South Africa Beats Pakistan 2-0, Tops WTC Table

South Africa secured a 2-0 series victory over Pakistan in the second Test, finishing at the top of the World Test Championship table. After trailing by 421 runs, Pakistan showed greater resolve in their second innings, leveling the scores and setting South Africa a target of 58 runs in the final session. South Africa chased down the target easily with David Bedingham, promoted up the order, scoring 44 off 30 balls. The victory came from a mammoth first-innings total of 615 all out, with Ryan Rickelton top-scoring with 259.

South Africa enforced the follow-on after they bowled Pakistan out for 194 but Shan Masood’s 145 and Babar Azam’s 81 kept Pakistan’s resistance alive. Despite strong lower-order contributions from Muhammad Rizwan (41), Salman Ali Agha (48) and Aamer Jamal (34), Kagiso Rabada (3-115) and Keshav Maharaj (3-137) dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup. The win guarantees South Africa’s place in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June with captain Temba Bavuma expressing excitement for the challenge.

Fast bowler Rabada noted the intense rivalry between the two nations and he remains confident in South Africa’s ability to beat Australia. South Africa has remained unbeaten in red-ball cricket since their loss to New Zealand in February 2023, winning series against the West Indies, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

However, former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized their qualification, claiming they advanced after defeating weaker teams. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad dismissed this view, emphasizing that teams like the West Indies and New Zealand are far from “nobodies.” Pakistan’s next series will take place at home against West Indies, starting on January 17.