South Africa secured a dominant ten-wicket victory over Pakistan, marking their qualification for the World Test Championship final. After a grueling two and a half days, South Africa managed to dismiss Pakistan for 478 in their third innings. Despite a heroic century from Pakistan’s Shan Masood and valuable contributions from others, the visitors were forced to bat again, with a target of just 58 runs, which South Africa comfortably chased down in 7.1 overs.
Pakistan’s resistance had kept South Africa on their toes. Masood, who started the day unbeaten on 102, was part of a 205-run opening stand with Babar Azam. Though South Africa took regular wickets, including Masood’s departure for 145, the partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha delayed the inevitable. It was Keshav Maharaj’s persistent bowling that finally broke the resistance, and regular wickets followed as South Africa pressed on for the win.
Earlier, Marco Jansen removed Khurram Shahzad early, and Kagiso Rabada picked up two crucial wickets. Maharaj bowled almost continuously throughout the day, causing significant trouble for the Pakistan batters. Rabada celebrated his 50th Test wicket at Newlands, while Maphaka and Rabada eventually wrapped up the innings.
Despite a few setbacks, Pakistan’s lower order could not hold out much longer. Agha fell just shy of his half-century, and with some quick dismissals, South Africa sealed the win. Bedingham and Markram knocked off the remaining runs in just 43 balls, ensuring a swift and comprehensive end to the match, securing their seventh consecutive Test win.
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