South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer may have delivered the finest ball of his career during the second Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. On Sunday, October 20, at Rawalpindi Stadium, Harmer’s exceptional delivery with the new ball shattered Imam-ul-Haq’s defence on Day 1, leaving spectators and analysts alike in awe.
The right-arm off-spinner, in his very first over of the match, generated sharp turn. Bowling around the wicket to the left-handed Imam, Harmer pitched the ball well outside leg stump before sending it racing across the batter, smashing into the off stump and dramatically toppling the bails. You can watch the video here:
Simon Harmer WOW💥 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/ev5gA6HKdE
— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) October 20, 2025
A stunned Imam-ul-Haq could only watch in disbelief as Harmer celebrated his spectacular delivery with teammates. The South African squad rallied around the bowler, while fans online quickly drew parallels between this moment and the Proteas’ upcoming tour of India.
South Africa is set to play a two-match Test series in India next month, with fixtures scheduled in Kolkata and Guwahati. Given India’s spin-friendly conditions, fans are already speculating about the potential impact of the Proteas’ spin trio, likely comprising Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Harmer himself.
SA Trail 0-1 After Fielding Blunders vs Pakistan
Currently, the World Test Champions are touring Pakistan under the leadership of Aiden Markram and trail 0-1 in the series after losing the first Test by 93 runs. That opening match was plagued by South Africa’s inconsistent fielding, with several dropped catches allowing Pakistan to seize control in the first innings.
Although the visitors fought back in the latter stages, the early deficit proved too significant to overcome. In the second Test on Monday, October 21, South Africa started with promise as Harmer dismissed Imam-ul-Haq in the 13th over of the morning session.
Yet, the breakthrough failed to translate into sustained pressure, as the pitch flattened out, offering minimal assistance to the spinners. Pakistan’s top order, led by opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood, capitalized on the conditions.
The pair stabilized the innings, ending the first session at 95 for 1 and steadily accumulating runs in the second. Both batters reached half-centuries, with Shan Masood particularly adept at using his feet to counter the spin attack and unsettle the South African bowlers’ rhythm.
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