The SuperSport Park in Centurion was at the center of the joy today as South Africa he took a nail-biting two-wicket victory Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test, securing their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. The match, marked by tense moments and a rollercoaster of emotions, ended with the Proteas fans erupting in joy, marking what could be the highlight of their cricketing calendar this year.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are very difficult to seal the deal
The match ended dramatically with South Africa needing 148 runs to win after Pakistan were bundled out for 237 in their second innings. The day started with South Africa at a precarious 27 for 3, but the start was not good either. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and things started to go south as the Proteas were reduced to 99/8.
However, that was the ninth wicket partnership between Kagiso Rabadawho remained unbeaten on 31, and Marco Jansenwith 16 not out, that turned the tide. Their 51-run stand was not just about the runs but their grit and determination under pressure, which guided South Africa to victory on the fourth day of the match.
Mohammad Abbas: The only hero for the visitors
Pakistan Mohammad Abbas he was the standout bowler for the visitors, taking six wickets for 50 runs, bringing South Africa to their knees at 99 for 8. However, Abbas' heroics were not enough as Rabada and Jansen combined to cruise through the remaining races and ended up sealing the championship.
Also Watch: Mohammad Abbas cleans Aiden Markram with beauty on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
WTC final spot confirmed for the Proteas
This victory not only marked South Africa's ability to close the deal but also their qualification for the WTC final. Furthermore, the interesting effect was again identified Temba Bavumain his leadership, which has been excellent as the Test captain for South Africa. The product leaves India and Australia to fight it out for the remaining place in the final of the competition to be held at Lord's, London, in June 2025.
Here's how fans reacted:
We are going to lords!
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 29, 2024
I'm sure Marco Jansen and Rabada must be alive after this win, nothing like seeing such test matches through👌
The confidence and morale boost the team gets after such a win, cannot be measured.
They must praise Pakistan and Abbas too🤝
What a test match 🔥🔥🔥… pic.twitter.com/bgpt4kMTJV
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2024
SOUTH AFRICA HAS QUALIFIED FOR THE WTC FINAL…!!! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZtHtgNxW6l
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 29, 2024
The World Test Championship system is flawed that South Africa can make the final by winning the series against West Indies (8th), Bangladesh (9th) and Sri Lanka ( 6th) – but Test cricket is much better for having an imperfect WTC system than not. who has one at all. #SAvPAK
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) December 29, 2024
🚨 SOUTH AFRICA SET FOR WTC 2025 FINAL 🚨
– Temba's army is done. pic.twitter.com/UlPhqZHXSJ
– John. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 29, 2024
South Africa qualified for the WTC Final.
Lord Bavuma and his army did pic.twitter.com/6YifpKsbfj
– TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 29, 2024
SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦 MAKE IT TO THE FIRST WTC FINAL. pic.twitter.com/IBEqnGjho3
– Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 29, 2024
South Africa vs Australia WTC Final 2025 at Lord's
It's happening guys 🤙
— Ritik (@smith___49) December 29, 2024
Congratulations to SA for securing a place in the wtc final 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/yHF1sBCXKI
— Viratnation (@AmanAtik18) December 29, 2024
South Africa in WTC final. pic.twitter.com/cCzsvitFBH
— Megha 🇮🇳 (@IMeghaChavan) December 29, 2024
South Africa 🇿🇦 first team to qualify for WTC 2025 finals 👏🏻
– South Africa beat Pakistan by 2 wickets and lead the series 1-0
👉🏻 IND / AUS / SL – Which team will join USA in the WTC 2025 Final?🧐#PAKvSA #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/uNVX2oE75y
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 29, 2024
Marco Jansen – 16*(24)
Kagiso Rabada – 31*(26)From 99 for 8 to 150 for 8 when the WTC final is in the final – Take a bow, South Africa 🥶#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/XEQtFanq7Q
– Rahul Yadav (@Rahulyadav249) December 29, 2024
WTC FINAL South Africa 🇿🇦
— RTR (@natweetsnaistm) December 29, 2024
South Africa qualified into WTC final 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/qxNuvfFDK9
— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) December 29, 2024
