Bavuma credits the Proteas for finding ways to get the job done

Kagiso Rabad and Marco Jansen pulled off a ninth-wicket heist in the first Test against Pakistan to guide the home side to a thrilling two-wicket win.

Post the game, an emotional Temba Bavuma opened up on what it meant to the Proteas to make it to another final.

“Still a bit surreal. I don’t know if I’ll be able to put my feelings and emotions into words. Looking at the guys in the changing room, families being there enjoying the moment with us. I think it shows what it means and why we do what we do.

“It is a big win. Not just for myself. But for the coaches. The way we started our campaign against India. We were not given much of a chance. We were not ruthless. But we kept finding ways.

“In terms of talent and character present in the group, it speaks a lot. For the guys who have been around a little bit longer, it’s a lot more sentimental.”

Read: Five key matches that propelled South Africa to their maiden ICC World Test Championship Final

After Mohammad Abbas rammed through the Proteas middle-order with a six-wicket haul, and left them in position of worry at 99/8, Rabada and Jansen joined hands to guide the home side over the line in a thriller for the ages.

The duo forged an unbeaten 51-run stand, as Jansen (16*) hit the winning boundary, while Rabada remained at the other end on 31 to guide South Africa to heir maiden WTC Final.

“Seeing a guy like KG [Kagiso Rabada] play like that at the end, wasn't at his best with the ball but I think he knew that the moment there was an opportunity to do something for the team, he was able to do it,” Bavuma said at the post-match presser.

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Bavuma also shared a moment of banter, when asked about his emotions towards the end of the chase.

“I was still sulking in the toilet. There were not a lot of conversations. We still had the confidence. I did not come out to the viewing area and was in the toilet. I came when 15 runs were needed,” Bavuma laughed.

When asked about the big final in hand at Lord’s in June next year, the skipper emphasised that his side have set their sights on the ultimate prize.

You don’t go into a World Test Championship Final without your sights on winning it, or at least see yourself in the Final. It’s something that I believe that the team could do.

South Africa and Pakistan face-off in the second Test, set to begin on Friday, January 3 in Cape Town.