SuperSport Park in Centurion was the epicenter of the jubilation today as South Africa achieved a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test, securing his place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2024-25 end. The match, characterized by tense moments and a rollercoaster of emotions, ended with Proteas fans bursting with joy, celebrating what could be the defining moment of their cricket calendar this year.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen have the courage to seal the deal
The match came to a dramatic end: South Africa needed 148 runs to win after Pakistan were bowled out for 237 in their second innings. The day began with South Africa on a precarious 27 for 3, but the start was not ideal either. They continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and things started to get worse when the Proteas were reduced to 99/8.
However, it was the ninth association between Kagiso Rabadawho remained undefeated with 31, and Marco Jansenwith 16 not eliminated, that changed the course. Their 51-run stand was not just based on runs but also on the bravery and determination shown under pressure, which ultimately led South Africa to victory on the fourth day of the match.
Mohammad Abbas: the lone warrior of the visitors
Pakistan Mohammad Abbas was the visitors’ standout bowler, taking an impressive six wickets for 50 runs, bringing South Africa to its knees at 99 for 8. However, Abbas’s heroics were not enough as Rabada and Jansen combined to sail through the remaining races and ended up sealing the contest.
Also WATCH: Mohammad Abbas clears Aiden Markram with a beauty on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
Final WTC place confirmed for the Proteas
This victory not only marked South Africa’s ability to seal a closed deal but also its qualification for the WTC final. Furthermore, the exciting victory once again highlighted Temba Bavuma‘s leadership, who has been excellent as Test captain for South Africa. The result leaves India and Australia to fight for the remaining place in the championship final to be held at Lord’s, London, in June 2025.
This is how the fans reacted:
Let’s go gentlemen!
-Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 29, 2024
I’m sure Marco Jansen and Rabada must be excited after this victory, nothing like watching test matches like this 👌
The confidence and morale boost that the team can gain after such a victory cannot be quantified.
I also have to praise Pakistan and Abbas🤝
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 as South Africa can reach the final by winning series against the West Indies (eighth), Bangladesh (ninth) and Sri Lanka (sixth), but Test cricket is much better for having a imperfect WTC system than not having it. have one at all. #SAvPAK
—Andrew Wu (@wutube) December 29, 2024
🚨 SOUTH AFRICA CLASSIFIED TO THE WTC 2025 FINAL 🚨
–The Temba army has done it. pic.twitter.com/UlPhqZHXSJ
—Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 29, 2024
South Africa qualified for the WTC final.
Lord Bavuma and his army did it🔥 pic.twitter.com/6YifpKsbfj
– TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 29, 2024
SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦 REACHED ITS FIRST WTC FINAL. pic.twitter.com/IBEqnGjho3
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 29, 2024
South Africa vs Australia WTC 2025 final 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
– Viratnación (@AmanAtik18) December 29, 2024
South Africa in the WTC final. pic.twitter.com/cCzsvitFBH
– Megha 🇮🇳 (@IMeghaChavan) December 29, 2024
South Africa 🇿🇦 becomes the first team to qualify for the 2025 WTC finals 👏🏻
– South Africa beat Pakistan by 2 wickets and led the series 1-0
👉🏻 IND / AUS / SL – Which team will join SA 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 in the WTC final in the final – Take a bow, South Africa 🥶#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/XEQtFanq7Q
– Rahul Yadav (@Rahulyadav249) December 29, 2024
WTC South Africa FINAL 🇿🇦
-RTR (@natweetsnaistm) December 29, 2024
South Africa qualified for the WTC final🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/qxNuvfFDK9
— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) December 29, 2024