South Africa qualify for WTC final with thrilling 2-wicket win vs Pakistan
South Africa have become the first team to book their berth for the World Test Championship final.
The Proteas qualified for their maiden WTC final in a dramatic fashion as they registered a 2-wicket win against Pakistan. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s 51-run stand ensured South Africa chased down the tricky fourth innings target of 148 runs at the Supersport Park in Centurion. It was a big Test of their nerve, tenacity and class and South Africa didn’t disappoint.
The hosts emerged victorious in an extraordinary encounter, powered by the unlikely yet valiant partnership between Rabada and Jansen. Their efforts sealed a memorable win and booked South Africa’s ticket to London for the WTC final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 25, 2025.
Pakistan, renowned for their unpredictability, came agonisingly close to pulling off a stunning upset. Led by Mohammad Abbas, who dismantled South Africa’s middle and lower order with a brilliant six-wicket haul, the visitors had the hosts teetering on the brink of defeat. Abbas’ relentless accuracy and skill left the South African batters struggling for answers, reducing them to 99/8 and leaving Pakistan poised for a historic win.
South Africa create history
When Abbas put SA at 99/8
The hosts were well-positioned when Temba Bavuma (40) and Aiden Markram (37) steadied the innings after early blows. However, Mohammad Abbas, making his Test comeback since 2021, wreaked havoc. Abbas was at his brilliant best, snaring six wickets with relentless accuracy, including crucial breakthroughs that reduced South Africa to 99/8. At that point, Pakistan looked poised for a historic win.
But cricket is a game of uncertainty, and Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen turned the tide in a spectacular rearguard action. Rabada’s fearless 31* off 26 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six, combined with Jansen’s composed 16*, helped South Africa claw their way back. The pair added the required 51 runs with sheer determination, steering their team to a victory that will be remembered for ages.
Pakistan had their moments, led by Abbas’ masterclass. His spell of 6/56 dismantled South Africa’s middle and lower order, showcasing his impeccable control and guile. Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah provided strong support, but the final two wickets eluded them. Abbas, bowling tirelessly through the first session, deserved more for his efforts, but South Africa’s resilience held firm.
A match that swung wildly culminated in South Africa chasing down a tricky target and pulling off a win that seemed improbable an hour before the match concluded.