South Africa defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the second Test in Rawalpindi, levelling the two-match series 1-1. The victory was driven by veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer, who claimed 6-50 — his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests — and reached a career milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets.
Chasing a modest 68-run target, South Africa reached the mark shortly before lunch, losing only Aiden Markram (42) and Tristan Stubbs (0) to Pakistan spinner Noman Ali, who took 2-40. Ryan Rickelton sealed the win with a six, finishing unbeaten on 25.
Pakistan, resuming on 94-4, collapsed to add just 44 runs in the morning session. Harmer’s early dismissal of Babar Azam (50) and Mohammad Rizwan (18) dismantled Pakistan’s resistance, while Keshav Maharaj took 2-34 to wrap up the innings.
Harmer became only the fourth South African to cross 1,000 first-class wickets, joining Mike Procter, Allan Donald, and Charlie Llewellyn. The Rawalpindi pitch once again favored spin, with spinners claiming 34 of 40 wickets in the match.
