After defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the opening Test of their two-match series here on Sunday, South Africa secured their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025, which will take place at the Lord’s next year.
Following a 2-0 series whitewash at home versus Sri Lanka, the Proteas were already leading the WTC rankings. With 11 Test matches played thus far in the current cycle, South Africa has a 66.67 win % with seven victories.
Following a clean sweep at the hands of New Zealand and a tied series at home against India to begin the current cycle, the Proteas recovered with strong away victories against Bangladesh and the West Indies and then dominant performances at home.
Barring any point deductions due to sluggish over rate, the Temba Bavuma-led team defeated Australia, India, and Sri Lanka—all of whom are in contention—to become the first team to secure a position in the Final at Lord’s next year.
Late on the third day, after the visitors had set up a total of 148, South Africa, who needed a victory to guarantee qualification, had been dealt early blows by Pakistan. The Proteas were three down for 27 at SuperSport Park on Saturday against Stumps.
However, captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram worked together to bring some peace to the play early on Sunday. However, Pakistan made a second comeback with pacer Mohammad Abbas taking six wickets in the second innings.
At 99/8, Kagiso Rabada (31) joined Marco Jansen (16) in the middle, leaving the Proteas on the verge of collapse. To complete the victory, the pair added runs for the ninth wicket.
In Centurion, South Africa had previously chosen to field first after winning the toss.
On the first day, Dane Paterson (5/61) and rookie Corbin Bosch (4/63) dominated the visiting batting, putting the hosts in control.
Aiden Markram and Corbin Bosch persevered with the bat to enable the home team take a 64-run lead in the first innings as Pakistan fought back with the ball.
Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel both scored half-centuries, but Pakistan was unable to capitalise with the bat and post a difficult total.
The Proteas’ best bowler was Marco Jansen, who claimed his third career fifth-wicket haul as Pakistan was bowled out for 211.
In order to go to the WTC Final for the first time, the hosts ultimately succeeded in chasing down the total in the most spectacular of ways.
Brief score: South Africa 301 & 150/8 (Temba Bavuma 40, Aiden Markram 37, Mohammad Abbas 6-54), vs. Pakistan 211 & 237 (Saud Shakeel 84, Babar Azam 50, Marco Jansen 6/52).