South Africa defeat Pakistan by two wickets in thrilling first test
Pakistan Sets South Africa 148-Run Target After Posting 237 in Second Innings
Centurion: South Africa claimed a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test match at Centurion, successfully chasing a target of 148 runs on the fourth day of play.
Resuming at 27 for 3, South Africa required 121 more runs to win, while Pakistan needed 7 wickets for victory. The day began with Aiden Markram (22) and captain Temba Bavuma yet to open his account at the crease. However, Pakistan struck early as Mohammad Abbas dismissed Markram for 37 runs, providing the visitors with a crucial breakthrough.
Despite Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack, South Africa’s middle and lower-order batters held their nerve to guide the hosts to victory with 8 wickets down.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas delivered a remarkable performance, claiming 6 wickets and consistently testing South Africa’s batters. Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah supported him, taking 1 wicket each, but their efforts fell short as South Africa’s resilience prevailed.
Match Summary
Pakistan posted 211 runs in their first innings, to which South Africa responded with 301 runs, taking a 90-run lead. Pakistan fared better in their second innings, scoring 237 runs, leaving South Africa a target of 148 runs.
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The match’s thrilling conclusion highlighted the competitive nature of both teams, with South Africa ultimately emerging victorious.
What’s Next?
The second Test between Pakistan and South Africa is set to begin on January 3, 2025, in Cape Town. Both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this closely contested opener as the series continues.
South Africa Qualify for ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s
Centurion: South Africa secured their place in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion on Sunday.
Chasing 148 for victory, South Africa fought back from a precarious position at 19 for 3 and 99 for 8, with a remarkable unbeaten 51-run ninth-wicket partnership between Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada guiding them over the line on Day 4. This dramatic win extended the Proteas’ impressive run to six consecutive Test victories, boosting them to the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with 66.67 percentage points.
South Africa will now compete in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, 2025, marking their first appearance at the event. They will face the best Test team from the final rankings after the ongoing cycle. The final is set to be a grand celebration of Test cricket, featuring a week-long showcase at one of the sport’s most iconic venues.
Reacting to their qualification, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed pride in the team’s achievement, attributing their success to a collective effort and the belief instilled by coach Shukri Conrad. “It’s a proud moment for the entire team,” said Bavuma. “To play at Lord’s in the World Test Championship Final is a dream come true for any cricketer.”
With only six Tests remaining in the current cycle, Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are still in the hunt for the final spot. Australia currently leads with 58.89 percentage points and three matches remaining, while India sits on 55.88 percentage points with one Test left in the Border-Gavaskar Series. Sri Lanka, with 45.45 percentage points, still has a slim chance but will need to win their upcoming series against Australia and rely on favorable results.
Fans can register for tickets to the World Test Championship Final, set to be a memorable contest at Lord’s next June.
