South Africa qualifies for WTC final with victory over Pakistan

South Africa booked their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final after defeating Pakistan in the first Test of their two-match series. The Proteas chased down a tough target of 148 runs on Day 4, securing a two-wicket victory at Centurion. This victory consolidated its first position in the WTC standings, with 66.67 percentage points from seven wins in 11 games.

One of Australia or India will join South Africa in the final, as the race between the two intensifies.

A nervous chase under pressure

South Africa, which resumed with a precarious overnight score of 27/3, faced jitters from the start. Aiden Markram fell for 15, and captain Temba Bavuma’s composed 40 ended with a misjudged shot from Mohammad Abbas. At 80/5, Pakistan smelled a surprise.

But Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada had other plans. Jansen scored the winning runs, remaining unbeaten on 16, while Rabada’s brave 31 not out kept the innings alive. The junior duo ensured South Africa crossed the finish line in spectacular fashion.

Pakistan’s energetic fight

Pakistan had its moments, especially when Mohammad Abbas made a dream return to Test cricket. He caught Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs lbw in quick succession. Ryan Rickelton’s duck, courtesy of Khurram Shahzad’s sharp review, added to the Proteas’ woes.

Early in their innings, Saud Shakeel (84) and Babar Azam (50) gave hope to Pakistan. The pair’s aggressive 79-run partnership put pressure on South Africa’s bowlers. However, Jansen’s three-wicket haul, including Babar’s key wicket, turned the tide.

Shakeel’s calm knock ended with an lbw dismissal off a full toss from Jansen, and Pakistan’s innings folded at 136. Debutant Corbin Bosch capped off his memorable outing with a five-wicket haul, clearing Pakistan’s tail.

What’s next in the WTC race?

With this victory, South Africa is firmly at the top of the WTC standings. Meanwhile, India’s hopes of a third consecutive finals appearance hang by a thread after a 0-3 home loss to New Zealand and a loss to Australia in Adelaide.

The updated ranking shows South Africa with 66.67 percentage points, followed by Australia (58.89) and India (55.88). As the competition intensifies, cricket fans eagerly await the final showdowns in this exciting WTC cycle.

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