After Mohammed Abbas grabbed six wickets and tore down the home batting order, Rabada and Jansen hit 31 and 16 in an undefeated partnership of 51 off 50 balls to get South Africa across the finish line and prevent Pakistan from pulling off a stunning comeback triumph.

The test ended more like a Twenty20 match, with the tailenders providing the opportunity for Pakistan to win a test in South Africa for the first time in eighteen years after South Africa had collapsed badly before lunch.

But in the midst of scenes of wild jubilation, Jansen scored the winning runs with a sophisticated drive to the boundary, and Rabada, the second-best test bowler, turned out to be an unlikely batting hero.

It’s a strong advertisement for test cricket and quite emotive. A bit of a rollercoaster, but a lot of love and happiness for us. Temba Bavuma, the home captain, stated, “We’re happy to have achieved the outcome, even though we had to do it the hard way.”

It was devastating for Pakistan since South Africa had a difficult time chasing a modest mark of 148 after Abbas had got them within four wickets in a long run of 13 consecutive overs before lunch.

A DRAMATIC FAILURE

With 50 runs needed and six wickets remaining, Abbas, whose total numbers were 6-54 off 19.3 overs, orchestrated a stunning collapse just as South Africa appeared to be on the verge of a straightforward triumph.
The lucky dismissal of skipper Temba Bavuma for 40 was part of his haul. He walked after believing he had edged the ball behind to the wicketkeeper, but he will regret not reexamining the judgment because the television replays showed it had touched his pocket instead of his bat during the passage.

Abbas also had David Bedingham and Corbin Bosch caught behind after bowling Aiden Markram. Bosch went first ball to help South Africa fall from 96-4 to 99-8.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve done, but as a team, we need to be more brutal moving forward. Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan, stated, “We must take advantage of the opportunities that test cricket presents.”

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is expected to be held at three different locations instead of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as broadcasters suggest due to financial and logistical issues.

The competition has reportedly proven tough to broadcast from four locations, with worries expressed regarding higher costs and logistical challenges for the fourth location. As such, Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai are being contemplated as the event’s main locations.

Today is anticipated to see the release of the Champions Trophy’s official schedule. Final judgments will depend on an agreement that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently reviewing.

India and Pakistan agree on a neutral venue standard.
India and Pakistan’s cricket boards are said to have agreed on a “fusion formula,” which would allow the two long-standing adversaries to compete in ICC events without having to stage matches in each other’s nations. This is a huge move.

This agreement states that until 2027, Pakistan will play its matches in India in neutral locations, and India will reciprocate for events played in Pakistan. This deal covers the forthcoming ICC competitions, like as the Asia Cup in 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026, which India will host.

It is anticipated that the ICC will soon formalize and approve the deal.

Although it is a disappointment for local supporters, the decision to not use Rawalpindi as a location is in line with the practical needs of international broadcasters, as the Champions Trophy schedule is about to be revealed.

Details indicate that Jason Gillespie’s resignation as baseball coach of the national team was explicitly communicated by the board.

As the red-ball coach for the next Test series against South Africa, Javed will assume responsibilities.

Gillespie reportedly chose to step down earlier today.

Details reveal that Gillespie had declined to visit South Africa, stating that he had personal reasons for not going. Tim Nelson’s dismissal as assistant coach did not sit well with Gillespie.

Starting on December 26, Pakistan will play South Africa in the baseball series, with Shan Masood leading the Green Shirts.

In the second Twenty20 International, Pakistan will try to bounce back against South Africa on Friday after the visitors were humiliated by the
Proteas.