7 January, 2025; South Africa completed a clinical 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Johannesburg, sealing a dominant 2-0 series win on home soil. Despite a valiant century from Pakistan captain Shan Masood, the visitors were unable to stave off the inevitable against a relentless South African side.
Masood’s Heroics in Vain
After being forced to follow on, Pakistan showed great resolve in their second innings, largely driven by Shan Masood’s stunning century. His elegant knock of 128 runs, laced with 18 boundaries, stood as a testament to his skill and determination under immense pressure. Masood, well-supported by partnerships in the middle order, managed to erase the follow-on deficit and briefly reignited hope for Pakistan.
However, the South African bowling attack, led by the ever-reliable Kagiso Rabada and the spin wizardry of Keshav Maharaj, dismantled the rest of the lineup. Pakistan’s second innings folded at 268, setting South Africa a mere 30 runs for victory.
South Africa’s Ruthless Finish
The hosts wasted no time in chasing the modest target. Openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram ensured there were no hiccups as they cruised to victory in just 5.4 overs. The comprehensive win underlined South Africa’s dominance throughout the series, showcasing their superiority in both batting and bowling departments.
Series Highlights
South Africa’s series triumph was a result of consistent performances from key players. Their bowlers, led by Rabada and Marco Jansen, kept the Pakistan batting under constant pressure, while their batters, including skipper Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock, delivered when it mattered most.
For Pakistan, Shan Masood’s century in the second Test and Saud Shakeel’s resilience in the series opener were rare bright spots in an otherwise challenging tour. The team struggled to adapt to South Africa’s seamer-friendly conditions, and their middle-order frailty was exposed repeatedly.
Post-Match Reactions
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma praised his team’s all-around effort, stating, “The boys showed great character throughout the series. Our bowlers set the tone, and the batters backed it up with solid performances. It’s always special to win at home, and this clean sweep is a testament to our hard work.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, saying, “It’s tough to lose like this, especially after fighting back in the second innings. We have lessons to learn, and we’ll come back stronger.”
What’s Next?
South Africa will look to build on this success as they prepare for their upcoming overseas challenges, while Pakistan will regroup and work on their weaknesses ahead of their next assignment.
This series marked another high point for South Africa on home soil and served as a reminder of their prowess in Test cricket. For Pakistan, it was a humbling experience but one that could serve as a stepping stone for future improvement.
