In a heart-stopping finish that had all the makings of a high-stakes T20 thriller, South Africa’s pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen channeled their inner batsmen to steer their team to a nail-biting 2-wicket victory over a resurgent Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion. The win not only extended the Proteas’ streak to six Tests but also booked them a coveted spot in the 2023 World Test Championship final at the iconic Lord’s ground.
Pakistan, however, did not go down without a fight. Led by the incisive fast bowling of Mohammad Abbas, who scythed through the South African batting lineup with figures of 6/54, the visitors had the home team teetering at 99/8 chasing a modest target of 148. Abbas engineered a spectacular collapse, picking up four wickets in a relentless 13-over spell before lunch.
Rabada and Jansen’s Unlikely Rescue Act
With South Africa staring down the barrel, it was up to Rabada, the world No. 2 Test bowler, to showcase his batting chops. He found an able ally in fellow quick Marco Jansen, as the pair embarked on a match-defining unbroken stand of 51 off just 50 deliveries, turning the tables on a stunned Pakistan outfit.
The Test had a finish more like that of a Twenty20 match as the tailenders delivered success after South Africa had slumped dramatically before lunch and seen Pakistan on the verge of success.
Abbas’ Heroic Efforts in Vain
Mohammad Abbas’ tour de force included the fortunate scalp of South African skipper Temba Bavuma, who walked despite not edging the ball, only for replays to show it had brushed his pocket. Abbas also accounted for Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, and snared debutant Corbin Bosch first ball, as Pakistan turned the screws.
- Mohammad Abbas’ spell: 6/54 off 19.3 overs
- South Africa’s collapse: 96/4 to 99/8
South Africa’s Dream Run Continues
The victory was South Africa’s sixth on the trot, a streak that began in August against the West Indies. Subsequent conquests of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka had propelled them to the top of the World Test Championship table, with the win over Pakistan sealing their spot in the final.
The two teams will square off again in the second and final Test at Newlands starting Friday, but for now, South Africa can bask in the glory of a win snatched from the jaws of defeat, thanks to the unlikeliest of batting heroes in Rabada and Jansen. In a match that ebbed and flowed, it was the Proteas who held their nerve when it mattered most, scripting a memorable chapter in their cricketing history.
