South Africa secured a thrilling victory over Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test at Centurion, clinching a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The dramatic match saw fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen emerge as unexpected batting heroes, guiding their team to victory with a crucial ninth-wicket partnership.
Chasing a modest target of 148, South Africa faced a dramatic collapse orchestrated by Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas. Abbas delivered a stellar performance, taking six wickets for 54 runs in 19.3 overs, including a marathon spell of 13 consecutive overs before lunch. His efforts nearly snatched victory for Pakistan, reducing South Africa from a seemingly comfortable position of 96 for four to 99 for eight.
The turning point came when Rabada and Jansen combined to rescue South Africa with an unbeaten stand of 51 runs off just 50 balls. Rabada, known primarily for his prowess with the ball, showcased his batting skills with a composed 31 runs. Jansen contributed 16 runs, including the winning boundary, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.
Earlier in the innings, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma had appeared set to anchor the chase with a solid 40 runs. However, his dismissal became a point of contention when he walked after believing he had edged the ball to the wicketkeeper. Replays later revealed the ball had only grazed his pocket, leaving Bavuma to rue his decision not to review. Abbas capitalized on the momentum, removing David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch in quick succession, with Bosch departing for a first-ball duck.
Despite the late wobble, South Africa’s tailenders displayed remarkable composure under pressure. The finish was reminiscent of a Twenty20 match, with the lower-order batsmen delivering the decisive blows to secure victory.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood expressed pride in his team’s efforts but emphasized the need for greater ruthlessness in critical moments. He acknowledged that the dramatic finish highlighted the challenges and opportunities of Test cricket.
For South Africa, the win marked their sixth consecutive Test victory, following successes against West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The team’s resurgence in red-ball cricket has been a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Captain Bavuma described the victory as an emotional rollercoaster and a testament to the unpredictable nature of Test cricket.
South Africa now sits atop the WTC standings and has secured a spot in the final, scheduled to take place at Lord’s from June 11 to 15. The team’s consistent performances have made them strong contenders for the championship, but Bavuma acknowledged the need for continued improvement as they aim to maintain their winning streak.
The second Test against Pakistan at Newlands offers another opportunity for South Africa to fine-tune their game and build on their momentum. Meanwhile, Pakistan will look to regroup and challenge their hosts, aiming to level the series and restore confidence after the narrow defeat.
The match at Centurion was a compelling advertisement for Test cricket, showcasing its capacity for drama, unpredictability, and skill. Both teams demonstrated their fighting spirit, and the contest will be remembered as a classic example of the format’s enduring appeal.
