SA vs PAK 1st Test Results

12:09 PM IST Day 4 began with tension and drama as Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma added 35 runs with a cautious approach before Mohammad Abbas broke through, dismissing Markram for 37. Bavuma and David Bedingham counterattacked, reducing the target further, but Abbas struck again to remove Bavuma on 40, leaving Pakistan back in the hunt. What followed was a stunning collapse as South Africa crumbled from 96/5 to 99/8, with Abbas delivering a masterclass, claiming four wickets in a relentless spell. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen added a few crucial boundaries late in the session, leaving just 32 runs to win and setting up a grand finale! The duo made sure they did not suffer any more hiccups and sealed the win with a 51-run stand for the ninth wicket.

12:04 PM IST The second session on Day 4 began with South Africa needing just 32 runs to clinch victory but only two wickets in hand. Enter Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who turned the game on its head with an aggressive, fearless approach! Their decision to go on the attack paid off brilliantly. In a surprising move, Shan Masood handed the ball to Aamer Jamal for an over, but it backfired spectacularly as 11 runs were plundered, tipping the scales in South Africa's favor. Rabada stood tall with a match-winning unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen, cool as ever, scored 16 off 24 and smashed the winning runs.

12:02 PM IST SOUTH AFRICA MARCH INTO THE WORLD TEST CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL! Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen rise to the occasion and steer the Rainbow Nation to a thrilling 2-wicket victory. What a nail-biter at SuperSport Park in Centurion! This Test had it all – drama, tension, and unforgettable moments. Hats off to Mohammad Abbas for his incredible spell of 6 for 54 that almost turned the tide, but the Proteas held their nerve to seal the deal. What a game!

12:00 PM IST Temba Bavuma, the victorious skipper of South Africa says that it is a bit of an emotional moment for him. Adds that he is proud of his team and they did it the hard way but is happy with the win. Mentions that there was not much of a conversation during the Lunch but Markram led the way in the dressing room. Says that he was still sulking in the toilet about his dismissal but they had belief in the team and KG and Jansen did the job for them. Says that looking at the way they started their campaign against strong teams like India and New Zealand, they have come a long way. Tells that he is unaware of the fact that he did not edge it on his dismissal. Ends by saying that they will enjoy this moment and then focus on the next game.

11:58 AM IST Right then, that is it from this thrilling first Test match. South Africa booked their spot in the WTC final while Pakistan made them work really hard for it. The hosts will now look to seal the series in the next one while the Men in Green will want to build on this performance and go that extra mile to finish on level terms. The 2nd Test will start on January 3, 2025, at 8.30 am GMT, but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

11:54 AM IST Aiden Markram is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his batting performance in both innings. Starts by saying that he is pretty relieved now but those moments were tense. Adds that it feels good to make it into the finals of the WTC as a team. Mentions that it is really special and today was a really important day for the team. Further mentions that he would have loved to take South Africa home, but unfortunately, that didn't happen. Says that he would love to be more clinical in his approach and executions. Talking about milestones he said that he will never be the one to break records so he looks to do the job for the team and take the team over the line. Mentions that, playing here over the years have helped him get through the difficult phases of the match. The wicket was tricky and uneven but in the end it was nice to get over the line.