South Africa have secured their place in next year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s after a nerve-wracking win over Pakistan at Centurion.
Chasing 148 in the series opener, the Proteas stumbled from a relatively calm 96-4 to a perilous 99-8 in 12 balls, with Mohammad Abbas running riot on his Test return.
But Marko Janssen (16 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (31) braved a few tense moments to string together a sustained 51-run stand either side of lunch on day four that took South Africa over the line.
The Test had a Twenty20-like finish as the contestants cruised to success after the hosts pulled away dramatically before lunch and allowed Pakistan the chance to win a Test in South Africa for the first time in 18 years.
However, Rabada, rated as the second-best Test bowler, emerged as an unlikely batting hero, while Jansen hit the winning runs with a sublime drive to the boundary, amid scenes of delirious celebration.
“It’s quite an emotional announcement and a good announcement for Test cricket. Lots of joy and happiness for us but a bit of ups and downs. We did it the hard way but we’re glad we were able to get the result,” South said. Africa captain Temba Bavuma.
The home side’s victory earned them their maiden appearance in the World Test Championship in June, with Australia, India and Sri Lanka all vying to join them in the ‘Home of Cricket’.
Pakistan’s defeat was particularly tough on Abbas, who took international best figures of 6-54 in his first Test appearance since August 2021.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood said: “I am extremely proud of our efforts but to move forward as a team, we need to be more ruthless. We have to seize the moments that Test cricket provides.”
South Africa have now won six Tests in a row, starting with success in the West Indies in August and followed it up with two Test series wins, in Bangladesh and then at home in Sri Lanka last month.
The second and final Test of the series will start on January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.
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