South Africa secured a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, thanks to a match-winning 51-run partnership between Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, sending them to the ICC World Test Championship final.
Match Summary
- South Africa’s Strong Finish:
Chasing a modest target of 148, South Africa was struggling at 99/6, but their tailenders, Jansen and Rabada, fought back with a vital 51-run partnership to seal the victory. - Pakistan’s Efforts:
Mohammad Abbas starred with the ball, claiming six wickets, but despite his efforts, South Africa’s lower order proved resilient in chasing down the target. - South Africa’s Batting:
Captain Temba Bavuma was the top scorer with 40 runs, while Aiden Markram made 37. Despite early setbacks, the Proteas’ tailenders managed to steer their side to victory.
Key Moments of the Match
- Mohammad Abbas’ Heroics:
Mohammad Abbas claimed six wickets, including crucial scalps of key South African batsmen. - Failure of Top Order:
Ryan Rickelton and David Bedingham fell cheaply, leaving South Africa in a difficult position before the tailenders took charge.
Team Lineups
- Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas. - South Africa’s Playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch.
