In one of the Boxing Day Tests, South Africa quietly claimed their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final on Sunday. While the crowds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) were focused on the action there, only 2,242 fans in Centurion witnessed South Africa’s dramatic win over Pakistan.
The Proteas needed 121 more runs to win at the start of the fourth day, while Pakistan required seven wickets. Both teams had reasons to believe victory was within reach, given the fierce contest leading up to this moment.
Early Wickets Add Drama
South Africa’s Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma resumed batting, but tensions were high after Pakistan’s bowlers had taken three quick wickets the previous evening. Markram managed to score 37 before a low delivery from Mohammad Abbas shattered his stumps. Shortly after, Bavuma, who was playing confidently, edged a ball to the wicketkeeper and walked off. However, replays showed he hadn’t actually hit the ball. This wasn’t the first time Bavuma had walked prematurely, but the stakes were much higher here with a WTC final on the line.
With wickets falling rapidly, South Africa slumped to 99 for 8, needing 49 more runs. Abbas, Pakistan’s experienced seamer, bowled tirelessly and claimed four key wickets during this tense period.
Jansen and Rabada to the Rescue
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Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada then put on a heroic partnership. Rabada’s aggressive 31 not out from just 26 balls, paired with Jansen’s steady 16 not out, turned the game around. They added 51 runs in 50 balls to guide South Africa to victory.
The win was a testament to South Africa’s resilience. They showed they could triumph under pressure, proving they deserve their spot in the final at Lord’s in June.
Looking Ahead to Lord’s
While questions remain about their potential opponents in the WTC final, South Africa has shown they belong at the top of world cricket. Winning under such challenging circumstances only strengthens their case.
For now, they’ll celebrate this hard-fought victory in Centurion and prepare for their next big challenge at Lord’s. Time will tell if they can replicate this success on the biggest stage.
