South Africa secures a thrilling 2-wicket victory over Pakistan, qualifying for the WTC Final. Discover the match highlights and key moments here.
Introduction:
In an extraordinary Test cricket encounter at SuperSport Park, South Africa assured themselves a place in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) after a nail-biting two-wicket win over Pakistan. The target for the day, 148 runs, proved to be tricky for the South Africans to chase; however, Rabada and Marco Jansen did wonders under pressure and added 51 runs to seal victory for the last pair. This victory is a significant milestone in South Africa’s WTC campaign, confirming their presence at Lord’s next year.
See also: Corbin Bosch’s Heroics Put SA in Command Against Pakistan in 1st Test
Mohammad Abbas Shines in Vain
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas was in excellent form while bowling, claiming a career-best 6 for 54 in a marathon spell. Back in the Test side after three years, Abbas made full use of the conditions and wrecked South Africa’s middle order in a chaotic morning session. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract movement off the pitch left the Proteas reeling at 99 for 8. However, his valiant efforts were not enough to end Pakistan’s nine-Test losing streak in South Africa, which dates back to 2007.

Rabada and Jansen: Heroes Under Pressure
Under immense pressure, both Rabada and Jansen adopted different strategies to seize the game from the jaws of its end. Rabada was typical in his aggressive shots as he hit five boundaries in a spirited 31, including a match-winning hit over point early in his innings. Jansen, however, was anything but aggressive in his approach, employing a sound defense and scoring only when necessary.

The couple fought back an onslaught of high-quality deliveries, producing only one half-chance when Rabada edged a ball from Abbas that fell short of wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Jansen’s composed finish, steering the winning runs through point, underlined the grit and determination that had carried South Africa to victory.
A Morning of Mayhem
South Africa’s chase began with tremors as they resumed at 27 for 3 overnight. Captain Temba Bavuma tried to stabilize the innings, crafting a gritty 40. However, his dismissal triggered a collapse where the Proteas lost five wickets for just 37 runs. Bavuma controversially walked after being adjudged caught, despite replays showing the ball had brushed his clothing.

The rest of the middle order succumbed to pressure, with Kyle Verreynne, David Bedingham, and Corbin Bosch falling in quick succession to Abbas and Naseem Shah. Carnage was left for South Africa to be precariously poised at 96 for 8, leaving their WTC final hopes on the shoulders of their lower order.

Key Moments in the Chase
Bavuma’s decision to walk: Bavuma’s decision not to review his dismissal raised a few eyebrows in the South African dressing room. It was the second time he had walked prematurely at this venue, a decision that placed immense pressure on the tailenders.
Rabada’s Motto: Rabada’s aggressive batting in the initial part of his innings relieved some pressure when his boundaries shifted momentum. His confidence helped Jansen to settle and play a more measured innings.

Jansen’s Calm: Jansen was the player who was considered nervous throughout his career. But standing tall against Pakistan’s attack, he played an impeccable innings. His two last boundaries, including the match-winner, will be remembered as two of the finest moments for him.
Bavuma and Markram Steady the Ship
Just before the collapse, Bavuma and Aiden Markram had put on 43 runs for the fourth wicket, keeping South Africa in touch. Bavuma’s classy cover drives and Markram’s resistance had been a brief respite from Pakistan’s relentless attack. However, Abbas and Shahzad soon got their rhythm going, exploiting the uneven bounce and seam movement to tear apart South Africa’s top and middle order.

Pakistan’s Missed Opportunity
They dominated large portions of the game, but the most important ones were wasted. Mohammad Rizwan’s outstanding keeping and Naseem Shah’s searing spells kept Pakistan in the hunt, but inability to break the Rabada-Jansen stand proved to be expensive for them. The ninth consecutive defeat at South Africa marked their latest failure on foreign soil.

What Next
South Africa’s triumph means a 1-0 lead in the series going into the final Test at Newlands. Qualification to the WTC final for the South African team speaks of its revival under captain Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad. Pakistan are already disappointed after the defeat but hope to save the remaining game.
Conclusion: South Africa’s thrilling win
South Africa’s thrilling win over Pakistan at SuperSport Park is the essence of Test cricket: grit, determination, and high drama. Rabada and Jansen’s unforgettable partnership not only clinched victory but also a much-coveted spot in the WTC final. With both teams heading to Newlands, the cricketing world will eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping series.