test win in Pakistan for the first time since 2007 💥cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#cricket #PACVSA #South Africa pic.twitter.com/GDMMjnkCKx

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

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