CENTURION — Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s stunning partnership took the Proteas to a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first Test, thereby confirming their spot at next June’s final. Australia and India are currently locked in battle in Melbourne in an enthralling Boxing Day Test, with all four results possible on the final day.
Australia and India remain the favourites to clinch the other spot, while Sri Lanka will need a string of favourable results—including a successful showing in their upcoming two-match series against Australia in January—to keep their hopes alive.
The Proteas became the first side to mark their name in the World Test Championship Final after a nail-biting win in their opening Test against Pakistan at the SuperSport Park.
The 148-run chase in the fourth innings saw several twists, but Rabada and Jansen once again stood tall – similar to their heroics in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against Afghanistan – to conclude a thriller.
The two sides face off in Cape Town next in the second Test, set to begin on Friday, January 3, leaving it as a formality contest for the home side.
With South Africa becoming the first side to reach the summit clash, Australia edge out India as the second favourites to make it to the Final, but that remains to be seen post the conclusion of the fifth day’s action in the Boxing Day Test against India.
With the Border-Gavaskar series still tied at 1-1 after the draw in Brisbane, Australia are in a strong position for a top-two finish. They will also tour Sri Lanka next year for an additional two Tests, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with India and stay in contention for a place in the final.
India have a tougher task at hand, needing a win in the Boxing Day Test as well as the fifth Test in Sydney in order for ensure qualifcation. Any other outcome would leave their fate dependent on other results to reach the Finale at Lord’s.