The Proteas won their day 4 match against Pakistan, with Harmer making waves. Image: Daily Maverick.
(The Post News)– Simon Harmer achieved a dream moment in Rawalpindi, taking his first-ever Test five-wicket haul to steer South Africa to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second and final Test on Wednesday.
Making his return to the national side after a two-year absence, the off-spinner delivered a brilliant spell of 6/50 from 20 overs, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 138 in their second innings. That left the Proteas needing only 68 runs to win, a target they chased down comfortably in just 12.3 overs, with Ryan Rickelton sealing the result in style by smashing a six over long-off.
Senuran Muthusamy, who starred throughout the series with both bat and ball, was named Player of the Series after taking 11 wickets in the first Test and scoring a vital 89 not out in Rawalpindi. Keshav Maharaj earned Player of the Match honours for his nine wickets in the game, including figures of 7/102, as well as a valuable 30 runs that formed part of a crucial 71-run stand with Muthusamy.
“It is great to have Harmer back linking up with Kesh and Sen,” said captain Aiden Markram after the win. “As a spin unit, they will be a lot more confident heading into subcontinent tours knowing we can really compete.”
Harmer’s Return
Harmer’s return to the national fold was set in motion back in June, when he messaged Proteas coach Shukri Conrad to confirm his availability after signing a contract with the Northerns Titans. His goal is to earn a spot for next month’s tour of India, and performances like this have strengthened his case.
Pakistan, who had won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, began the day with hopes resting on skipper Babar Azam, who was searching for his first Test century since December 2022. But Harmer quickly dashed those ambitions, trapping him lbw for 50 with just the fifth ball of the day. Moments later, he had Mohammad Rizwan caught close-in for 18 and then dismissed Noman Ali for a duck, a wicket that marked Harmer’s 1,000th in first-class cricket.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was run out without scoring, while Maharaj cleaned up the tail, removing Salman Agha for 28 and Sajid Khan for 13 to end Pakistan’s resistance. The victory drew the series 1–1 and gave South Africa a timely boost ahead of their trip to India.
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