South Africa sealed their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in emphatic style, defeating Pakistan by ten wickets. Despite facing remarkable resistance, including a century from Pakistan’s Shan Masood, South Africa comfortably chased down the target of 58 in just 7.1 overs. This victory marks South Africa's seventh consecutive Test win.
After Pakistan followed on trailing by 421, they mounted an impressive comeback, scoring 478 in their second innings—the second-highest first-innings deficit ever overcome in Test history. Masood’s gritty 145 and key partnerships, including an 88-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, frustrated South Africa’s bowlers across 122.1 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers toiled hard, with Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada making crucial breakthroughs. Marco Jansen removed nightwatcher Khurram Shahzad early on before Rabada dismissed Kamran Ghulam with a superb delivery, marking his 50th Test wicket at Newlands. Maharaj’s persistence paid off with critical dismissals late in the day, supported by sharp catching in the slips.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Pakistan’s lower order resisted, erasing the deficit before Rabada wrapped up the innings. South Africa’s openers, David Bedingham (47*) and Aiden Markram, ensured the chase was a formality, finishing the match in the evening sunshine.
This dominant performance, coupled with their clinical finish, reinforced South Africa's credentials as they head to the WTC final.
Updated on 7th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.