South Africa finally broke Pakistan’s resistance on the fourth day of the second Test to complete a 2-0 series win and finish top of the World Test Championship table.
Following on 421 runs behind, the tourists showed much more resolve in their second innings to reach parity and set the Proteas a small target of 58 in the final session of the day.
South Africa made light work of the target, with former Durham batter David Bedingham – promoted up the order from number five – smashing 44 off 30 balls.
Victory in Cape Town was built on a huge first-innings total of 615 all out, opener Ryan Rickelton top-scoring with 259.
They enforced the follow-on after bowling out Pakistan for 194, but Shan Masood’s 145 added some respectability.
Babar Azam scored 81 in a first-wicket stand of 205, but Kagiso Rabada 3 for 115 and Keshav Maharaj 3 for 137 chipped away despite further resistance from Muhammad Rizwan 41, Salman Ali Agha 48 and Aamer Jamal 34 in the lower order.
Final scores, South Africa 615 and 58 without loss, Pakistan 194 and 478.
South Africa’s victory ensures they head into June’s World Test Championship final against Australia having topped the table for the two-year cycle.
English (US) ·