South Africa's Kagiso Rabada celebrates after winning during the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan at Super Sport Park in Centurion on Sunday-AFP CENTURION, South Africa, Dec 29 (AFP): An emotional Temba Bavuma hailed the character of his team after South Africa qualified for the World Test championship final with a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the first Test at SuperSport Park on Sunday.
Needing 148 to win, South Africa crashed to 99 for eight owing to superb bowling by Mohammad Abbas.
But Kagiso Rabada turned batting hero as he and Marco Jansen took South Africa to victory with an unbeaten ninth wicket partnership of 51.
Rabada, so often a match-winner as a bowler, went on the attack as a
batsman, hitting an unbeaten 31 off 26 balls, while Jansen provided solid support in making 16 not out. "It is an emotional moment for me," South African captain Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.
"As a team, we have overcome a lot. We haven't been super-dominant with our performances, we haven't been ruthless but we have always found a way to ensure the result was on our side.
"Today was testament to that. It speaks a lot to the talent and character of the group."
South Africa's win meant that only one of Australia and India can qualify for the final at Lord's in June.
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