Harmer spins South Africa to series-levelling win in Rawalpindi

South Africa levelled the series with a commanding eight-wicket win against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer spun the visitors to victory, ending with match figures of 9 for 136 and 8 for 125 respectively. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton then made small work of the paltry total of 68 as the World Test Champions showcased that they are a force to be reckoned with even in Asia.

The visitors held the edge heading into Day 4, with Pakistan effectively 23 for 4 overnight but the well-set Babar Azam was still at the crease unbeaten on 49. To the delight of the Pakistani fans, he quickly moved to 50 and soaked in the applause. But three balls later, Harmer picked up his fourth of the innings as he trapped the fan-favourite LBW.

Harmer picked up his fifth as Mohammad Rizwan edged one onto his pads which lobbed to the hands of the short-leg fielder. Noman Ali nicked behind a few overs later as Harmer scalped his 1000th First-Class wicket. Things got worse for the hosts as Shaheen Afridi was run-out for his third duck in a row.

With three wickets having fallen in no time, Salman Ali Agha brought out the sweep and the reverse to eke out two boundaries. But his stay came to an end after chopping one on to the stumps off Maharaj. The left-arm spinner then wrapped up the innings, with one to viciously turn past the advancing Sajid Khan to have him stumped and bundle out Pakistan for 136.

In the chase, Markram brought out the sweeps and reverse sweeps to dispatch the spin troika of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Asif Afridi to the fence. Markram fell LBW, with four to get, attempting a sweep before Tristan Stubbs poked one to slip. Rickelton, who kept Markram in good company in his innings of 25, finished the game in style with a six down the ground.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 333 & 138 (Babar Azam 50, Salman Agha 28; Simon Harmer 6-50, Keshav Maharaj 2-34) lost to South Africa 404 &; 73/2 (Aiden Markram 42, Ryan Rickelton 25*; Noman Ali 2-40) by 8 wickets