CENTURION, South Africa, Dec 30, (V7N) - Kagiso Rabada, widely known for his match-winning prowess as a bowler, donned the hero’s cape with the bat to steer South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket  victory over Pakistan in the first Test at SuperSport Park.

Chasing a modest target of 148, the hosts found themselves in dire straits at 99 for eight, thanks to a masterclass in swing and seam bowling by Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas. The 34-year-old pacer delivered an extraordinary spell, claiming a career-best six for 54 and putting his side on the brink of a historic win in South Africa.

However, Rabada, with an unbeaten 31 off just 26 balls, and Marco Jansen, who contributed a stoic 16 not out, combined for an unbroken 49-run ninth-wicket partnership to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The pair’s fearless approach after lunch electrified the crowd and sealed South Africa’s spot in the World Test Championship final in England next year.

Abbas, returning to Test cricket after a three-year hiatus, bowled an extraordinary 19.3-over spell, showcasing relentless accuracy and exploiting a pitch tailor-made for seamers. His spell began late on Day 3 when he dismissed three South African batters to leave them reeling at 27 for three.

On Day 4, Abbas continued his dominance, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. He bowled Aiden Markram with a delivery that kept low and jagged back in, sending the opener back for 37 after a promising partnership with Temba Bavuma.

Bavuma, who had battled to 40, fell victim to a controversial decision after being adjudged caught behind off Abbas. Ultra Edge revealed no contact with the bat, with the only disturbance coming from the ball brushing his trousers. This dismissal triggered a collapse, with David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, and Corbin Bosch falling in quick successions.

At 99 for eight, Pakistan seemed destined to secure their first Test win in South Africa since 2007. But Rabada and Jansen had other plans. Combining aggression and composure, they counterattacked, with Rabada striking boundaries at will. Jansen held firm at the other end, turning over the strike and frustrating the Pakistani bowlers.

The duo resumed after lunch with renewed confidence, requiring just 32 runs for victory. Each run was met with roars from the Centurion crowd, and Rabada sealed the game with a flurry of boundaries, cementing his status as an all-round match-winner.

Despite Abbas’ heroics, Pakistan’s wait for a victory in South Africa continues. The visitors had their moments in the match, particularly with Naseem Shah’s fiery spells and Abbas’ clinical display. However, their inability to dismiss South Africa’s tailenders proved costly.

The result also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Test cricket, where one partnership can turn the tide.

Markram-Bavuma Resistance: A vital 43-run stand for the fourth wicket kept South Africa in the game.

Abbas’ Brilliance: His dismissal of Markram, Bavuma, Bedingham, and Bosch in a single spell put Pakistan on top.

Rabada’s Heroics: The fast bowler turned batsman delivered under pressure, smashing 31 runs with remarkable ease.

The second Test of the series will take place in Cape Town, where both teams will aim to iron out their weaknesses. For South Africa, the focus will be on avoiding top-order collapses, while Pakistan will seek to capitalize on opportunities and finish games.

This victory not only secures South Africa’s place in the World Test Championship final but also serves as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit thatdefines the longest format of the game.

END/WSD/RH