Stumbling South Africa survive huge scare against Pakistan to secure World Test Championship final spot
Stumbling South Africa survive huge scare against Pakistan to secure World Test Championship final spot
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The Proteas were only chasing 148 to win but got into all sorts of bother before tail-enders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen saved the day. Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen turned batting heroes as South Africa edged Pakistan by two wickets to win a thrilling first Test at Centurion and book themselves a place in next year’s World Test Championship final.
![[Mohammad Abbas tore through the South African line-up]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/29/13/SEI234453684.jpg)
Rabada scored 31 and Jansen 16 in an unbeaten partnership of 51 off 50 balls to see South Africa over the line and deny Pakistan a dramatic comeback victory after Mohammed Abbas took six wickets as he shredded through the home batting order. The Test had a finish more like that of a Twenty20 match as the tailenders delivered success after South Africa had slumped dramatically before lunch and offered Pakistan the chance to win a Test in South Africa for the first time in 18 years.
![[South Africa eventually stumbled over the line]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/12/29/13/SEI234460899.jpg)
Rabada, who is ranked as the second best Test bowler in the world, emerged however, as an unlikely batting hero while Jansen delivered the winning runs with a classy drive to the boundary, amid scenes of delirious celebration. “Quite an emotional one and a good advert for Test cricket,” said home captain Temba Bavuma. “A lot of joy and happiness for us but a bit of a rollercoaster. We did it the hard way but we’re glad to be able to get the result.”.
