CENTURION: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas achieved a historic milestone with his brilliant spell in the second innings of the first Test against South Africa here on Sunday.
Abbas, who was playing an international match after nearly three years, returned with bowling figures of 6-54, which earned him a place in the history books. His bowling figures are the best by a Pakistan bowler against South Africa.
The record was previously held by leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, who took 6-78 in Durban back in 1998.
Best Test Bowling Figures by a Pakistan Bowler vs 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
Abbas waged a lone war against South Africa while defending a modest target of 148. His brilliance left South Africa reeling at 99/8.
However, Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) constructed a gutsy 51-run stand to steer South Africa to a thrilling two-wicket victory.
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With this impressive victory, South Africa ascended to the pinnacle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 points table, boasting a remarkable points percentage of 66.67%.
This triumph not only highlighted their exceptional skills and consistency in the game but also guaranteed their spot in the WTC final.
The second and final Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to be played in Cape Town from January 3-7, 2025.
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