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The nail-biting conclusion to the Pakistan tour of South Africa in 2024-25 saw the hosts clinch a thrilling victory, securing their place in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. The match, played at Centurion, was a rollercoaster of fluctuating momentum, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. South Africa, needing 121 runs to win on Day 4, initially appeared comfortably placed at 96 for 4. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma exhibited a measured approach, strategically selecting their shots and avoiding risky plays outside off-stump. Their calculated batting included powerful drives and Bavuma's impressive six off Abbas, aided by a misjudged catch by Naseem Shah.
However, the game took a dramatic turn after the drinks break. Mohammad Abbas, who ultimately secured career-best figures of 6-54, unleashed a devastating spell of bowling. His controlled deliveries and persistent line and length proved incredibly effective, initiating a mini-collapse for the South African batting order. Markram fell victim to a low-keeping delivery which rattled his off-stump. Bavuma's dismissal, a strange caught-behind off Abbas after the ball struck his trousers, triggered a further collapse, seeing the score plummet from 96 for 4 to a precarious 99 for 8. The lack of a review by Bavuma, despite surviving similar appeals earlier, further compounded the situation. Naseem Shah also made crucial contributions, dismissing Kyle Verreyne, while Abbas continued his dominance by claiming the wickets of Bedingham and Bosch with consecutive deliveries.
The situation looked dire for South Africa, but the ninth-wicket partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen turned the tide. In stark contrast to the preceding batsmen, Rabada and Jansen displayed excellent discipline, leaving balls outside the off-stump and selectively attacking loose deliveries. Their composed batting guided South Africa to lunch at 116 for 8, effectively neutralizing the considerable pressure exerted by Abbas and Naseem. The remaining 5.3 overs to victory involved moments of tension. Rabada narrowly escaped dismissal after a nick off Abbas's bowling, and the pair concentrated their attacks on the other bowlers rather than confronting Abbas head-on, recognizing his dominance. Rabada's calculated aggression included perfectly-timed boundaries off Naseem, while Jansen's square cuts reduced the remaining run requirement. Pakistan's strategic move to introduce Aamer Jamal, his first over of the innings, proved costly as Rabada smashed him for two fours, and Jansen secured the victory with another square cut, ending the match with a two-wicket win for South Africa.
This remarkable victory is a testament to the resilience and skill of the South African team. While Abbas's bowling performance was undoubtedly exceptional, Rabada and Jansen's partnership proved crucial in turning the tide and delivering a memorable win. The match highlights not only the dramatic shifts in momentum in high-stakes Test cricket but also the significance of individual contributions and tactical decisions in achieving victory. South Africa's qualification for the World Test Championship final adds further excitement to the upcoming competition.
The match statistics paint a clearer picture of the fluctuating fortunes of the game. Pakistan’s first innings of 211 and second innings of 237 were relatively competitive scores, showing their strong batting lineup. Their strong bowling performance, particularly Abbas's figures of 6-54, showcased their capacity to create opportunities. However, South Africa’s batting capabilities showed promise in their first innings with a total of 301. However, their second innings score of 150/8 demonstrated the challenges they faced against Pakistan’s strong bowling. The match was a captivating illustration of how pivotal partnerships and individual moments of brilliance can dramatically alter the course of a Test match.
Source: South Africa seal WTC Final berth with thrilling win