Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were the unlikely heroes as South Africa booked their place at next year’s World Test Championship final following a nervy two-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Chasing 148 on the fourth day of the first Test in Centurion, the Proteas crashed from 96-4 to 99-8 in 12 balls, with Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas running riot on his Test return, before the tail-enders came to South Africa's rescue.
Jansen and No 10 Rabada produced an unbroken 51-run stand either side of lunch to guide the hosts to victory SuperSport Park on Sunday.
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.
After the win, Proteas' captain Temba Bavuma said: “[It was] quite an emotional one.
“It was a good advert for Test cricket, a bit of a rollercoaster. We did it the hard way but are glad we are able to get the result. We will enjoy the moment.”
Abbas bowled unchanged for 19.3 overs – four of them on Saturday when he took his first two wickets – in a spell of unremitting accuracy on a pitch that gave seam bowlers help throughout the match.
It was a remarkable comeback for Abbas, who claimed his best international figures of 6-54, on his first Test appearance since playing against the West Indies in Kingston in August 2021.
But it was not quite enough for Pakistan, seeking their first win in South Africa in 18 years.
The result ensured South Africa's qualification to the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year.
Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma batted solidly at the start of the day after resuming on 27-3.
The pair put on 43 for the fourth wicket, with Bavuma surviving on 14 – and getting six runs – when he hooked Abbas to fine leg, where Naseem Shah stepped over the boundary in catching the ball.
Markram looked secure but was bowled by Abbas for 37 by a virtually unplayable ball that kept low and seamed back off the pitch.
Bavuma and David Bedingham added another 34 runs until Bavuma uncharacteristically charged down the pitch at Abbas and was given out caught behind for 40.
He walked off immediately but Ultra Edge technology showed the only “spike” was when the ball brushed his trouser pocket.
It was the first of four wickets that fell for three runs in 12 balls. Naseem Shah bowled Kyle Verreynne and Abbas had Bedingham and Corbin Bosch caught behind off successive deliveries.
Rabada and Jansen saw South Africa through to lunch at 116-8 – then polished off the match in just 5.3 overs after the interval, with each stroke cheered by the home spectators.
The home side’s triumph earns them a maiden appearance in the World Test Championship showpiece in June, with Australia, India and Sri Lanka all vying to join them at the home of cricket.
The second and final Test gets under way on January 3 in Cape Town.
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
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Under 19 World Cup
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
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- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
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