In a nail-biting encounter, South Africa secured a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Centurion Test, boosting their chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship final. Despite an outstanding six-wicket haul by Mohammad Abbas, Pakistan fell short as South African tailender Kagiso Rabada played a match-winning cameo.
First Innings: South Africa Gains Early Advantage
The Test began with Pakistan batting first but struggling against the South African bowling attack. Pakistan managed just 211 runs, with Kamran Ghulam being the top scorer, contributing a gritty 54 runs. None of the other batters managed to make a significant impact, with Shaan Masood (17), Saud Shakeel (14), and Babar Azam (4) failing to impress.
South Africa, in response, capitalized on the opportunity and posted 301 runs, taking a commanding 90-run lead. Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a stellar 89, while debutant Corbin Bosch played a crucial knock of 81, rescuing his team after a top-order collapse. For Pakistan, Khurram Shehzad and Naseem Shah bagged three wickets each, while Aamir Jamal picked up two scalps.
Second Innings: Pakistan Shows Fight
Pakistan’s second innings started with early trouble as openers Saeem Ayub (27) and Shaan Masood (28) failed to convert their starts. By the close of Day 2, Pakistan found themselves struggling at 88/3, setting up a pivotal Day 3 battle.
Rain delayed play on Day 3, but once the game resumed, skipper Babar Azam (50) and Saud Shakeel (84) steadied the innings with a valuable 79-run partnership. However, after their dismissals, Pakistan’s lower order crumbled, managing only 237 runs, giving South Africa a target of 148 runs.
Fourth Innings Drama: Abbas Shines, Rabada Steals the Show
Defending a modest total, Pakistan’s bowlers brought the game to life. By the end of Day 3, South Africa was reeling at 27 for 3, with Mohammad Abbas dismantling the top order by removing Tony de Zorzi (2), Ryan Rickelton (0), and Tristan Stubbs (1).
On Day 4, Abbas continued his heroics, dismissing Aiden Markram (37) and captain Temba Bavuma (40) in quick succession. His exceptional bowling reduced South Africa to 123 for 9, leaving Pakistan just one wicket away from victory.
However, South Africa’s tailenders had other plans. Kagiso Rabada, batting at No. 10, smashed an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, combining with Marco Jansen to take South Africa over the line in dramatic fashion.
Key Performances: Heroes of the Match
South Africa:
Marco Jansen was instrumental with the ball in Pakistan’s second innings, claiming a superb 6-wicket haul.
Kagiso Rabada’s match-winning knock under pressure proved to be the deciding factor.
Aiden Markram and Corbin Bosch contributed significantly with the bat.
Pakistan:
Mohammad Abbas dazzled with an impressive 6/47 in the second innings, keeping Pakistan’s hopes alive for a memorable victory.
Saud Shakeel (84) and Babar Azam (50) displayed resilience in Pakistan’s second innings.
Final Thoughts: A Game of Small Margins
The Centurion Test showcased the thrilling unpredictability of Test cricket, where a tailender’s knock can change the game. South Africa’s victory not only keeps their hopes alive for the ICC World Test Championship final but also highlights their fighting spirit under pressure.
For Pakistan, the defeat exposes their batting vulnerabilities and the over-reliance on key bowlers like Mohammad Abbas. The team will need to regroup and address these issues as the series progresses.
