South Africa clinch series with commanding 10-wicket victory over Pakistan

South Africa secured a 2-0 series triumph against Pakistan with a dominant 10-wicket win in the second Test in Cape Town on Monday. Despite Pakistan’s spirited resistance in the second innings, the hosts comfortably chased down their target late on the fourth day.

After posting 615 in their first innings, led by Ryan Rickelton’s 259, South Africa enforced the follow-on with Pakistan trailing by 421 runs. Pakistan responded with a battling 478, thanks to captain Shan Masood’s impressive 145.

Masood fell to debutant Kwena Maphaka, trapped leg before wicket with the second new ball. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada had dismissed Saud Shakeel for 23, breaking a 51-run partnership.

Though Pakistan were a batter short after Saim Ayub suffered a broken ankle on the first morning, the middle order provided valuable contributions. Mohammad Rizwan scored 41, Salman Agha added 48, and Aamer Jamal chipped in with a quick 34.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled on a flat pitch that offered little assistance. Keshav Maharaj bowled 45 overs to take 3-137, while the rest of the attack toiled for breakthroughs.

Chasing just 58, South Africa made quick work of the target. Stand-in opener David Bedingham smashed an unbeaten 44 off 30 balls to seal victory in just 7.1 overs. Bedingham replaced Ryan Rickelton, who suffered a hamstring injury while fielding.

South Africa head into the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in June on the back of seven straight wins, their second-longest streak in history.

(Source: AFP)