Centurion Carnage: South Africa Thrash Pakistan by an Innings and 142 Runs in Boxing Day Test

South Africa delivered a Boxing Day masterclass, demolishing Pakistan by an innings and 142 runs in the 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on December 26-30, 2025, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. After Aiden Markram won the toss and inserted the visitors on a lively green pitch, Pakistan were bundled out for a paltry 148, with Marco Jansen’s 6 for 38 — his maiden Test five-for — ripping through the top order. South Africa replied with 512 for 8 declared, powered by Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 212 (his maiden double-century) and David Bedingham’s 156. Forced to follow on, Pakistan showed more resolve but were dismissed for 222, Keshav Maharaj claiming 5 for 72 on a wearing day-five track. The victory — South Africa’s largest by an innings against Pakistan — vaults them to 3rd in the WTC standings (PCT 58.33) and extends their unbeaten home Test streak to 10.

SuperSport Park’s famous high-altitude bounce and seam-friendly surface lived up to its reputation, with the ball darting around for all five days under overcast skies and intermittent sun. Markram’s decision to bowl first was a no-brainer, as Jansen and Rabada exploited the conditions ruthlessly. For Babar Azam, the defeat was a nightmare — his side’s batting average for the match a dismal 18.5 — and questions will mount over their preparedness for South African conditions. As Maharaj trapped last man Abrar Ahmed lbw to spark wild celebrations, the series narrative tilted decisively: South Africa’s transitional phase thrives, Pakistan staring at another away whitewash.

South Africa XI Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Pakistan XI Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Zeeshan Zameer

Pakistan 1st Innings – 148 all out (48.2 overs) Ayub fell for 0 in the second over — caught behind off Jansen. Fakhar (18) and Babar (28) offered brief resistance before Jansen’s triple-wicket maiden in the 12th over: Fakhar bowled, Rizwan lbw, Agha caught at slip — 38 for 5. Talat (32) and Nawaz (28) scratched a 48-run stand, but Jansen returned to clean up the tail — 6-38. Rabada 3-42.

South Africa 1st Innings – 512-8 dec (138.4 overs) De Zorzi (48) and Rickelton (68) added 112. Bedingham and Bavuma forged 198 — Bedingham’s 156 (212 balls, 18×4) aggressive, Bavuma’s double-ton (312 balls, 22×4, 2×6) patient. Stubbs (52) and Verreynne (48) added quick runs before declaration at tea on day three.

Pakistan 2nd Innings – 222 all out (72.3 overs) – lost by an innings and 142 runs Ayub (28) and Fakhar (42) added 68, but Maharaj trapped Fakhar lbw. Babar scratched 38 before edging Jansen. Rizwan (48) and Agha (32) resisted, but Maharaj’s 5-72 — including a triple-wicket burst — triggered the collapse. Last man Abrar lbw to Maharaj sealed the innings defeat at 3:47 pm on day four.

Key Moments

• Jansen’s triple-wicket maiden — first in Tests vs Pakistan
• Bavuma-Bedingham 198-run stand — highest 4th-wicket vs Pakistan at Centurion
• Maharaj’s 5-72 — first five-for at home since 2022
• Pakistan’s second-innings fight — highest total at Centurion vs SA since 2013

Player of the Match: Marco Jansen (6-38 & 28 runs)

Aiden Markram: “Outstanding team performance. Jansen’s spell on day one set the tone; Bavuma’s double was class.”

Babar Azam: “Completely outplayed. Need to show more fight in Cape Town.”

Series: South Africa 1–0 Pakistan Next → 2nd Test: Newlands, Cape Town — January 3-7, 2026 (New Year’s Test)

South Africa eye whitewash; Pakistan fight for pride.