The South Africa vs Pakistan Test match at Newlands, Cape Town, was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. South Africa claimed their seventh consecutive Test victory in style, while Pakistan set new records despite falling short. Let’s dive into the thrilling contest that blended grit, persistence, and a fair share of drama.
South Africa’s Winning Streak Reaches Seven
The Proteas are on a roll! With their dominant performance in Cape Town, South Africa has now notched up seven consecutive Test wins. This is their second-longest winning streak, trailing only their nine-game streak in 2002-03. Interestingly, that golden run also included two home victories against Pakistan. History seems to have a way of repeating itself in cricket!
Pakistan’s Tough Luck in South Africa
While South Africa celebrates, Pakistan’s misery on South African soil continues. The visitors have now lost nine consecutive Tests in the Rainbow Nation—the longest losing streak for any team in South Africa. If misery loves company, they can take solace in knowing Bangladesh has lost all eight Tests they’ve played there. Small victories, right?
Rabada’s “Fifty” Steals the Spotlight
Kagiso Rabada is no stranger to making headlines, but this time, it was for an unusual reason. The star pacer hit an unwanted milestone by bowling his 50th no-ball in the current World Test Championship cycle. To add to the drama, Rabada sent down a jaw-dropping 17 no-balls in the Newlands Test alone, 13 of which came in Pakistan’s second innings. While Rabada’s fiery spells often earn praise, this particular “fifty” will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
A Test of Record-Breaking Proportions
The Cape Town Test wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was a record-breaker. Here are some of the standout stats:
- 478 Runs in the Second Innings: Pakistan’s valiant effort while following on marked the second-highest total for a team ending on the losing side. India’s 510 against England in 1967 remains the highest.
- 145 by Shan Masood: Masood’s heroic knock is now the highest individual score by a Pakistan batter in South Africa, surpassing Azhar Mahmood’s 136 in Johannesburg in 1998.
- 1,348 Runs Scored: The total runs in this match were the most in a South African Test since the Cape Town clash against England in 2016.
South Africa’s Bowlers: A Rare Bad Day
While South Africa secured victory, their bowlers had a challenging outing. It was only the fourth instance in the 21st century that three or more Proteas bowlers conceded over 100 runs in an innings during a home Test. Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj all found themselves on the receiving end of Pakistan’s spirited batting.
Pakistan’s Remarkable Comeback
Despite the loss, Pakistan showed immense character. Knocking off a first-innings deficit of 400 or more has only happened thrice in Test history, and Pakistan’s 473-run comeback against the West Indies in 1958 remains iconic. This Cape Town effort, while falling short, echoes the resilience and fighting spirit of that era.
FAQs
South Africa has now won seven consecutive Test matches, their second-longest streak in history.
Pakistan scored 478 runs in their second innings, the second-highest total for a team following on and losing.
Shan Masood scored 145, the highest by a Pakistan batter in South Africa.
Rabada bowled his 50th no-ball in the current WTC cycle and sent down 17 no-balls in the Newlands Test alone.
South Africa aims to continue their winning streak in upcoming matches, with their bowlers likely working on reducing extras.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Teams
The South Africa vs Pakistan Test was a classic clash of dominance and defiance. South Africa continues to stamp their authority on the global stage, while Pakistan’s record-breaking resilience shows they are far from pushovers. Rabada’s unusual milestone, Masood’s brilliant century, and the high-scoring thriller will ensure this Cape Town Test remains etched in cricketing lore.
Here’s to more such riveting contests that keep cricket fans hooked!
