A Pakistan vs South Africa Test fixture that was being played after 14 years in Pakistan, had some significance before the Test series began. Experts were anticipating some fierce cricket from the home side as Test cricket of the highest level was returning back after a long break. Amid a lot of security measures, the players from South Africa arrived in Karachi to play a two match Test series. Pakistan won the first Test, which was played in Karachi and then, on Monday when a lot of people were expecting a comeback by SA batsmen, Pakistan struck again.
Pakistan batted first and scored 272 runs. With just Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf scoring in excess of 70 runs, the Pakistan innings could not flourish beyond a point in the first innings. South Africa in response, yet again failed to impress anyone. None of the batsmen scored in excess of 50 runs as they were all out for 201 runs. Hasan Ali demolished the batting line-up with figures of 5-54.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pakistan win by 95 runs!<a >#PAKvSA</a> Scorecard: <a >https://t.co/uZL7EzF6Gl</a><br><br> <a >#HarHaalMainCricket</a> | <a >#BackTheBoysInGreen</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/xARGUjvs6L</a></p>— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the second innings, the Pakistanis had a lead of 71 runs to begin with. Later, they added 298 runs to set a target of 370 runs. That innings belonged to the wicket-keeper batsman Mohammed Rizwan who is proving out to be an asset for Pakistan in Tests. So, when SA walked in to bat, they had a fresh energy surrounding them. With recent results of high totals being chased by India against Australia and by West Indies against Bangladesh must have crossed the minds of every South African player.
See the full match summary here:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Hasan Ali's numbers 🤯<a >#PAKvSA</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/Tx6FutkaqS</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Aiden Markram and one down van der Dussen even provided with the much required push at the top of the order. At one point in the SA innings, they were 241-3 with just 130 odd runs required to win the Test match and settle scores against Pakistan. Markram scored 108 runs but fell Hasan Ali. With Markram going in to the shed, it was now left to Quinton de Kock and others to steady the ship. Unfortunately for SA, he got out for a golden duck. Hasan Ali yet again rose to the floor and picked up yet another 5-fer, making it 10 for the match.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5/54 in the first innings 👏<br>5/60 in the second 😲 <br>That celebration 🔥<br><br>What a performance that was from Hasan Ali, who has won the Player of the Match award! <a >#PAKvSA</a> <a >pic.twitter.com/vNcq7Sv1rM</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a >February 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This white-wash by Pakistan would be a big boost for them as they are grossly underestimated as a Test playing country.