Kagiso Rabada has successfully led South Africa to victory in the first Test against Pakistan, showcasing remarkable composure in a tense finish. Despite losing eight wickets for 99 runs in the second innings, Rabada played a heroic innings, taking charge with the ball and leading his team to a thrilling victory by securing two key wickets. His performance capped off a dramatic and closely contested match, highlighting the resilience of both sides.
The match had its moments of brilliance, particularly from Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas, who had brought his team back into contention with an exceptional spell of bowling. Abbas’s six-wicket haul left South Africa reeling at 116 for eight by lunch on Day 4, putting Pakistan on the verge of what would have been a landmark win. Pakistan needed just two more wickets, while South Africa required another 32 runs to achieve an unlikely victory.
South Africa’s chase of 148 runs got off to a disastrous start, with Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Abbas and Khurram Shahzad, tearing through the top order. By the end of Day 3, the Proteas were in deep trouble at 27-3, with Abbas claiming two early wickets and Shahzad providing a crucial breakthrough. Pakistan appeared to be in a dominant position, with just five wickets left to dismiss and a manageable target in sight.
However, the rain-delayed start to Day 4 washed out the first session, reducing the time available for Pakistan to finish the job. Once play resumed, South Africa managed to regroup, with Rabada leading the charge. Despite Pakistan’s early breakthroughs, the South African tail-enders fought back, with Rabada playing a key role in taking South Africa across the line.
Pakistan’s batting had shown resilience earlier in the match, particularly in their second innings. After resuming on Day 3, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel steadied the ship, putting together a vital 79-run partnership. Both players scored half-centuries, providing Pakistan with a strong foundation. However, Marco Jansen’s six-wicket haul stunted Pakistan’s progress, as the visitors were bowled out for 224, leaving South Africa with a manageable target.
The first innings had seen Pakistan dismissed for just 211, thanks to a devastating spell by Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch, who claimed five and four wickets respectively. South Africa then responded strongly, with Aiden Markram’s 89 and Bosch’s 81 on debut helping them post 301 runs and a 90-run first-innings lead.
Despite a valiant fightback by Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Abbas and Shahzad, who exploited the conditions expertly, South Africa’s resilience in the second innings ultimately sealed their victory. As the match neared its dramatic conclusion, it was clear that both teams had given their all in this exciting ICC World Test Championship clash, with Rabada’s efforts providing the final flourish in an unforgettable contest.