South Africa wrapped up a nine-wicket win in the second Test against Pakistan at Cape Town to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
After Pakistan were dismissed for 294 in their second innings with the final delivery of day three, the hosts required just 41 for victory and made short work of their target.
Elevated to open in place of the injured Aiden Markram, Theunis de Bruyn (4) was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas in the fourth over of the day, edging an attempted pull stroke through to Sarfraz Ahmed, and two overs later Hashim Amla was following him back to the pavilion, forced to retire hurt on 2* after being hit on the arm by a rising Mohammad Amir delivery.
There were no further alarms for the Proteas though, as Dean Elgar (24*) and Faf du Plessis (3*) – the first-innings centurion and Player of the Match – reached their target in the 10th over.
South Africa chase down the easy target of 41 runs in just 9.5 overs as they beat Pakistan by nine wickets and seal the three-Test series 2-0. #SAvPAK SCORECARD ⬇️https://t.co/sT3TAzOBtB pic.twitter.com/fVbuwAQ3sI
— ICC (@ICC) January 6, 2019
It was a commanding performance from du Plessis’ side, who followed up their six-wicket win at Centurion in style.
The teams will now head to Johannesburg for the third and final Test, beginning on 11 January.
The visitors have much to ponder as they target a consolation victory at The Wanderers. Their batsmen can at least take heart from an improved performance in their second innings, passing 200 for the first time in four attempts and showing signs of adapting to difficult conditions.
South Africa, meanwhile, can reflect with satisfaction on a fifth Test series win in six, stretching their winning run on home soil to seven series on the bounce.
