On day four of the second Test at Newlands, South Africa concluded a strong performance by defeating Pakistan by a commanding 10-wicket margin, guaranteeing a 2-0 series victory. The Proteas secured their spot in the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia in June at Lord’s by quickly chasing down the goal of 58 runs in just 7.1 overs, their sixth straight victory. Follow bpexch for amazing cricket news.
Proteas Dominate Pakistan in the Second Test
South Africa’s bowlers were outstanding in the first innings, dismissing Pakistan for 194 and forcing the follow-on. Pakistan’s surviving hitters fought hard to avoid an innings loss after losing starter Saim Ayub to injury on the first day.
The team could only set a small goal of 58 for South Africa, but Shan Masood led the attack with a resolute century, scoring 145 off a strong six-hour stand.
The chase was easy for David Bedingham and Aiden Markram, who finished in little over seven overs to complete the series. This triumph came after they won the first Test at Centurion by a slim margin of two wickets, which was also over in four days.
With the Bat, Ryan Rickelton Is Outstanding
After helping South Africa to a dominant 615 in the first innings with an incredible 259, Ryan Rickelton was named Player of the Match.
Rickelton played a crucial role in establishing South Africa’s supremacy despite missing the final day due to a groin ailment.
The Resurrection of Pakistan Under Masood’s Leadership
With nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad thwarting the South African attack in the morning session, Pakistan started the fourth day at 213-1.
After almost taking Kamran Ghulam’s wicket in the same over but dropping an easy catch at first slip, Marco Jansen eventually removed Shahzad for 18.
Before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, who bowled a crisp delivery that nipped the off stump, Ghulam put up 28 runs.
Shan Masood was removed by leg before wicket (LBW) following a successful review of a ball from debutant Kwena Maphaka. At the same time, Saud Shakeel scored 23 but edged a delivery to the slips off Rabada.
Falling Late Resistance Brief
Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Ali Agha (48) put up a fight, but spinner Keshav Maharaj overcame them with relentless bowling, taking three wickets for 137 runs.
The last flourish before Mir Hamza top-edged a delivery to end Pakistan’s innings was a fast-paced 16, which included a straight six off Rabada.
With Rabada finishing with 3-115, Maharaj with 3-137, and Jansen with 2-101, South Africa’s bowling corps put forth a well-rounded effort.
Proteas Advance to the Final of the World Test Championship
With this series victory, South Africa continued their winning ways, having won 2-0 over Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka since defeating the West Indies in August.
The Proteas will play Australia at Lord’s in June in the ICC World Test Championship final, for which they have qualified thanks to their consistency.
To guarantee a swift and conclusive conclusion, David Bedingham, who opened in place of the injured Rickelton, hit an undefeated 44 off 30 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.
Gazing Ahead
South Africa is now concentrating on the World Test Championship final after celebrating another convincing series victory. The Proteas seem ready to face Australia on cricket’s most prominent stage thanks to a well-rounded team that includes a potent blend of seasoned players and up-and-coming talent like Maphaka, who is making his debut.
Although the series was complex for Pakistan, each player’s performance had encouraging moments, especially Shan Masood’s tenacious century. For their upcoming campaigns, Pakistan will reorganise and capitalise on these achievements.
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