South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Day 4 Highlights: South Africa Qualify For WTC Final With 2-Wicket Win

Right then, that is it from this thrilling first Test match. South Africa booked their spot in the WTC final while Pakistan made them work really hard for it. The hosts will now look to seal the series in the next one while the Men in Green will want to build on this performance and go that extra mile to finish on level terms. The 2nd Test will start on January 3, 2025, at 8.30 am GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Temba Bavuma, the victorious skipper of South Africa says that it is a bit of an emotional moment for him. Adds that he is proud of his team and they did it the hard way but is happy with the win. Mentions that there was not much of a conversation during the Lunch but Markram led the way in the dressing room. Says that he was still sulking in the toilet about his dismissal but they had belief in the team and KG and Jansen did the job for them. Says that looking at the way they started their campaign against strong teams like India and New Zealand, they have come a long way. Tells that he is unaware of the fact that he did not edge it on his dismissal. Ends by saying that they will enjoy this moment and then focus on the next game.

Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan says that he is extremely proud of his team and wants to be more ruthless in the future. He thought he could have won this match where the team was fighting brilliantly like a full group. Adds that a lot of things were pointed out in the starting like losing wickets in the cluster, and then they couldn’t capitalize on those partnerships to make it big. Mentions that he believes in learning and wants to over the line. He considers Test cricket to be the best because it tests you a lot in all forms. Tells Saud Shakeel missed out on a hundred, but he batted brilliantly throughout the innings and will hope to do so in the next one also. Concludes that Mohammad Abbas is a brilliant bowler who keeps tight lines and lengths. His performance is noteworthy, as he was making a comeback.

Aiden Markram is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his batting performance in both innings. Starts by saying that he is pretty relieved now but those moments were tense. Adds that it feels good to make it into the finals of the WTC as a team. Mentions that it is really special and today was a really important day for the team. Further mentions that he would have loved to take South Africa home, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. Says that he would love to be more clinical in his approach and executions. Talking about milestones he said that he will never be the one to break records so he looks to do the job for the team and take the team over the line. Mentions that, playing here over the years have helped him get through the difficult phases of the match. The wicket was tricky and uneven but in the end it was nice to get over the line.

Presentation Time...

Day 4 began with tension and drama as Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma added 35 runs with a cautious approach before Mohammad Abbas broke through, dismissing Markram for 37. Bavuma and David Bedingham counterattacked, reducing the target further, but Abbas struck again to remove Bavuma on 40, leaving Pakistan back in the hunt. What followed was a stunning collapse as South Africa crumbled from 96/5 to 99/8, with Abbas delivering a masterclass, claiming four wickets in a relentless spell. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen added a few crucial boundaries late in the session, leaving just 32 runs to win and setting up a grand finale! The duo made sure they did not suffer any more hiccups and sealed the win with a 51-run stand for the ninth wicket.

It was a riveting Day 3! Despite rain delays, the match delivered nonstop drama as Pakistan fought hard to set a tricky target and their bowlers struck early to leave South Africa at 27/3, still needing 121 runs. Marco Jansen was sensational, ripping through Pakistan's lineup with a brilliant six-wicket haul, but not before Saud Shakeel’s gritty 84 and Babar Azam’s composed fifty helped stretch the lead to 148. The chase began under pressure, with Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad bowling fiery spells to remove Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs. Markram’s resolve kept South Africa alive, but with the pitch offering plenty for the pacers, Day 4 promised a nail-biting finish!

Day 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions as South Africa tightened their grip before Pakistan fought back late. Aiden Markram led the charge with a classy 89, sharing key stands with Temba Bavuma and the tail. Corbin Bosch stole the show with a sensational unbeaten 81, powering South Africa to a vital 90-run lead. Pakistan began their reply with purpose, but Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen struck crucial blows to leave them wobbling. Babar Azam survived nervy moments while Saud Shakeel showcased resilience as the pair reduced the deficit to just 2 runs before bad light brought an end to a thrilling day!

An action-packed Day 1 of this Boxing Day Test saw Pakistan and South Africa trading blows in an enthralling contest! Asked to bat first, Pakistan’s openers started strong, but debutant Corbin Bosch turned the tide, sparking a collapse from 36/0 to 56/4. Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam counterattacked with a gritty 81-run stand, with Ghulam scoring a gutsy fifty. Late contributions from Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal, along with the last-wicket pair, pushed Pakistan past 200. Dane Paterson was sensational with a fifer, while Bosch shone with four wickets. In reply, South Africa wobbled early, losing Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton to Khurram Shahzad, but Aiden Markram’s fluent 47 and Temba Bavuma’s steadiness ensured no further damage. The Proteas ended the day on top, setting the stage for an exciting Day 2!

The second session on Day 4 began with South Africa needing just 32 runs to clinch victory but only two wickets in hand. Enter Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who turned the game on its head with an aggressive, fearless approach! Their decision to go on the attack paid off brilliantly. In a surprising move, Shan Masood handed the ball to Aamer Jamal for an over, but it backfired spectacularly as 11 runs were plundered, tipping the scales in South Africa's favor. Rabada stood tall with a match-winning unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen, cool as ever, scored 16 off 24 and smashed the winning runs.

SOUTH AFRICA MARCH INTO THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL! Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen rise to the occasion and steer the Rainbow Nation to a thrilling 2-wicket victory. What a nail-biter at SuperSport Park in Centurion! This Test had it all – drama, tension, and unforgettable moments. Hats off to Mohammad Abbas for his incredible spell of 6 for 54 that almost turned the tide, but the Proteas held their nerve to seal the deal. What a game!

FOUR! THAT'S IT FOR SOUTH AFRICA! THEY HAVE MADE IT TO THE WTC FINAL! A deft touch to get this boundary and this pair of Jansen and Rabada have done it for SA! They are hugging each other and soaking in the moment of happiness! Hard length, outside off, angling away, from over the wicket, Marco Jansen stays deep in the crease and guides it wide of gully with composure. The ball races away to the boundary and SA have won this game finally with many ups and downs! They deserve every bit of it as they have struggled hard. Players are emotional as they should be.

Back of a length, from around the wicket, just outside off, angling in, Kagiso Rabada guides it to deep point and takes a single to get off the strike. Just 2 away now. The crowd is cheering every bit now.

Good length, from over the wicket, just outside off, Marco Jansen dabs it wide of cover and takes a single off the first ball. Just 3 needed now.

Not sure why Shan Masood went with Aamer Jamal at such a crucial phase of this game. That too when he did not bowl one over in the first session. He conceded 11 runs in previous over and now South Africa are just one hit away from the WTC final.

FOUR! South Africa are 4 runs away now! A half-volley outside off, inviting the drive. Kagiso Rabada goes forward and creams it past the right of cover as the ball races towards the sweeper cover fence for another boundary.

FOUR! Clubbed with some power! Coming in from around the wicket, bangs it in short, towards the batter. Kagiso Rabada backs away, makes room and flat bats it over the bowler as the ball races towards the long on fence for another boundary.

Back of a length, outside off, zips off the wicket. Marco Jansen stays inside his crease and steers it towards deep backward point for a single.

On a good length, on the off stump, holds its line. Marco Jansen lunges forward to get right behind it firmly.

Full and way down leg. Marco Jansen looks to flick but misses.