South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, have become the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship final of the 2023-25 cycle. The Proteas pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the Supersport Park in Centurion after a stunning unbroken stand between Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada.
Coming into day four of the opening Test, the hosts were under some pressure despite a modest target of 148 in front of them. Pakistan had picked up three wickets overnight, with Mohammad Abbas dismissing Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs, while Khurram Shahzad got the better of Ryan Rickleton to leave South Africa reeling at 27/3.
Abbas broke the pivotal 43-run stand between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma on day four by dismissing the former with the one that kept low. The right-arm seamer hit back the home side further, sending Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada packing as well as the Proteas slid to 99/8 but got to 116 without losing any more wickets before lunch.
Nevertheless, the visitors' pace-bowling unit were not as sharp in the post-lunch session, characterised by Kagiso Rabada taking down Naseem Shah and Aamer Jamal. Nevertheless, it was Jansen, who hit the winning runs to seal the win.
Australia are currently the defending champions
Australia are one of the two sides that the Proteas could face at Lord's next June, with the Baggy Greens being the defending champions as well. Pat Cummins-led Australia had won the mace in June 2023 at The Oval in London by defeating India in the final.
However, Cummins' men also have a task in their hand to win their ongoing home series against India to seal their qualification.
