Pakistan Captain Babar Reflects After 'Hard-Earned' Series Win Over South Africa

Pakistan's new Test captain Babar Azam said Monday they can get even better after a historic first series win against South Africa since 2003. He led Pakistan to a 2-0 sweep over the Proteas in Ra

Medium pacer Hasan Ali -- recalled after a year on the sidelines with multiple injuries -- took 5-60 to finish with 10-114 in the match.

"Hasan was outstanding, he came after a year but showed character. Yes, at lunch we were thinking that it's getting away. At one time, we thought the game would’ve gone either way when Markram and Bavuma were playing well. But we knew, one wicket and we can come back into the game again. And then we did that with the new ball."

"This win was hard-earned, harder than our win in Karachi," said Azam comparing the latest win with the first Test in Karachi where Pakistan won by seven wickets.

Mohammad Rizwan cracked his maiden hundred in Pakistan's second innings of 298.

Losing captain Quinton de Kock hoped his team will learn lessons from the defeat.

"It's painful at the moment," said de Kock who had a lacklustre series, scoring just 46 in four innings. "When we get back home, we'll have to look at our performances and improve on the way forward."