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Babar Azam's fifty goes in vain as Pakistan collapse on Day 4 to hand 2nd Test win to SA

Soumyajit Dutta

South Africa team shone with the ball in the 2nd Test [Source: @ameer_shoraib/X.com]South Africa team shone with the ball in the 2nd Test [Source: @ameer_shoraib/X.com]

The highly anticipated fourth day in Rawalpindi turned into a tale of swift disappointment for Pakistan, as their innings unravelled in a dramatic morning session, paving the way for a comprehensive eight-wicket victory for South Africa. Let's take a look at how things panned out at Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam's dismissal triggers Pakistan collapse

The day began with the home side's hopes firmly pinned on the overnight pair of Babar Azam (49) and Mohammad Rizwan (10), with Pakistan at 94/4 and a fragile lead of 23 runs.

However, the resistance crumbled almost immediately. Babar Azam, adding just a single run to his overnight score, was trapped lbw by the relentless Simon Harmer for a 87-ball 50. His dismissal on the second ball of the day sent a shockwave through the Pakistani lineup, triggering a catastrophic collapse. 

The remaining six wickets tumbled for just 44 runs, with Harmer operating as the chief destroyer. The off-spinner finished with a magnificent six-wicket haul (6/50), ably supported by Keshav Maharaj (2/34), as Pakistan were skittled for 138 in their second innings.

Proteas chase down fragile target to seal win

Set a modest target of 68, South Africa approached the chase with aggressive intent. Captain Aiden Markram led the charge, smashing a rapid 42 off just 45 balls, including eight boundaries. 

The Proteas lost Markram and Tristan Stubbs in quick succession to left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, but Ryan Rickelton's composed 25* ensured there were no further hiccups. South Africa romped home in just 12.3 overs, sealing a dominant win to draw the series 1-1.

How did PAK vs SA 2nd Test turn out?

The second Test was ultimately defined by one session of pure chaos and a monumental lower-order fightback. After posting a competitive 333 in their first innings, built on half-centuries from Shan Masood (87) and Saud Shakeel (66), Pakistan seemed to have the upper hand when they reduced South Africa to 235/8. 

However, a sensational 91-run partnership for the final wicket between Kagiso Rabada (71) and Senuran Muthusamy (89) turned the game on its head, handing the Proteas a vital 71-run first-innings lead.

This psychological blow proved decisive. Pakistan's second innings never recovered from the early top-order failure, and despite a gritty fifty from Babar Azam, their batting lineup had no answer for the spin duo of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj on a wearing pitch.