South Africa registered a narrow two-wicket victory against Pakistan in the first Test on Sunday (December 29) at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. As a result, the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. South Africa also became the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final.

The Proteas began the fourth day on 27/3 with Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram at the crease in a chase of 148. Mohammad Abbas bowled a sensational spell, picking up six wickets to keep the Pakistan side in the hunt. He gave the first breakthrough of the day by dismissing Markram in the 24th over. He then sent back Bavuma, who did not take a review despite not edging the ball to the wicket-keeper.

South Africa then collapsed dramatically from 96/4 to 99/8 in a couple of overs, making things interesting. Tailender Kagiso Rabada (31*) played a brilliant cameo in the pressure situation along with Marco Jansen (16*) to take his side home in the tricky chase.

Fans enjoyed the Boxing Day between the two teams in Centurion and reacted by sharing memes on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. One of the memes read:

“Aap chronology samjhiye…” (Understand the chronology)

Here are a few more memes:

“We had our moments, but we let it slip”- Pakistan captain Shan Masood after loss vs South Africa in 1st Test 2024

At the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood reflected on the loss, saying:

“We played really well! But, we need to take the game by the scruff of the neck. On many occasions, like in Australia, we had the opposition 8-down and then let it slip. With the bat too, we need to build more partnerships. We had our moments, but we let it slip. That is not how we will win Test matches.”

He added:

“We cannot keep making the same mistakes. If we want to win games, we need to finish off out batting and bowling innings too. Abbas was terrific of course, Saud Shakeel too was top class. These are the performances that win you games but then, we are on the other side of the spectrum here!”

The second Test between Pakistan and South Africa will commence on January 3 at the Newlands in Cape Town.