Babar’s Half-Century Fails as Pakistan Lose 2nd Test

🏏 Match Overview

Pakistan faced South Africa in the second Test at Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24, 2025. South Africa secured an eight-wicket victory, leveling the two-match series 1-1. Pakistan's second innings collapsed to 138 all out, despite Babar Azam's resilient 50 off 87 balls. The lower order faltered, leaving South Africa an easy chase.

🇵🇰 Pakistan's Performance

Babar Azam (50 off 87 balls)

Babar Azam's half-century was the highlight of Pakistan's innings. His composed knock provided some stability, but the lack of support from the lower order left the team far short of a competitive total.

Other Key Performers

• Shan Masood (Captain): Led the team and scored 87 in the first innings, anchoring Pakistan's batting.

• Saud Shakeel: 66 in the first innings, played well alongside Masood.

• Mohammad Rizwan: 16* in the second innings, could not convert starts.

• Shaheen Afridi: Took 3 wickets, bowled with determination.

Despite individual efforts, Pakistan's overall performance lacked cohesion, especially in the middle and lower order.

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🦁 South Africa's Dominance

Keshav Maharaj

Maharaj was outstanding with 6 wickets for 50 runs in Pakistan's second innings, proving decisive in the win.

Other Key Players

• Aiden Markram: 42 in the second innings, set the tone for the chase.

• Ryan Rickelton: 25* in the second innings, guided South Africa to victory.

• Dean Elgar & Rassie van der Dussen: Solid contributions in both innings.

South Africa's bowlers and batsmen executed their plan perfectly, exploiting Pakistan's errors throughout the match.

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📊 Match Summary

• Pakistan 1st Innings: 333 all out

• South Africa 1st Innings: 404 all out

• Pakistan 2nd Innings: 138 all out

• South Africa 2nd Innings: 73/2 (Target: 68)

South Africa chased down the target in just 12.3 overs, finishing the match comfortably before lunch.

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🧠 Analysis

While Babar Azam's half-century was commendable, Pakistan's team failures, including middle-order collapses and fielding errors, cost them the match. The captain, Shan Masood, showed leadership but couldn't inspire the team to withstand South Africa's consistent attack.

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📅 Next Match Preview

The third Test is scheduled for October 31, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Key players to watch:

• Babar Azam: Hoping to build on his half-century.

• Shaheen Afridi: Lead bowler for Pakistan.

• Shan Masood: Captain, to strategize better for the team.

• South Africa’s Top Players: Dean Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen, Keshav Maharaj.

Pakistan will need to correct its lower-order weaknesses and improve fielding to compete effectively.

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✅ Conclusion

Despite Babar Azam's notable half-century, Pakistan lost the 2nd Test under Shan Masood's captaincy. Analysts and fans are looking forward to the third Test, hoping the team can regroup and deliver a stronger performance.