South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, became the first team to qualify for the 2023-25 World Test Championship final, securing a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test at Supersport Park, Centurion. The victory was sealed by an unbroken partnership between Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada.
On day four of the first Test, South Africa faced pressure despite a manageable target of 148. Pakistan had claimed three wickets overnight, with Mohammad Abbas dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, while Khurram Shahzad removed Ryan Rickleton, leaving the hosts at 27/3.
Abbas broke the key 43-run stand between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, dismissing Markram with a low delivery. He further weakened the Proteas by removing Bavuma and Rabada, as South Africa slipped to 99/8. However, they reached 116 without losing more wickets before lunch.
Lord’s Cricket Ground, here we come!🏏🏟️😃
The Proteas have secured their spot in the WTC Final next year, where we will face either Australia or India, as per the current rankings.🏆#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/FbB8LvtnJm
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 29, 2024
However, the visitors’ pace attack lacked sharpness in the post-lunch session, with Kagiso Rabada dismissing Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal. It was Jansen, though, who struck the winning runs to secure the victory.
The Proteas were at the top of the WTC standings after a 2-0 series sweep against Sri Lanka at home. With 11 Tests played in the current cycle, South Africa has secured seven wins, giving them a 66.67% win rate.
After starting the cycle with a drawn series at home against India and a clean sweep by New Zealand, the Proteas made a strong comeback with impressive victories against the West Indies and Bangladesh, followed by dominant performances at home.
Australia are the current title holders
Australia is one of the two teams that the Proteas could meet at Lord’s next June, with the Baggy Greens also being the defending champions. Led by Pat Cummins, Australia claimed the mace in June 2023 at The Oval in London, defeating India in the final.
However, Cummins’ side must also win their ongoing home series against India to secure their qualification.
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