In a nail-biting showdown at Centurion, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen kept their composure to guide South Africa to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing their place in the World Test Championship final.
Resuming the day on a precarious 27/3 and requiring 121 more runs, South Africa faced a formidable challenge on a pitch that continued to offer assistance to the bowlers. The atmosphere at Centurion was tense as the match hung in the balance.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma began the day steadily, accumulating runs patiently. However, the unpredictable pitch played its part as Markram fell to a delivery that kept low, leaving South Africa at 62/4. David Bedingham joined Bavuma, and the pair appeared to wrestle control back, pushing the score to 96/4. With just 52 runs needed and six wickets in hand, South Africa seemed on course for victory.
Sudden Pakistan Fight Back
But Pakistan, led by the relentless Mohammad Abbas, had other plans. Abbas struck a crucial blow by dismissing Bavuma, who uncharacteristically misjudged a delivery, seemingly brushing his trouser pocket rather than the bat. Surprisingly, Bavuma chose not to review the decision despite clear indications of no edge.
Pakistan capitalized on the breakthrough, with Naseem Shah removing Kyle Verreynne soon after. Abbas returned to dismiss Bedingham, and debutant Corbin Bosch followed suit, caught behind for a golden duck. South Africa had slumped from 96/4 to 99/8, losing four wickets for just three runs.
Determination of Rabada and Jansen
With 49 runs still required, Rabada and Jansen took to the crease. Under immense pressure, the pair adopted a positive approach, countering Pakistan’s bowlers with aggressive yet calculated strokes. They steadied the innings, taking South Africa to 116/8 by lunch.
The break could have disrupted their rhythm, but Rabada and Jansen returned with renewed focus. In a stunning post-lunch session, they dispatched the remaining 32 runs in just five overs, sealing victory with an unbeaten 51-run partnership off 50 balls.
World Test Championship final spot secured
South Africa’s triumph not only secured the win but also confirmed their place in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June. They will face either Australia or India, depending on the outcome of the ongoing series down under.
The scenes at Centurion were jubilant, with celebrations echoing from the stands to the South African dressing room. Post-match, Bavuma expressed his relief and pride in the team’s resilience. “This win means everything to us. Test cricket is alive and well, and the belief within this team has been unwavering,” Bavuma remarked.
For South African cricket, this victory serves as a testament to their strength and determination. As they bask in the glory of this hard-fought win, the focus now shifts to preparing for the final showdown at Lord’s.
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