For South Africa, it was their first defeat since the Durban Test against Sri Lanka in December 2011, ending a sequence of 15 undefeated Tests that’s why the word 'unpredictable' has often been used to describe Pakistan sides. Although Chasing a mere 40 to win, Pakistan made a poor start losing three wickets for just seven runs on the board but later experienced batsmen Younis Khan (09) and Misbah-ul-Haq (28) managed to take the team to victory with Pakistan captain deservedly hitting the winning six. This is Pakistan's fourth win over South Africa in 22 Tests. Pakistan's winning sequence at their adopted home began when they routed England 3-0 in 2011-12.
The ICC Test Championship mace had since changed hands from England to South Africa and the holders appeared rusty after several months of long-format inactivity over the decades. This victory is inspiring and appreciable and also Eid Gift for Pakistani nation. People are very happy. In the end I think Pakistan should maintain this winning streak but for that it would have to continue to sweat and labour in the playing ground.
M. OSAMA AFNAN HANAFI,
Karachi, October 18.