In a thrilling showcase of grit and determination, South Africa’s Proteas clinched a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan at SuperSport Park, Centurion, booking their spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025. This monumental win not only solidifies their standing as one of the top teams in the current WTC cycle but also serves as a defining moment in the nation’s cricketing history.

Resuming on 27 for three and chasing a modest target of 148, South Africa’s path to victory was anything but smooth. A dramatic batting collapse left them teetering at 99 for eight, with the result hanging precariously in the balance. However, the lower-order pairing of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen delivered when it mattered most. Their unbroken 51-run partnership for the ninth wicket, marked by Rabada’s quickfire 31 off 36 balls and Jansen’s steady 16 off 24, sealed a memorable triumph.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma hailed the significance of the victory, saying, “At the start of this World Test Championship cycle, we set our sights on reaching the Final. To achieve that goal, given everything we’ve been through, is an incredibly proud moment for this team.” He praised the collective effort and credited head coach Shukri Conrad for instilling belief, adding, “His backing and confidence in us over the past year have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.”

The dramatic win underscored the team’s strategic acumen and mental toughness. Pakistan’s Mohammed Abbas, with his remarkable four-wicket haul, had put the Proteas under immense pressure. Yet, Conrad’s clear guidance to Rabada and Jansen at the lunch break proved pivotal. His advice to play with conviction and focus paid dividends, as the duo steered South Africa to a historic victory.

With this win, South Africa now holds an unassailable 66.67% points in the WTC standings, confirming their place in the Final at Lord’s from June 11–15, 2025. While their opponent remains undecided, the Proteas are already setting their sights on the ultimate prize—the coveted WTC mace.


Cricket South Africa (CSA) was quick to commend the team’s achievement. CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki lauded the players for their resilience and determination, stating, “This is a day of immense pride for South African cricket. The Proteas have shown what hard work and unity can achieve.” Director of National Teams Enoch Nkwe echoed these sentiments, applauding the team’s perseverance through a challenging journey.


The Proteas’ path to the WTC Final has been marked by consistent excellence, strategic brilliance, and moments of individual heroism. As they prepare to take the field at Lord’s, they carry not only the hopes of a cricket-loving nation but also the belief that they have what it takes to lift the WTC mace in 2025. This win over Pakistan is a testament to their resolve—a declaration that South Africa is ready to conquer the world stage once again.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]