Xtra Time Web Desk: Babar Azam and his boys will have twin motivations to beat South Africa in the second Test starting Thursday in Rawalpindi. A victory would not only help them whitewash the Africans in a Test series after 17 years, it would also see them surpass the tourists in ICC rankings.
Victory would be poignant for Pakistan, who are hosting their biggest Test series since the deadly 2009 militant attack on Sri Lanka’s team halted international tours.
Pakistan, whose lone series win over South Africa was at home in 2003, start as favourites in Rawalpindi after last week’s thumping seven-wicket win in Karachi.
They stand to rise two places to fifth in the rankings with a series victory, while defeat would push South Africa down from fifth to sixth.
Debutant Nauman Ali and fellow spinner Yasir Shah were the heroes in Karachi with seven wickets each, along with Fawad Alam whose first-innings century set up the win.
Babar Azam, who captained Pakistan for the first time, said the win was much needed after they went down heavily in both Tests away to New Zealand in December and January.
“This win was very necessary for our group,” said Azam. “The last series in New Zealand didn’t go very well.
“Yes, these are home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side and beating them was morale-boosting.”