South Africa Dominate The WTC Standings With 10-Wicket Win Over Pakistan

South Africa claimed a 10-wicket win over Pakistan despite the latter’s powerful comeback in the second innings

South Africa cemented their top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings by clinching a 10-wicket victory over Pakistan at Newlands on Monday. Despite tough resistance from the visitors in the second innings, South Africa clinched a 2-0 series win over Pakistan. 

The Proteas recorded their seventh successive Test win on Monday, the second-longest winning streak in their history. This win was not so easy, as it came after two and a half days of effort before they finally managed to out Pakistan for 478 in the third innings of the game. A century by Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood, and Babar Azam’s 81 in the second innings forced the hosts to bat again. 

After winning the toss, the Proteas captain Bavuma chose to bat first which proved to be a brilliant decision as South Africa posted a mammoth total of 615 in their first innings. In reply to such a huge target, the PAK batting line-up crumbled under pressure as the team was bundled out at 194 in just 54.2 overs.  

With a first-innings lead of 421 runs, South Africa forced Pakistan to follow on, however, in their second innings Pakistan retaliated remarkably by putting up a sensational 205 runs opening stand, thanks to skipper Masood and ace batsman of the team, Babar Azam. Masood scored a fighting 145 runs while Babar played an 81-run innings. However, Pakistan didn’t capitalize much on the astonishing 200 runs opening stand and all out at 478 to set up a 58- target for the hosts. 

David Bedingham opened the second innings, replacing Ryan Rickelton as the latter suffered a hamstring strain on the field after scoring 259 in South Africa’s first innings. It was Bedingham’s 44 not out off 30 balls that made South Africa conclude victory with just 7.1 overs.

“There were lots of good things [in the series],” Masood said. “Knowing we did really well [in Pretoria] but didn’t close it out. Even here, we didn’t start off well with ball and bat. “We conceded too many runs initially, then we folded with the bat [in their first innings] on a really nice surface. But then the fightback, we made our highest score against South Africa in Test cricket. Individually, people stepped up.”

With a win in the first Test, Temba Bavuma’s side had already secured a spot in the WTC Final, where they would face off against Australia, who claimed their place by defeating India in Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15.

Read More: All-Rounder Rishi Dhawan Announces Retirement from Limited-Overs Cricket

World Test Championship (WTC) Standings