Harmer’s Heroics Power South Africa to Series-Levelling Win in Rawalpindi Test

 

South Africa crushed Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test at Rawalpindi on Thursday, leveling the series 1-1 in emphatic fashion. Veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer produced a masterclass, claiming his maiden Test five-wicket haul and reaching a remarkable milestone of 1,000 First-Class wickets.

The 36-year-old spinner ripped through Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup on a crumbling surface, finishing with 6 for 50 as the hosts collapsed in the morning session. Resuming on 94 for 4, Pakistan added just 44 runs before being bundled out, leaving South Africa a modest target of 68.

Harmer struck early, trapping Babar Azam leg-before for 51 with the fifth ball of the day, ending the Pakistani captain’s hopes of ending his century drought that stretches back to December 2022. Soon after, Harmer removed Mohammad Rizwan for 18 and dismissed Noman Ali for a duck — his 1,000th First-Class scalp in his 235th match.

Pakistan’s lower order disintegrated yet again, losing its final five wickets for just 33 runs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out without scoring, while Keshav Maharaj (2 for 34) polished off the innings by removing Agha Salman (28) and Sajid Khan (13).

In pursuit of 68, South Africa cruised home before lunch. Skipper Aiden Markram top-scored with a fluent 42, falling alongside Tristan Stubbs (0) to spinner Noman Ali (2 for 40). Ryan Rickelton (25 not out) sealed victory in style, launching Sajid Khan for six to finish the chase.

The win capped a dominant all-round performance from the visitors, who had earlier taken a 71-run first-innings lead after posting 404, thanks to crucial lower-order resistance. Across both Tests, spinners dictated proceedings — claiming 34 of the 40 wickets in Lahore and another decisive haul in Rawalpindi.

Harmer now joins an elite South African club with over 1,000 First-Class wickets, alongside Mike Procter (1,417), Allan Donald (1,216), and Charlie Llewellyn (1,013) — a fitting accolade for his enduring excellence.

South Africa’s commanding win not only restores parity in the series but also reaffirms their standing as World Test Championship holders, ending Pakistan’s hopes of a home sweep.


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