Proteas secure Test series victory over fighting Pakistan

South Africa coasted to a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan on Monday, racking up a 10-wicket win with more than a day to spare in the second Test in Cape Town.

After being set a target of 58 runs to win in their second innings, Proteas openers David Bedingham (44 not out) and Aiden Markram (unbeaten on 14) carried them team to a convincing triumph as they reached 58 without loss in their second innings.

“It’s satisfying, good old Test cricket that we’re used to,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said after the match.

“There was something for the new-ball bowlers and then it flattened out, and our batters dug in for a good score (615 in the first innings).

“Late on day four there was some spin. It’s what we were accustomed to growing up.”

Pakistan innings

Earlier, in the morning session on day four, Pakistan resumed their second innings at 213/1, with captain Shan Masood on 102 – his sixth Test century – and Khurram Shahzad on eight.

Trailing by 208 runs with nine wickets in hand, the tourists still looked like they had a chance to put up a fight, and they did everything they could to stay in the match.

Shahzad was removed for 18 runs in the 10th over of the day, however, and South Africa’s attack managed to take regular wickets as they put the gutsy tourists under pressure.

And while Masood went on to contribute 145 runs, he was removed by fast bowler Kwena Maphaka shortly after lunch.

Taking advantage of the new ball, 18-year-old Maphaka had the skipper trapped lbw, and though it required a review to have Masood removed, his dismissal signalled the beginning of the end for the visitors.

Proteas win the fight

Mohammad Rizwan (41) and Salman Agha (48) dug deep with an 88-run stand for the sixth wicket, but the tail were unable to keep their innings afloat.

Spin bowler Keshav Maharaj was superb, toiling for 45 overs for an innings return of 3/137, and he was well backed by Kagiso Rabada (3/115) and Marco Jansen (2/101).

South Africa, who also won the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion, will not play another five-day match until they face Australia in the World Test Championship final in London in June.

While the Proteas had been criticised for being given an “easy” route to the final by the International Cricket Council, Bavuma said they were pleased to be playing for the global title.

“We’re looking forward to it. We’re up against Australia so it’s not going to be any mean feat. We’ll enjoy the moment.”