South Africa clinched their first Test victory in Pakistan since 2007, defeating the hosts by eight wickets in Rawalpindi on Thursday to square the two-match series 1–1.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer was the destroyer-in-chief with figures of 6/50 as Pakistan were bowled out for just 138 in their second innings, leaving the Proteas a modest 68-run target which they chased down before lunch on day four.

The decisive morning session saw Pakistan crumble after resuming on 94/4. Harmer struck early to remove captain Babar Azam for 50 with a sharply turning delivery that kept low, ending Pakistan’s hopes of a recovery. The dismissal silenced a packed home crowd and triggered a collapse that saw six wickets tumble for 44 runs. Keshav Maharaj added two wickets, finishing with match figures of 9/102 and earning Player of the Match honours.

Openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton wasted no time in sealing victory, with Markram’s aggressive 42 off 45 balls setting the tone as South Africa reached their target in just 12.3 overs. Markram fell just before the target was reached and Stubbs went for a duck, before Rickelton hit the winning runs.

“It was a really good response to the loss in Lahore,” said skipper Markram, praising his side’s: “collective effort” and growing belief after the win.

Senuran Muthusamy, whose unbeaten 89 and partnership with Kagiso Rabada turned the match on day three, was named Player of the Series. The Rawalpindi triumph capped a spirited comeback for the Proteas, driven by discipline, teamwork, and a revitalised spin attack.