After taking a break from Test cricket for three years, Mohammad Abbas made a fantastic return to the Pakistan cricket team in the first Test against South Africa. He took seven wickets, including six in the second innings, almost leading Pakistan to victory in Centurion. Despite a late fight from South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who helped their team win by two wickets, Abbas’s performance on day four was impressive. He finished with amazing bowling figures of 6 wickets for 54 runs in 19.3 overs.
Abbas’s comeback drew attention because many fans and former players, including Mohammad Amir, had wanted him back in the team for quite some time. Amir expressed his thoughts on social media, saying it was wrong for the coaches to leave Abbas out of the team due to his pace. Amir highlighted that it took Abbas three years to get back to playing Tests.
During the match, Abbas bowled for 15 consecutive overs, showing great skill and determination. He got important wickets, turning the match around for Pakistan. His efforts helped reduce South Africa’s score from 96 for 4 to 99 for 8. Fans had been eagerly waiting for Abbas’s return, as he has been fantastic in First Class cricket, with an average of just 20.63.
Even though Abbas bowled throughout the morning session and faced tough batsmen, he remained steady and consistent. Unfortunately, Jansen and Rabada fought back, putting together a 51-run partnership that guided South Africa to victory and secured a spot in the World Test Championship finals.
After this exciting match to wrap up the year, the next match in the series will be on New Year’s Day in Cape Town. While South Africa has already reached the WTC finals, Pakistan is hopeful and looking to start 2025 strong after this encouraging performance in Centurion.
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