South Africa edge past Pakistan by two wickets in thrilling first test

ISLAMABAD: Kagiso Rabada (31 off 26) and Marco Johnson (16 off 24 balls) guided South Africa to a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion to book their place in the final of the World Test Championship.

Pakistan are two wickets away from a dramatic first Test victory against South Africa. But Rabada and Johnson showed enough resilience to dash Pakistan’s hopes of winning the thrilling encounter.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas played a key role, taking four wickets in a marathon spell of 13 overs, as South Africa’s modest chase of 148 became increasingly difficult. At 116-8 at lunch, South Africa were pinning their hopes on the fast-bowling duo of Marco Johnson (5) and Kagiso Rabada (10), who were unbeaten at the break.

Abbas, whose combined figures were 6-43 in 17 overs, created a remarkable havoc. South Africa needed just 50 runs to win with six wickets remaining.

However, Abbas dismissed captain Temba Bavuma for 40, whose walkout after being caught behind was later revealed to have been a bad decision by replays. The ball had hit Bavuma in the pocket, not the bat.

Abbas also dismissed Aiden Markram for 37, before sending David Bedingham and Corbin Bosh back to the pavilion, both caught by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Bosh fell for a golden duck, leaving South Africa to start the day at 96-4 to 99-8