South Africa to Dramatic Two-Wicket Win Over Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad: Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26) and Marco Jansen (16 off 24) held their nerve to guide South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Centurion, securing a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Despite Pakistan coming within two wickets of an incredible win, Rabada and Jansen displayed remarkable resilience to turn the match in South Africa’s favor and deny Pakistan a dramatic triumph.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas played a pivotal role, taking four wickets in a marathon spell of 13 overs, as South Africa’s chase of a modest 148 became increasingly difficult. South Africa, at 116-8 at lunch, had their hopes pinned on the fast-bowling duo of Marco Jansen (5) and Kagiso Rabada (10), who remained unbeaten at the break.
Abbas, whose overall figures stood at 6-43 off 17 overs, produced a remarkable collapse. South Africa had seemed set for victory with only 50 runs required and six wickets in hand.
However, Abbas dismissed captain Temba Bavuma for 40, whose unfortunate walk-off after being caught behind was later revealed by replays to be an incorrect decision. The ball had hit Bavuma’s pocket, not his bat.
Abbas also removed Aiden Markram for 37, before sending David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch back to the pavilion, both caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Bosch fell for a golden duck, leaving South Africa reeling at 99-8 after starting the day with a more promising 96-4.
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