South Africa becomes the first team to Qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final after beating Pakistan in 1st Test Match.
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South Africa, in the command of Temba Bavuma, becomes the first Team to secure a seat for the WTC 2023-25 final. After the stunning win over Pakistan, South Africa has qualified for the first time throughout the years.
Pak vs SA 1st Test: South Africa has won the first match of the series by 2 wickets in Centurion. In second-inning, Pakistan’s key batter Babar Azam smashed a fifty after a long time in test cricket. The former captain showed his class before falling into the trap of Marco Jansen for 50 off 85 balls, including 9 boundaries. Babar hits a fifty after a streak of 19 innings without one. He was struggling in red-ball cricket for 2 years.
South Africa’s bowling lineup was dominating over Pakistan. Saud Shakeel played an impressive inning of 84 off 113 Balls, including 11 boundaries. Saud and Babar helped Pakistan to reach 237 in 2nd inning. South Africa got the target of 148 for 2nd inning.
On day 3, chasing 148, South Africa lost their 3 wickets on 27-3. Khurram Shahzad dismissed Ryan Rickelton (0 off 5). Tony de Zorzi (2 off 13) and Tristan Stubbs (1 off 10) were removed by Mohammad Abbas.
On day 4, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma were on the Crease. Firstly Aiden Markram ( 37 off 63 ) falls after contributing 15 runs on the day 4 by Mohammad Abbas. Captain Temba Bavuama went to Pavilion after adding (40 off 78). Mohammad Abbas turned back Pakistan into winning situation and made it hard for South Africa to chase 148.
Mohammad Abbas, after the absence of three years, gave an outstanding performance. He dismissed six batters including Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Temba Bauvama, and Corbin Bosch, leaving South Africa in trouble.
South Africa was 99-8. Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada grab away the match from Pakistan. Jansen and Rabada build a 51-run partnership for the 9th wicket at Centurion. Jansen contributed (16 off 24) and Rabada added (31 off 26), leading South Africa to win the match and qualify for the World Test Championship 2023-25.