SuperSport Park in Centurion was the center of jubilation today South Africa He snatched a strong victory by two goals over Pakistan In the Boxing Day Test, to secure their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 last. The match, which was marked by tense moments and emotional ups and downs, ended with the Proteas fans erupting in joy, celebrating what could be the defining moment in their cricket calendar this year.
Kagiso Rabada and Marko Janssen retain the nerve to seal the deal
The match ended dramatically with South Africa needing 148 runs to win after Pakistan were bowled out for 237 runs in the second innings. South Africa started the day with 27 for 3, but the start wasn't ideal either. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and things started going south as the Proteas were reduced to 99/8.
However, it was the ninth partnership between Kagiso RabadaWho remained undefeated on 31 and Marco Jansenwith 16 players not out, turning the tide. Their 51-run resilience was not just about the runs, it was the grit and determination that showed under pressure, which eventually led South Africa to victory on the fourth day of the match.
Muhammad Abbas: The visitors’ only warrior
Pakistan Muhammad Abbas He was the outstanding bowler for the visitors, taking an impressive six wickets for 50 runs, bringing South Africa to their knees at 99 for 8. However, Abbas's heroics were not enough as Rabada and Janssen combined to cruise through the remaining innings and ended up sealing the contest .
also Watch: Mohamed Abbas cleans up Aiden Markram with his camels on day four of the Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
The Proteas' final WTC position has been confirmed
This victory was not only a sign of South Africa's ability to seal the close deal, but also signaled their qualification for the World Trade Center final. Moreover, the exciting win was confirmed once again Temba BavumaLeading, who was excellent as South Africa's Test captain. The result leaves India and Australia To compete for the remaining place in the tournament final, which will be held at Lord's, London, in June 2025.
Here's how fans reacted:
We're going to the Lords!
– Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 29, 2024
I'm sure Marko Janssen and Rabada are thrilled after this win, there's nothing like seeing such test matches.
The confidence and morale boost the team can get after this win cannot be measured.
I must pay tribute to Pakistan and Abbas as well
What a test match🔥🔥🔥… pic.twitter.com/bgpt4kMTJV
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2024
South Africa has qualified for the World Trade Center final…!!! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZtHtgNxW6l
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 29, 2024
The World Test Championship system is flawed – South Africa can reach the final by winning the series against the West Indies (eighth), Bangladesh (ninth) and Sri Lanka (sixth) – but Test cricket is much better than not having the imperfect World Trade Center system. Having one at all. #savpak
-Andrew Wu (@wutube) December 29, 2024
🚨 South Africa qualifies for the final of the 2025 World Trade Championship 🚨
– The Timba army is the one who did this. pic.twitter.com/UlPhqZHXSJ
—Jones. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 29, 2024
South Africa has qualified for the final of the World Trade Championship.
Lord Bavuma and his army did this🔥 pic.twitter.com/6YifpKsbfj
– TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 29, 2024
South Africa🇿🇦 reach their first World Trade Center final. pic.twitter.com/IBEqnGjho3
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 29, 2024
South Africa vs Australia 2025 World Trade Center Final at Lord's
It's happening guys 🤙
– Hrithik (@smith__49) December 29, 2024
Congratulations to SA for securing their place in the WTC Finals 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/yHF1sBCXKI
– Viratnation (@AmanAtik18) December 29, 2024
South Africa to the final of the World Trade Championship. pic.twitter.com/cCzsvitFBH
– Megha 🇮🇳 (IMeghaChavan) December 29, 2024
South Africa 🇿🇦 becomes the first team to qualify for the 2025 World Trade Championship finals 👏🏻
– South Africa beat Pakistan by 2 wickets and lead the series 1-0
👉🏻 IND / AUS / SL – Which team will join SA in the WTC 2025 final?🧐#PACVSA #World Trade Center25 pic.twitter.com/uNVX2oE75y
– Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 29, 2024
Marco Janssen – 16*(24)
Kagiso Rabada – 31*(26)From 99 to 8 to 150 to 8 when the World Trade Center final reaches the final – take a bow, South Africa 🥶#PACVSA pic.twitter.com/XEQtFanq7Q
– Rahul Yadav (@Rahulyadav249) December 29, 2024
World Trade Center Final in South Africa 🇿🇦
– RTR (@natweetsnaistm) December 29, 2024
South Africa has qualified for the final of the World Trade Championship🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/qxNuvfFDK9
– Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) December 29, 2024
