Anna Mia 253 views
Last Updated On: May 03, 2025 12:00 PM , Published On: Dec 30, 2024 10:36 AM
Today’s news is about the South Africa vs Pakistan Test match series happening in Centurion. According to the live match happenings, South Africa beat Pakistan and made a two-wicket win. South Africa’s win against Pakistan in the first test match has landed it a spot in the World Test Championship Final.
Proteas Seal Spot in World Test Championship Final
South Africa and Pakistan faced each other in the first test match happening live in Centurion. South Africa made a two-wicket win against Pakistan and secured a spot in the World Test Championship Final scheduled in 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
The highlights of the test match revolved around South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen who edged Pakistan’s fast bowler Muhammad Abbas in the opening test of the two-match series in Centurion.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma said, "Quite an emotional one and a good advert for Test cricket. A lot of joy and happiness for us but a bit of a rollercoaster. We did it the hard way but we're glad to be able to get the result."
South Africa's Dramatic Finish Edging Pakistan
The Test had a finish more like that of a Twenty20 match. South Africa dramatically slumped before lunch. It looked like it opened up an opportunity to make Pakistan win a Test in South Africa for the first time in 18 years.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco proved batting heroes, handled the bat brilliantly, and overshadowed Pakistan’s fast bowler's impressive bowling line in the opening test of the two-match series. The batting heroes' move almost had a tense finish edging Pakistan.
Abbas's Brilliant Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s fast bowler Muhammad Abbas made a comeback in the test match series after more than three years in South Africa vs Pakistan in Centurion, the opening test of the two-match series. He showed brilliant bowling on the pitch.
He made sure to almost knock out South Africa's struggling chase of 148 runs before lunch resulting in South Africa could only make 99-8 for just three runs with the loss of four wickets. Abbas bowled 13 overs dismissing Bavuma and Markram's partnership.
Rabada and Jansen's Unbeaten Match-Winning Partnership
Rabada and Jansen made a great batter pair in South Africa vs Pakistan in Centurion. They batted an unbeaten 51-run partnership with five fours to seal the win for South Africa. Rabada remained unbeaten on 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen scored 16 not out.
South Africa's Road to the World Test Championship Final
South Africa’s test match win against Pakistan secured their place in the World Test Championship. They were on the road to the WTC when they faced India with a 1-1 draw series and 2-0 against New Zealand.
In the WTC cycle, they have beaten West Indies, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to stay strong in the top position of the ranking table. South Africa will be against India, Australia, and Sri Lanka for June’s WTC final at Lord’s scheduled for June 11-16, 2025.
“It [the WTC final] is a big one, not just for myself but also the team and the coach,” Bavuma said. “The way we started our campaign against India and then New Zealand with a not-so-strong team and the way we have gone through with our performances not many gave us a chance.”
Pakistan's Improvement is Assured
Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, has expressed his thoughts about the defeat at the hands of South Africa. The second Test between South Africa and Pakistan begins on Friday in Cape Town.
“Extremely proud of the efforts, but going forward, we need to be ruthless,” Pakistan captain Shan Masood said. “We keep making the same mistakes, but we have to get over the line, seize moments.”