It was never going to be easy. Cricketers from South Africa in a high-stakes match? Maybe only amphetamines are as dependable in increasing the heart rate. Following a genuinely heroic downturn on a fatigued Centurion pitch that was starting to act like a mischievous toddler, number 10 Kagiso Rabada made his way to the crease with 49 runs still needed and aspirations of seamless advancement into the World Test Championship final dwindling.
A comeback year for the Proteas indicated that a victory in either Test of a two-match series against Pakistan would secure their place at Lord’s in June; relishing the advantages of home and a visiting team entangled in their current off-field turmoil, any other country might have been planning their celebrations. But, unfortunately, this is South Africa, the chokers of cricket, still anticipating 30 years after readmission for their potential to materialize.
As Rabada teamed up with Marco Jansen, old fears of losing after a near victory resurfaced. 96-4 had transformed into 99-8, a collapse that saw captain Temba Bavuma depart for a caught behind that he, as it soon became clear, hadn’t actually struck. The tireless Mohammad Abbas, spinning in a consistent manner all day from one side of the field, was nudging and investigating with a surgeon’s precision, demonstrating that his three years away from the Pakistan Test squad were a mistake.
However, Rabada possessed the calm demeanor and graceful strokeplay to recall the legendary left-handers and alleviate the pressure. A savage collision through the cover; a thump along the ground; a magnificent strike in the air just past mid-off. “Occasionally, there were glimpses of Brian Charles (Lara),” coach Shukri Conrad expressed to ESPN Cricinfo, smoking a cigarette in a secluded area of Centurion after a highly gratifying conclusion.
As his batting partner brought them closer to the target, it was up to the lanky Jansen to deliver the finishing touch, executing a clean back cut for four to secure South Africa’s place in the WTC final. “Under tremendous pressure, it’s the innings that I’ll never forget for the rest of my life,” Rabada commented on his outstanding 26-ball unbeaten 31.
