CENTURION, South Africa (AP) — South Africa narrowly escaped defeat against Pakistan, clinching their first Test by just two wickets on Sunday, securing their place in the next year’s World Test Championship final. The intense battle saw fast bowler Mohammad Abbas excel with brilliant figures, but it was the resilience of South Africa's tailenders, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who drove the team to victory.
On the Fourth Day, South Africa found themselves precariously placed at 116-8, needing 32 runs to win, thanks largely to Abbas’s menacing spell, marking his return to Test cricket after more than three years. Abbas’s six wickets for 54 runs included some key scalps as he exploited South Africa’s vulnerabilities, almost guiding Pakistan to their first Test victory on South African soil since 2005.
The Proteas started the day requiring 121 runs to win but faced immediate challenges after Temba Bavuma, their captain, was controversially dismissed. Despite this setback, Rabada and Jansen forged a steady partnership, adding 51 runs together, with Rabada finishing unbeaten on 31. Their efforts finally saw South Africa reach 150-8, just after the lunch break.
“Quite an emotional moment for me, good advert for Test cricket,” Bavuma stated after the match. He acknowledged the tense moments leading up to their victory, admitting, “We haven’t been ruthless but have found a way to get the result.” The captain had contributed 40 runs, weathering Abbas’s storm until his unfortunate dismissal when he failed to review what seemed like possibly incorrect umpiring.
After resuming play on 27-3 on Day 4, Bavuma and Aiden Markram (37) showed commendable resilience against Abbas's exceptional pace and precision. Their partnership provided hope before the starting line-up collapsed under pressure, losing four wickets for just three runs. This collapse came after Bavuma’s dismissal, where Abbas took three wickets off his next six balls.
Jansen, with others like Rabada, ensured Pakistan was denied what seemed like certain victory. This match presented its own highs and lows, as Bavuma noted, “A lot of joy and happiness on our side, it was a bit of a rollercoaster.” Their win has added to their previous successes, as they continue to chase success after starting their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign with draws against India and defeats against New Zealand.
This close match also highlights the resurgence of Abbas, whose form suggested he could have changed the outcome significantly for Pakistan. The skipper of the Pakistan team, Shan Masood, reflected on the match, stating, “Extremely proud of the efforts, but going forward we need to be ruthless. We keep making the same mistakes; we have to get over the line, seize moments.” His remarks capture the sentiment within the team as they reflect on their near miss.
Both teams will now gear up for the second Test set to begin at Cape Town on Friday, giving Pakistan another chance to challenge South Africa. The match is pivotal as the competition remains fierce, with South Africa now on course for the WTC final alongside teams including India, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
Following this match, the focus shifts to the upcoming fixtures as teams explore their strategies to advance and secure positions for the WTC final at Lord’s.