Former Proteas batsman Herschelle Gibbs is in no doubt that South Africa will make the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
If the Proteas win the first Test at SuperSport Park against Pakistan which began on Boxing Day, they will book their place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June next year.
South Africa were in a strong position after day two, as they made 301 in reply to Pakistan’s 211 in the first innings. The visitors were 88/3, still two runs behind at stumps.
The Proteas, however, were dealt a blow on day three as the start of play was delayed by rain and only resumed shortly before 2pm on Saturday. Gibbs, though, believed after series wins against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka meant South Africa will be a confident outfit.
“After a fantastic series win in Bangladesh, obviously the batters have a lot of confidence. You don't get tested much technically with regards to seam bowling in Bangladesh because there's no lateral movement,” Gibbs told SportsBoom.com.
Batting last on the SuperSport Park pitch could well present problems for the Proteas, if they have to chase a sizeable total explained Gibbs.
“I think Pakistan, obviously, with their bowling attack, anything can happen.”
With players like Aiden Markram finding form in the first Test with his 89, and debutant allrounder Corbin Bosch taking 4/63 and scoring 81 not out, South Africa’s chances were looking good believed Gibbs.
“I expect them to win both series and then make the final. Who knows after that?”
The second and final Test against Pakistan will begin on January 3 at Newlands in Cape Town.