New Delhi: South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second and final Test of the series to climb atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The big win helped the Proteas displace Australia from the top of the WTC table and take the top spot as the race for the WTC final heats up.
South Africa sealed the win in the first session of the final day at St George’s Park, Gqeberha as Keshav Maharaj bagged a five-wicket haul in the second innings.
Australia’s reign at the top of the #WTC25 standings was short-lived as new leaders emerge after South Africa’s whitewash of Sri Lanka 👀 #SAvSL | Details 👇
— ICC (@ICC) December 9, 2024
Updated WTC table after South Africa vs Sri Lanka second Test
SA one win away from WTC final spot
The victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test puts South Africa on the brink of qualifying for the WTC 2023-25 final, which will be played at the Lord’s next year. The Proteas are just a win away from qualifying for their maiden WTC summit clash.
The African nation will play Pakistan in the two-Test series at home and if they win just a single match it would be enough to guarantee their spot in the WTC final. That also means that only one of Australia and India, currently facing each other in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy five-match series, will qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka still have a chance to reach the final but their fading hopes will depend on the results of their two-match series in Australia.
Paterson named Player of the Match
35-year-old pacer Dane Paterson, who picked up seven wickets in the match, including a fifer in the first innings, was named Player of the Match. Meanwhile, skipper Temba Bavuma, who scored two half-centuries and a century in the series, was named Player of the Series.
South Africa displace Australia to take the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) table after their 109-run win against Sri Lanka in the second Test. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
