'Test cricket has evolved and it's great for the fans' - Faf du Plessis

South Africa needed just 9.5 overs on day four to score the 41 required to clinch series victory, and having also seen off Pakistan in similarly brutal and rapid style in the first Test, du Plessis was quick to heap praise on the format for its development rather than lamenting the lively pitches that had contributed to lower team scores.

"There are not a lot of Test matches that are going five days around the world any more," said the Proteas captain, who notched a century in the first innings as his side put up 431.

"Test cricket has evolved and it is great for the fans. They are getting fours, sixes, lots of wickets and pace bowlers bowling. Test cricket for me the last few years has been the most exciting format of all."

Du Plessis also remarked that if Pakistan had batted longer in their first innings - they reached 177 - then the pitch might have flattened out, thus making it more easy to score runs. Pakistan's second innings total of 294 was their first 200-plus score thus far in the series.

"If Pakistan batted well yesterday (day three), today and tomorrow would have been good batting wickets. It flattened out and the ball got soft. It was tough on day two but we scored close to 400 runs," he said.

Pakistan showed fight in the second innings and had looked as if they were going to set South Africa a more competitive total than 41, but they fell from 150/2 to 294 all out, mirroring a trend of second innings collapses that have plagued Sarfraz Ahmed's men in recent times.

"They had an opportunity to get 150 on the board," said du Plessis. "But we did really well after tea, making sure we did not let the opposition get back in the game."

The third and final Test in Johannesburg begins on Friday 11th January, where Pakistan will be in search of a consolation win. Du Plessis himself will not be taking part, having been suspended following a second minor over-rate offence within 12 months.