South Africa were 32 runs shy of winning the first test while Pakistan needed only two wickets for success as the contest headed to a thrilling finish on the fourth day at Centurion on Sunday.

South Africa collapsed to 116-8 against Pakistan as fast bowler Mohammad Abbas ran riot on Day 4 of the first test as the tourists closed in on their first test win in South Africa in 18 years.

Rain delayed the start of the third day’s play in the first cricket test between South Africa and Pakistan with no play possible before lunch on Saturday. The entire first session was washed out at SuperSport Park with Pakistan scheduled to resume its second innings at 88-3 – still trailing South Africa by two runs.

Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen turned batting heroes on Sunday as South Africa edged Pakistan by two wickets to win a thrilling first test at Centurion and book themselves a place in next year's World Test Championship final.

Opening batter Aiden Markram closed in on his eighth test century as South Africa reached 180-5 at lunch on the second day of the first test against Pakistan.