The much-anticipated two-match Test series between South Africa and Pakistan lived up to its billing - a rollercoaster of gripping spells, standout knocks and momentum shifts that kept fans on the edge right till the end.
The series ultimately finished level at 1-1, but not without producing some unforgettable moments of Test brilliance.
Lahore Test: Pakistan hold their nerve in a fiery finish
The opening Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (October 12–15) saw Pakistan take early control with the bat.
Openers Imam-ul-Haq (93) and Shan Masood (76) gave the hosts a strong start before Mohammad Rizwan (75) and Salman Agha (93) extended the total to 378.
However, South Africa’s left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy turned the tide with a magnificent six-wicket haul, keeping the Proteas in the contest.
In reply, Tony de Zorzi’s superb 104 and Ryan Rickelton’s fighting 71 helped South Africa post 269, but Noman Ali’s 6/112 spun Pakistan back into command.
In the second innings, Pakistan’s batters faltered against a rejuvenated South African attack led by Muthusamy (5/57) and Simon Harmer (4/51), collapsing for 167. Set a target of 276, the Proteas seemed poised for a comeback, but Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali had other plans. Both claimed four wickets each, orchestrating a stunning collapse and sealing a 93-run victory for Pakistan - a win that echoed through Lahore’s packed stands.
Rawalpindi Test: Maharaj, Harmer and Rabada lead Proteas revival
Stung by the defeat, South Africa came roaring back in the second Test at Rawalpindi (October 20–23). Batting first, Pakistan once again started solidly with Abdullah Shafique (57), Shan Masood (87), and Saud Shakeel (66) guiding them to 333.
But it was Keshav Maharaj who stole the spotlight, weaving magic with a sensational seven-wicket haul that derailed Pakistan’s momentum.
In response, the Proteas faced a stiff challenge from Asif Afridi, who claimed six wickets, but a collective batting effort turned the game around.
Tristan Stubbs (76), Tony de Zorzi (55), Senuran Muthusamy (89), and Kagiso Rabada’s explosive 71 off 61 powered South Africa to a commanding 404, giving them a crucial lead.
Pakistan’s second innings crumbled against the unrelenting spin duo of Simon Harmer (6/50) and Maharaj (2/34), with only Babar Azam’s 50 offering resistance.
Bowled out for 138, the hosts left the Proteas chasing just 73 for victory - a task Aiden Markram (42) ensured was completed with composure. South Africa sealed the second Test by 10 wickets, levelling the series emphatically.
Series summary and what’s next
From Shaheen’s fire to Maharaj’s mastery and Muthusamy’s all-round heroics, the series had everything Test cricket promises - grit, skill and shifting fortunes. Both sides showcased depth and determination, leaving the contest finely poised at 1-1.
With the red-ball battles wrapped up, attention now turns to white-ball cricket. The T20I series kicks off on October 28 in Rawalpindi, followed by the next two matches at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31 and November 1.
The tour will then conclude with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad (November 4–8), where both teams will look to carry forward their Test momentum.
Image courtesy: ESPNCricInfo
