"Was in the toilet, came when 15 runs were needed" - Temba Bavuma opens up on nervous moments after South Africa's 2-wicket win over Pakistan 

South African captain Temba Bavuma has revealed that he was sulking in the toilet during the game-changing partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen on Day 5 of the Centurion Test against Pakistan on Sunday, December 29. Bavuma added that he only came out when the Proteas needed 15 to win.

The first Test between South Africa and Pakistan produced a scintillating climax as the hosts were reduced to 99-8 in a chase of 148. Mohammad Abbas ripped through the Proteas batting line-up, registering figures of 6-54. However, Rabada (31*) and Jansen (16*) held their nerves, adding an unbroken 51 for the ninth wicket to confirm South Africa's berth in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Speaking after the nail-biting win, Proteas skipper Bavuma, who was dismissed for 40 in the second innings, admitted that he was disappointed at how the team collapsed, but described the triumph as an emotional moment.

"Quite an emotional moment for me. Lot of joy and happiness on our side. We did the hard way. But glad we won. I was still sulking in the toilet. Aiden (Markram) get them going. Was 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. It is a big win. Not just for myself. But for the coaches," the 34-year-old said (as quoted by ANI).

Chasing 148, South Africa crumbled to 3-19 inside eight overs. Markram (37) and skipper Bavuma (40) could not convert starts as the Proteas were left reeling at 96-5. Three wickets fell with the score on 99 and it looked like South Africa would choke again. Rabada and Jansen, though, showed great temperament under pressure to pull their team over the line.

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"We were not ruthless, but we kept finding ways" - Bavuma on South Africa qualifying for WTC final

Not many experts gave the Proteas a chance of qualifying for the WTC final after they began the year with a seven-wicket loss to India in Cape Town. Bavuma admitted that South Africa have not been consistent during their campaign, but praised the team for showing character in crunch situations.

"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. We hope the guys can get confidence from performances like these. Guys get picked on when they do badly. We would like to enjoy the moment and take stock of what we have done," the 34-year-old commented.

The second Test of the two-match series between South Africa and Pakistan will be played at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to January 7.