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29 December 2024

South Africa Makes History By Qualifying For World Test Championship Final

A gritty two-wicket win over Pakistan secures the Proteas' place at Lord's for the first time.

South Africa has sealed its place at the ICC World Test Championship final for the first time after triumphing over Pakistan by two wickets during the gripping first Test match held at Centurion on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, the Proteas exhibited resilience under pressure, toppling from 96 for 4 to 99 for 8 before recovering with the help of tail-enders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who forged an unbroken 51-run partnership to guide their team to victory.

The thrilling encounter showcased the essence of Test cricket, with performances from both sides illuminating their strengths and weaknesses. Pakistan's pace bowler Mohammad Abbas was the standout player, recording impressive figures of 6 for 54 on his first Test return since August 2021. His aggressive bowling posed constant threats to South Africa's innings and nearly turned the tide of the match. Yet, it was the sheer determination from the Proteas' lower order, especially Rabada, who scored 31 not out and Jansen, who contributed 16 not out, which secured the win.

With this victory, South Africa has advanced to the final set for June 2025 at Lord's, marking them as only the fourth team to achieve this milestone; they join other cricketing giants such as Australia, India, and New Zealand. South Africa’s ascension to the finals reflects their impressive performance throughout the current Test Championship. They lead the points table with 88 points from 11 matches, achieving seven wins and maintaining a points percentage of 66.67. This campaign began with mixed results, including draws and losses, but has seen successive series victories against the West Indies and Bangladesh, and now, the series against Pakistan.

The nail-biting win not only highlighted the challenges faced by South Africa but also intensified the competition among the remaining teams fighting for qualification. Currently, Australia and India are vying for the second finalist spot, making the final tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy significant as they navigate their own paths toward qualification.

South African captain Temba Bavuma expressed his emotional response to the victory, stating, "It was quite an emotional one and a good advert for Test cricket. We did it the hard way but we are glad we are able to get the result." His words resonate with the team’s rollercoaster experience on the field, as they managed to withstand the pressure exerted by Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, acknowledged his team's efforts, emphasizing the need for greater ruthlessness moving forward. His sentiments reflect the learning experience from close encounters such as this one, where victory slipped just out of reach.

The upcoming second Test match is scheduled for January 3 at Newlands, Cape Town, where both teams will turn their focus on concluding their series, with South Africa eager to maintain momentum and Pakistan vying for redemption.

With six successive Test wins under their belt, South Africa is riding high, as they prepare for what lies ahead at the prestigious cricketing venue. Their performance is more than just numbers; it symbolizes rebirth and ambition within South African cricket, setting the stage for potential greatness.

Having witnessed ups and downs throughout the 2023-25 World Test Championship campaign, the South African team appears to be hitting its stride at the perfect moment. The mixture of youthful flair and experienced heads bodes well for their chances at the final, as they look to challenge for the coveted WTC mace at Lord's.

With South Africa making history by reaching the final, cricket fans around the world eagerly anticipate the match at Lord's, where the Proteas will face either India or Australia for the chance to claim the prestigious title. Excitement continues to build as the cricket community reflects on the fierce competition leading up to this monumental event.