Pak VS SA two-Test series concludes today at Rawalpindi stadium, with the hosts whitewashing the Proteas at 270 for all in the second match, and embracing the series win for team Pakistan after 17 long years. Following a mesmeric victory against South Africa and leading at 2-0, Pakistan has also stepped up the ICC Test team rank chart, and now secures a prominent 5th position.
The fifth and final day of Pak VS SA Test series commenced with the visitors needing another 151 runs to win and level the series. Opener Aiden Markram scored a rebellious 108 and Temba Bavuma 61, in an attempt to drag their side to the winning position.
However, their elevated hopes were soon smashed by Pakistan’s iconic fast bowler Hassan Ali, who made a remarkable comeback today, achieving a milestone with his ruthless bowling spell.
Hassan Ali captures the limelight
The classical, young pacer Hassan Ali emerged as a knight in the shining armor for the green squad, as he bagged crucial five wickets of the opponents, eliminating one after other rock-solid batsmen from the pitch. Initially, SA’s score card read 241 on the loss of 3 wickets, which soon shifted to 270 for 10. Consequently, the green shirts conquered the whole Quinton De Kock led squad at 270 only, winning the second Test with 90 runs and 7 wickets.
Moreover, as Hassan Ali added five wickets to his row at today’s Pak VS SA match, he completed a marvelous 10 wickets haul in second Test, and now becomes the only 2nd Pakistani fast bowler in last 15 years to take 10 wickets in a Test. Owing to that, Twitter in Pakistan celebrates the noteworthy return of a star pacer, appreciating his stellar performance.
Here to mention, Hassan Ali was also named the layer of the match today.
Furthermore, although Hassan Ali stole the spotlight, the contributions of other legendary team green warriors are also worth the mention. Muhammad Rizwan, on account of his mesmerizing craft with bat won the player of the series award, whereas other pacers like Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi also remained dauntless throughout the series, and earned accolades on the twitter handle.
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Pakistan lies 5th on ICC’s Test team rank chart
With the stage-rocking performance against the Proteas in Pak VS SA Test series, team Pakistan has proven itself on International platforms as well. The squad after gaining eight rating points has now jumped to number 5 in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Team Rankings. The news was set forth on ICC’s official twitter profile.
Nevertheless, the Pak VS SA combat is not over yet. The two teams will now play three Twenty20 internationals on February 11, 13 and 14, all in Lahore.
