With a victory over Pakistan in Centurion, South Africa have secured their place in the ICC World Test Championship final, marking their maiden appearance in the prestigious event, set to take place at Lord's from June 11, 2025.
With the thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan, South Africa's PCT in the WTC25 Standings climbed up to 66.67%.
Here are five key matches that paved the way for the Proteas' first appearance in the summit clash.
South Africa vs India, 1st Test, Centurion, 2023
South Africa kicked off their World Test Championship campaign in emphatic style with a commanding innings and 32-rn win over India. After opting to bowl first, South Africa proceeded to dismiss India for 245, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge, claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul.
In response, South Africa piled up an imposing total of 408, thanks to a stellar knock from Dean Elgar. The Proteas’ pace trio—Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Marco Jansen—then tore apart the Indian batting lineup, skittling them out for just 131 in under 35 overs.
This dominant performance secured South Africa their first crucial points in the championship, marking a perfect start against the previous cycle's runner-up.
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South Africa vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Providence, 2024
After a hard-fought draw in the first Test at Queen’s Park Oval, South Africa entered the second match determined to secure a victory. However, their hopes took an early hit as they were bowled out for just 160 after opting to bat first, with Shamar Joseph wreaking havoc and claiming a sizzling five-wicket haul.
Despite the modest total, South Africa’s bowlers responded with grit and precision, bundling out the West Indies for 144 in return. In the second innings, resilient half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Kyle Verreynne helped South Africa set a challenging target of 263 for the hosts.
In a tense contest, the West Indies fought hard, but South Africa’s bowlers held their nerve, eventually dismissing the home side for 222. The Proteas emerged victorious by 40 runs, sealing a well-deserved win in a closely contested fixture.
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South Africa vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Chittagong, 2024
South Africa secured a remarkable away series victory in Bangladesh with a commanding win in the second Test, taking the game by an innings and 273 runs.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa declared after posting a mammoth total of 575/6d, powered by three brilliant centuries. Tony de Zorzi led the charge with a career-best score of 177, while Tristan Stubbs and Wiaan Mulder both celebrated their maiden Test centuries.
Bangladesh struggled to mount a response and were dismissed for just 159 in their first innings, with Kagiso Rabada once again starring with a superb five-wicket haul. Forced to follow on, Bangladesh found no reprieve in their second innings as the spin duo of Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy wreaked havoc, sharing nine wickets between them.
This dominant performance sealed a resounding victory for South Africa, capping off an impressive series triumph in tyle.
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Gqeberha, 2024
After a dominant 233-run victory in the first Test, where South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for a record low of 42, the Proteas found themselves under pressure in the second match.
Batting first, South Africa posted a solid total of 358, thanks to brilliant centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne. Sri Lanka, determined to fight back, responded strongly with 328 in their first innings, keeping the match finely balanced.
In the second innings, South African skipper Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram displayed resilience and grit, helping their team set a challenging target of 348 for Sri Lanka.
The final day was a thrilling spectacle, with Sri Lanka needing 143 runs to win and South Africa requiring five wickets. Under immense pressure, Keshav Maharaj rose to the occasion, spinning through the remaining wickets and claiming a crucial five-wicket haul. His heroics secured a hard-fought 109-run victory for South Africa, thereby sealing the series 2-0.
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South Africa vs Pakistan, Centurion, 2024
South Africa delivered a dominant performance against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test to seal their place in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Proteas restricted Pakistan to just 211, thanks to a superb five-wicket haul from Dane Paterson. In response, South Africa posted 301, with debutant Corbin Bosch impressing with a blistering 81 off 93 balls.
Pakistan started steadily in their second innings, but their resistance crumbled as Marco Jansen tore through their batting lineup, claiming a remarkable six-wicket haul. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 237, with Saud Shakeel standing out with a resilient 84.
Chasing a modest target of 148, South Africa faced early jitters as Pakistan struck with three quick wickets at end of Day 4. On the final day, Pakistan gave South Africa a major scare by reducing them to 99-8 in their chase. However, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada held their nerve, forging a crucial 51-run partnership off just 50 balls.
Their resilience ensured South Africa crossed the finish line, securing a thrilling victory and guaranteeing their spot in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
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