Pakistan leveled the series 1-1 beating South Africa by 5 wickets in the 2nd test. Brilliant half centuries by vice-captain Younis Khan and wicket keeper Kamran Akmal steered Pakistan to a five-wicket victory on Monday with more than a day to spare.

Younis remained unbeaten on 67 with Akmal on 57, the pair adding 99 for the unbroken sixth wicket to pull Pakistan out of trouble to reach the victory target of 191 just before tea on day four.

South Africa was dismissed for 124 in their first innings, to which Pakistan replied with 265. The home side totaled 331 in their second innings.

Ntini and Pollock shared two wickets each to reduce Pakistan to 92 for five before Younis and wicketkeeper Akmal came together.

Pakistan resumed their second innings on eight without loss on the fourth day. Pacer Ntini made the breakthrough in the seventh over of the morning when Imran Farhat, who scored seven, edged an expansive drive to Jacques Kallis at second slip.

However, after a few initial hiccups Younis and Akmal’s determined batting display took the game away from South Africa with safe strokes and steady scoring.

South Africa won the first Test by seven wickets in Centurion. The deciding Test starts in Cape Town on Friday. South Africa will surely bounce back to take the series but won’t be easy. It’s to be seen if Pakistan will go the Indian way by loosing the series 2-1.

Brief Scores

South Africa (1st innings): 124
Pakistan (1st innings): 265
South Africa (2nd innings): 331
Pakistan (2nd innings): 191-5 (Mohd. Hafeez 32, Younis Khan 67no, Akmal 57no)