South Africa is now firmly in control of its destiny in the race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final. A commanding 109-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, not only sealed a 2-0 series sweep but also propelled the Proteas to the top of the WTC standings. With two home Tests remaining against Pakistan, South Africa requires just one win to secure its first-ever appearance in the WTC Final.
Maharaj’s Magic Seals the Win
Keshav Maharaj was the star performer on the final day, claiming five wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Maharaj’s figures of 5-76 helped South Africa bowl out the visitors for 238, wrapping up the game in just over an hour on Day 5. The Proteas dominated the series, showcasing their strength and resilience under pressure.
WTC Points Table After South Africa’s Win
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 63.33% |
| 2 | Australia | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 60.71% |
| 3 | India | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 57.29% |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 45.45% |
South Africa’s Road Ahead
South Africa has been on a remarkable turnaround this year. After a slow start to their campaign, the team has won five consecutive Tests to climb to the top of the standings with a 63.33% points percentage. They now face Pakistan in a two-Test home series starting December 26. A single win from these matches would confirm their spot in the WTC Final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s.
- Remaining Fixtures:
- 1st Test vs Pakistan at Centurion
- 2nd Test vs Pakistan at Cape Town
The Contenders: Scenarios for Qualification
1. Australia:
- Dropped to second place after South Africa’s win but remain in contention.
- Must win two of their remaining three Tests against India to secure their spot.
- Any setbacks in India will make their series in Sri Lanka critical.
2. India:
- A win in the ongoing series against Australia will keep them in contention.
- A 2-1 series win against Australia would give them an edge, but a 2-2 draw would require favorable results elsewhere.
3. Sri Lanka:
- Their chances are slim, with multiple results needing to fall in their favor.
- Must win their two Tests against Australia at Galle to remain in contention.
South Africa’s Resurgence
At the start of the year, South Africa’s qualification seemed improbable, with just one win in their first five Tests. However, they have shown remarkable resilience, with a blend of disciplined bowling and gritty batting performances turning their campaign around. This recent success has put them on the brink of a historic WTC Final berth.
The Proteas will aim to maintain their momentum and seal their spot at Lord’s with a strong performance against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Australia, India, and Sri Lanka will battle it out in a high-stakes finish to determine who will join South Africa in cricket’s ultimate Test showdown.
Stay tuned to Thesportsprince.com for the latest updates and expert insights.
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