South Africa have booked their place in next year's World Test Championship final at Lord's after they sealed a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Centurion.
Chasing 148 in the series opener, the Proteas went from a quiet 96-4 to a dangerous 99-8 in 12 balls, with Mohammad Abbas running riot on his Test return.
But Marco Jansen (16 not out) and Kagiso Rabada (31no) battled through some tense moments to put together an unbroken 51-run stand either side of lunch on the first day that South Africa took over the line.
The Test had a more Twenty20-like finish as the tails flourished after the hosts had gone down heavily before lunch and allowed Pakistan to win a Test in South Africa for the first time once in 18 years.
Rabada, who is regarded as the second best Test bowler, emerged, however, as an unlikely batting hero, while Jansen delivered the winning runs with a classy drive to the finish, amid scenes of false identification.
“A very emotional one and a good advertisement for Test cricket. Lots of excitement and happiness for us but a bit of a rollercoaster. We did it so hard but we're glad we can get the result,” South said. African captain Temba Bavuma.
The home side's victory gives them a good chance at the World Test Championship showpiece in June, with Australia, India and Sri Lanka all looking to join them at the 'Home of Cricket'.
The defeat to Pakistan was particularly difficult for Abbas, who claimed his best international figures of 6-54 on his first Test appearance since August 2021.
“I am very proud of our efforts but going forward as a team, we have to be more ruthless. We have to seize the opportunities that test cricket presents,” said Pakistan captain Shan Masood.
South Africa have now won six consecutive Tests, starting with success in the West Indies in August and following that with two Test series wins, in Bangladesh and then at home to Sri Lanka last month.
The second and final Test of the series begins on January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.
