Rabada and Maharaj Shine as South Africa Dominates Pakistan to Complete 2-0 Series Win
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Cape Town, Jan 6 (NationPress) South Africa enjoyed a notable uplift just days after clinching a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, triumphing with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over Pakistan, thereby completing a 2-0 series sweep that guaranteed their leading position in the WTC standings.
After amassing an impressive 615 runs in their first innings, buoyed by a magnificent double century from Ryan Rickelton (259) along with centuries from Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100), the hosts showcased exceptional bowling performances from Kagiso Rabada (3-55) and Kwena Maphaka (2-43), dismissing Pakistan for 194 in their first innings.
Forced to follow-on, the visitors fought back valiantly in their second innings, despite the absence of rising star Siam Ayub, who was injured on the first day and did not bat. Shan Masood and former captain Babar Azam (81) put together a solid partnership of 205 runs for the opening wicket.
Starting the fourth day at 213/1, Masood persisted despite losing Khurram Shahzad early, adding 10 runs to his overnight total of eight. Together with Kamran Ghulam, they contributed 43 runs for the third wicket before Ghulam was bowled by Rabada. Masood then found support from Saud Shakeel (23), and the two added 51 runs for the fourth wicket as Pakistan edged closer to erasing the deficit.
However, South Africa managed a crucial double breakthrough that significantly hindered Pakistan's resistance, taking the wickets of Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood within four balls. Shakeel edged a delivery to Aiden Markram off Rabada, while Masood fell after a review by DRS showed the ball had kept low and struck his knee, leading to his dismissal.
Masood departed after scoring 145 runs off 351 balls, hitting 17 fours in a commendable innings.
Mohammad Rizwan added a brisk 41 off 75 balls, Salman Agha contributed 48, and Aamer Jamal scored 34 as Pakistan attempted to close the gap. However, South Africa consistently took wickets, with Rabada ending with figures of 3-115, Keshav Maharaj 3-137, and Marco Jansen 2-101, as Pakistan's innings concluded at 478.
South Africa required just 58 runs to secure victory and achieved this without losing a wicket, with David Bedingham scoring 47* off 30 balls and Aiden Markram remaining not out on 14, leading the team to a quick total of 61 to seal a memorable win.
Brief scores:
South Africa 615 & 61 for no loss (David Bedingham 47 not out, Aiden Markram 14 not out) defeated Pakistan 194 & (f/o) 478 all out in 122.1 overs (Shan Masood 145, Babar Azam 81, Salman Agha 48, Mohd Rizwan 41; Kagiso Rabada 3-115, Keshav Maharaj 3-137, Marco Jansen 2-101) by 10 wickets.
