It's pretty awesome to win in Pakistan, says Rabada

THIS is really something. The Proteas, holders of the World Test Championship mace, are showing they are worthy champions.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

For all the talk of an easy route to Lord's earlier this year, Shukri Conrad's side have proved they can win anywhere.

In beating — nay, dismantling — the hosts yesterday in Rawalpindi, the Proteas achieved their first win in Pakistan in 18 years. It was particularly special for someone like Kagiso Rabada, who made his debut in Mohali a decade ago but had yet to taste victory on the subcontinent outside of Bangladesh until yesterday.

It was even sweeter due to Rabada's sizeable contribution, with the fast bowler striking a match-winning 71 — the highest score by a Proteas No 11 — in a 98-run last-wicket stand with Senuran Muthusamy that changed the course of the Test and ultimately the entire series.

"Yeah, this victory, definitely one of the highest in my career," said Rabada after the eight-wicket triumph that allowed the visitors to level the series. "Playing in the subcontinent is really difficult.

"Whenever you have a subcontinent tour, everyone's minds just start asking a ton of questions about playing the spin.