S Africa win in tricky Pakistan conditions a confidence boost, says Markram

The beat Pakistan by eight wickets to level the series at 1-1, dominating on a spinning track

South Africa captain Aiden Markram said on Thursday that their Test victory over hosts Pakistan in difficult conditions was a major confidence boost for the tourists, who will be heading to India next and expect an even sterner Test.

South Africa beat Pakistan by eight wickets to level the series at 1-1, dominating on a spinning track and showing some impressive resolve to turn the match on its head when they looked in trouble near the end of their first innings.

“It was a really good response after the first Test and we were put under pressure in this Test once again, and there were moments where guys had to put their hands up and stand up for the team, and they really did that, and then excelled in that,” said Markram.

“We take a lot of confidence and a lot of belief from the win, but when your character is tested and you manage to come out on the right side, I think that means quite a bit more.”

South Africa won the World Test Championship in June but have a much tougher programme in the new two-year cycle with away series against Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.

Usually South Africa sides struggle with the slow wickets.