The SuperSport Park in Centurion was the epicenter of jubilation today as South Africa clinched a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test, securing their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2024-25 final. The match, characterized by tense moments and a rollercoaster of emotions, ended with the Proteas’ fans erupting in joy, celebrating what could be the defining moment of their cricketing calendar this year.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen hold nerve to seal the deal
The match came down to a dramatic finish with South Africa needing 148 runs to win after Pakistan were bundled out for 237 in their second innings. The day began with South Africa at a precarious 27 for 3, but the start wasn’t ideal either. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and things starting to south as the Proteas were reduced to 99/8.
However, it was the ninth-wicket partnership between Kagiso Rabada, who remained unbeaten on 31, and Marco Jansen, with 16 not out, that turned the tide. Their 51-run stand was not just about the runs but the grit and determination displayed under pressure, ultimately steering South Africa to victory on the fourth day of the match.
Mohammad Abbas: The lone warrior for the visitors
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas was the standout 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 Jansen combined to navigate through the remaining runs and ended up sealing the contest.
Also WATCH: Mohammad Abbas cleans up Aiden Markram with a beauty on Day 4 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
WTC final spot confirmed for the Proteas
This victory not only marked South Africa’s ability to seal the close deal but also their qualification for the WTC final. Further, the thrilling win yet again underscored Temba Bavuma‘s leadership, who has been excellent as Test captain for South Africa. The result leaves India and Australia to battle it out for the remaining spot in the championship final to be held at Lord’s, London, in June 2025.
Here is how fans reacted:
We going to lords!
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) December 29, 2024
I am sure Marco Jansen and Rabada must be buzzing after this win, nothing like seeing such test matches through👌
The confidence and the morale boost the team can get after such a win, cannot be quantified.
Have to commend Pakistan and Abbas too🤝
What a test match🔥🔥🔥… pic.twitter.com/bgpt4kMTJV
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) December 29, 2024
SOUTH AFRICA HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WTC FINAL…!!! 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ZtHtgNxW6l
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 29, 2024
The World Test Championship system is flawed that South Africa can make the final by winning series against West Indies (8th), Bangladesh (9th) and Sri Lanka (6th) – but Test cricket is so much better for having an imperfect WTC system than not having one at all. #SAvPAK
— Andrew Wu (@wutube) December 29, 2024
🚨 SOUTH AFRICA QUALIFIED INTO THE WTC FINAL 2025 🚨
– The Temba army has done it. pic.twitter.com/UlPhqZHXSJ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 29, 2024
South Africa qualified for WTC Final.
Lord Bavuma and his army did it🔥 pic.twitter.com/6YifpKsbfj
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) December 29, 2024
SOUTH AFRICA🇿🇦 MAKE IT TO THEIR FIRST WTC FINAL. pic.twitter.com/IBEqnGjho3
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) December 29, 2024
South Africa vs Australia WTC final 2025 at Lord’s
It’s happening guys 🤙
— Ritik (@smith___49) December 29, 2024
Congratulations SA for securing spot in wtc final 👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/yHF1sBCXKI
— Viratnation (@AmanAtik18) December 29, 2024
South Africa in WTC final. pic.twitter.com/cCzsvitFBH
— Megha 🇮🇳 (@IMeghaChavan) December 29, 2024
South Africa 🇿🇦 becomes the first team to Qualify for WTC 2025 Finals 👏🏻
– South Africa beat Pakistan by 2 wickets and lead the series 1-0
👉🏻 IND / AUS / SL – Which Team will join SA in WTC 2025 Final ?🧐#PAKvSA #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/uNVX2oE75y
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) December 29, 2024
Marco Jansen – 16*(24)
Kagiso Rabada – 31*(26)From 99 for 8 to 150 for 8 when WTC final on the final – Take a bow, South Africa 🥶#PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/XEQtFanq7Q
— Rahul Yadav (@Rahulyadav249) December 29, 2024
WTC FINAL South africa 🇿🇦
— RTR (@natweetsnaistm) December 29, 2024
South Africa Qualified into the WTC Final🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/qxNuvfFDK9
— Ayyappan (@Ayyappan_1504) December 29, 2024
Also WATCH: Khurram Shahzad gets rid of Tony de Zorzi with a beauty on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test – SA vs PAK
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