Pakistan’s Lowest Score in Test Cricket: The 49 All Out at Johannesburg

On 2 February 2013, Pakistan were bowled out for 49 by South Africa at the Wanderers, Johannesburg — the lowest total in Pakistan’s Test history. This is the full story of that day: the spell, the collapse, the scorecard and what came next.

The Build-Up

Pakistan arrived in South Africa in early 2013 to face the world’s No. 1 Test side, midway through a golden era for the Proteas’ pace attack: Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel. The first Test began at the Wanderers on 1 February. South Africa batted first and, despite Pakistan’s bowlers competing hard, built a lead that would prove decisive. By the second morning, Pakistan’s reply was underway — and about to fall apart.

The Collapse, Over by Over

The pitch offered steep and sometimes variable bounce with sideways movement, and Steyn was unplayable. He took 6 for 8 in 8.1 overs — the spell of the series and one of the great fast-bowling exhibitions of the decade. Philander (2/16) and Jacques Kallis (2/11) shared the rest. AB de Villiers, keeping wicket, equalled South Africa’s record with six catches in the innings. Pakistan’s batters had no answers: the innings lasted just 29.1 overs, and the last wicket fell in the second session of day two.

Azhar Ali’s 13 was the top score; captain Misbah-ul-Haq was the only other batter into double figures. It beat Pakistan’s previous lowest — 53 against Australia at Sharjah in 2002–03 — by four runs.

Scorecard Summary

• Match: 1st Test, South Africa vs Pakistan, Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 1–5 February 2013.
• Pakistan 1st innings: 49 all out (29.1 overs). Steyn 6/8, Philander 2/16, Kallis 2/11.
• Top scores: Azhar Ali 13, Misbah-ul-Haq (double figures).
• Result: South Africa won by 211 runs (they led by 204 on the first innings and declined the follow-on).
• Context: South Africa’s third sub-50 dismissal of an opponent in two seasons, after Australia (47, Cape Town 2011) and New Zealand (45, Cape Town 2013).

What Happened Next

Pakistan lost the three-match series, but the tour is remembered less for the 49 than for the fight that followed in later matches. The 49 remains, however, the statistical low point of Pakistan’s Test history — a record no Pakistani fan wants broken, and one that still tops every “lowest totals” listicle about the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Pakistan score 49 in a Test?

2 February 2013, day two of the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Who was Pakistan’s captain when they were bowled out for 49?

Misbah-ul-Haq — one of only two Pakistan batters to reach double figures in the innings.

What are Dale Steyn’s best figures against Pakistan?

His 6 for 8 at Johannesburg in 2013 is his most famous demolition of Pakistan, taken in just 8.1 overs.

Did South Africa enforce the follow-on after bowling Pakistan out for 49?

No. Leading by 204 on the first innings, South Africa batted again and eventually won by 211 runs.