CENTURION: South Africa edged Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test at Supersport Park on Sunday.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen's gritty 51-run partnership sealed the win after the hosts were reeling at 99/6, chasing a modest 148.
Resuming at 27/3, Aiden Markram (37) and Temba Bavuma (40) added 43 before Mohammad Abbas's six-wicket haul dismantled South Africa, reducing them to 99/8.
Rabada (33*) and Jansen (20*) showcased composure under pressure, guiding their side to victory.
Abbas starred with 6/33, supported by Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad with a wicket each.
According to the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 points table, South Africa's remarkable performance has secured them the top spot with a commanding points percentage (PCT) of 66.67%.
With seven wins out of 11 matches, South Africa's consistent gameplay and strategic dominance have ensured their position as the frontrunners.
Their victory against Pakistan in the series opener confirmed their qualification for the World Test Championship final.
Australia follows in second place with a PCT of 58.89, having played 15 matches and securing nine victories, while India is close behind in third with a PCT of 55.89, winning nine out of their 17 matches.
New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and England occupy the fourth to sixth positions, showcasing competitive performances but remaining distant from the top three.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and West Indies trail at the bottom of the table, struggling to make a significant impact in the championship with PCTs of 31.25, 30.30, and 24.24, respectively.
For the unversed, the second and final Test match of the series will take place in Cape Town from January 3-7, 2025.
