It was the most befitting way to end the Test match as the local boy Fawad Alam hit the winning runs to give Pakistan a seven-wicket win over South Africa. He also won the man of the match award for his magnificent century in the first innings that laid a strong foundation for this win. With chasing 88 to win, Pakistani openers started cautiously but both of them got out in quick succession sending some jitters in the dressing room. Debutant Imran Butt went for 12 while Abid Ali was sent back on 10. Rabada dismissed them both.
It wasn’t the easiest of pitches to bat on as the ball was keeping low but captain Babar Azam and Azhar Ali made sure that Pakistan don’t lose their way and added 64 runs for the third wicket. Azhar Ali showed his usual grit while Azam was a bit scratchy to start with but soon gain his usual ascendancy. He was eventually dismissed by Keshav Maharaj just when Pakistan needed two for a win. The left spinner has got him out both times in the Test match.
Earlier, Pakistan were clinical on Day 4 morning as they dismissed South Africa on 245 and will be chasing 88 to go one up in the series. Nauman Ali was the star for the home team as he picked up a fifer on debut. He had the Proteas batsmen dancing on his tunes as he finished with figures of 35 for 5 in 25.3 overs.
