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Abbas last appeared for Pakistan in whites back in 2021, against West Indies in Jamaica. On his return after 3 years, he was pick of Pakistan bowlers in Centurion with a 7-wicket haul.
Mohammad Amir questions Abbas’ snub before South Africa tour
Mohammad Abbas returned to Pakistan’s Test set-up after three years and how. The right arm-quick almost brought South Africa to their knees in the first Test match in Centurion, picking up a six-wicket haul in the second innings. However, a rearguard effort from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen handed the Proteas a famous 2-wicket win which further confirmed their place in the World Test Championship Final, next year in England.
Abbas’ heroics complicated South Africa’s easy-looking chase. In pursuit of 148 runs, the hosts were reduced to 99 for 8 when Jansen and Rabada came up with a match-winning partnership that stunned Pakistan. Though the visitors lost the match by 2 wickets, Abbas earned massive praise for his brilliance with the ball.
While Abbas flourished on his return, several former cricketers have questioned his ouster from Pakistan’s scheme of things in Test cricket. Mohammad Amir, a former Pakistan pacer, took to social media and slammed the selectors who didn’t pick Abbas until this South Africa tour,
Posting on X, Amir wrote: “Woh coaches ko samne le k ayo jinho ne Abbas ko pace ki wajah se bahir kar diya (Bring those coaches up who removed Abbas because of his pace.) Or Abbas ko 3 saal lage comeback me (And took Abbas three years for the comeback.) Slap on their faces.”
Woh coaches ko samne le k ayo jinho ne abbas ko pace ki wajah se bahir kar diya.or abbas ko 3 saal lage comeback me.slap on their faces— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) December 29, 2024
Abbas last appeared for Pakistan in whites back in 2021, against West Indies in Jamaica. So far, the right-arm quick has played 26 matches and picked up 97 wickets at an average of 22.73. Overall, the 34-year-old has played 186 First-class matches and has 748 wickets to his credit.
South Africa qualify for maiden World Test Championship final
The Temba Bavuma-led side pipped Australia, India and Sri Lanka – who are also in contention – to become the first team to book a spot in the final, barring any point deductions owing to slow-over rate.
Before the start of the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, South Africa were on the top of the standings for the next year’s summit clash at Lord’s. A win against Pakistan ensured that they would finish the standings in the top two to secure a place in their maiden WTC final.
- Location :
Centurion, South Africa
