South Africa overcome Pakistan's stoic resistance to win New Year's Test, sweep series 2-0

South Africa continued their dominant run in Test cricket with a convincing 10-wicket win over Pakistan in Cape Town, registering their seventh consecutive victory. This win also cemented their place at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

The hosts opted to bat first on a placid surface and posted a mammoth 615, with three players scoring centuries. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a brilliant 259, supported by Temba Bavuma (106) and Kyle Verreynne (100). Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Mohammad Abbas and Mir Hamza picking up three wickets each. Despite some breakthroughs, the Proteas dominated the opening innings, piling on the runs with ease.

In reply, Pakistan faltered, managing only 194 in their first innings. Captain Shan Masood fell in the first over, and the team struggled against a disciplined South African bowling attack. Babar Azam top-scored with 58, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 46, but the middle and lower order offered little resistance. Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen chipped in with two wickets each. Pakistan were forced to follow on, trailing by 421 runs.

Pakistan put up a spirited fight in the second innings, led by a



defiant 145 from skipper Masood, who stitched a 205-run opening partnership with Babar (81). Despite losing quick wickets after the second new ball, Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) built a solid partnership to frustrate South Africa. Maharaj, who returned to the XI, broke the stand, dismissing both batters and ending Pakistan’s resistance. Aamer Jamal’s quick-fire 34 helped Pakistan reach 478, avoiding an innings defeat but leaving South Africa a mere 58-run target.

South Africa wasted no time in chasing the target, reaching it in just 7.1 overs. David Bedingham smashed an unbeaten 47 off 30 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Aiden Markram remained not out on 14.

This victory marked South Africa's second 10-wicket win over Pakistan in Tests, the first being in Durban in 2002. It also extended their remarkable unbeaten streak in the WTC cycle. Pakistan, on the other hand, sit second-last on the WTC table, with their next challenge being a home series against West Indies.

For South Africa, the win highlighted their all-round strength, with contributions from both bat and ball. Pakistan's fighting second-innings performance showed glimpses of potential, but their poor first innings proved costly in the end.