Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas made a dream comeback to the Test arena on Sunday, delivering a spell for the ages at SuperSport Park. His stunning 6/54 in South Africa’s second innings wasn’t just a personal milestone—it etched his name in history books as the best-ever Test bowling performance by a Pakistani against the Proteas.
For Abbas, this was a statement. After nearly three years away from the national team, he reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the finest red-ball bowlers. His fiery spell dismantled South Africa’s middle order, surpassing Mushtaq Ahmed’s 6/78 in Durban (1998) as Pakistan’s best figures against South Africa.
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Mohammad Abbas Joins the Elite Club
Here’s a look at the top Test bowling performances by Pakistani players against South Africa:
- Mohammad Abbas – Centurion, 2024: 6/54
- Mushtaq Ahmed – Durban, 1998: 6/78
- Waqar Younis – Gqeberha, 1998: 6/78
- Saeed Ajmal – Cape Town, 2013: 6/96
- Tanveer Ahmed – Abu Dhabi, 2010: 6/120
Breaking into a list that features legends like Waqar Younis and Mushtaq Ahmed is no small feat. Abbas’s return has certainly reignited Pakistan’s pace attack, and his performance will be remembered for years to come.
The Drama at Centurion
But cricket isn’t just about individual brilliance—it’s about how those moments shape the game. Chasing a modest 148, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 99/6. Abbas had done most of the damage, but cricket is a game of comebacks.
Enter Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The duo turned the tide with a gritty 51-run partnership. Rabada’s unbeaten 33 and Jansen’s valuable 20 sealed the deal for South Africa, giving them a nerve-wracking two-wicket win.
Earlier in the innings, Aiden Markram (37) and Temba Bavuma (40) steadily maintained the ship with a 43-run partnership after South Africa resumed at 27/3.
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What’s Next?
With this win, South Africa climbed to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a points percentage of 66.67%. The victory also secured their spot in the WTC final, showcasing why they remain a dominant force in red-ball cricket.
As for Pakistan, the heartbreak in Centurion will sting. They were on the brink of victory, thanks to Abbas’s brilliance, but couldn’t cross the finish line. The team will now turn their focus to the second and final Test in Cape Town, scheduled from January 3-7, 2025.
A Spell to Remember
While the result didn’t go Pakistan’s way, Mohammad Abbas’s performance deserves all the applause. His precision, control, and ability to swing the ball on any surface make him a nightmare for batters. For Abbas, this match was more than just numbers—it was a declaration that he’s back, and he’s here to stay.
The second Test promises more drama, but one thing is certain: Abbas will be the bowler to watch. Can he weave more magic in Cape Town? Only time will tell.
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