Updated World Test Championship Points Table: South Africa’s Big Win vs Sri Lanka
South Africa jumped to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. They won by 109 runs at St George’s Park, beating Sri Lanka. The win gave the Proteas a 2-0 series sweep. It also dethroned Australia as WTC table leaders. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for the WTC final took a hit. They dropped to fourth place.
The loss means Sri Lanka must win their two Tests against Australia in January to be in the running for the final.
South Africa’s Road to Victory
After a crushing 233-run loss in the first Test in Durban, Sri Lanka entered the second match with a point to prove. South Africa, however, maintained their dominance from start to finish.
First Innings: Bavuma and Rickelton Shine
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat. They stumbled early. Then, captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton put on a crucial 133-run partnership. Rickelton notched a brilliant century, guiding South Africa to 269/7 at stumps on Day 1.
Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne resumed unbeaten on Day 2. He then hit his third Test century, taking the hosts to 358.
Sri Lanka’s Response: Nissanka Shows Resilience
| SL no | Team | PCT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 66.33 |
| 2 | Australia | 60.71 |
| 3 | India | 57.29 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 45.45 |
| 5 | England | 45.24 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 44.23 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 33.33 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 31.25 |
| 9 | West Indies | 24.24 |
Sri Lanka responded well with the bat, ending Day 2 at 242/3, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s determined 89. However, on Day 3, Dane Paterson, with the new ball in hand, dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower order. Paterson took his first five-wicket haul, restricting Sri Lanka to 328. South Africa led by 30 runs on first innings.
Second Innings: South Africa Builds a Target
South Africa capitalized on their lead, closing Day 3 at 191/3. Bavuma led from the front again, adding 104 runs alongside Tristan Stubbs. Lower-order contributions helped South Africa set a target of 317 for Sri Lanka to chase.
Final Day: Sri Lanka Falls Short
Heading into the final day, Sri Lanka needed 143 runs with five wickets in hand. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, unbeaten overnight, gave hope. But, they fell early.
- Kusal Mendis: Out for 46, caught by Aiden Markram off Keshav Maharaj.
- Dhananjaya de Silva: He scored a half-century. Then, he nicked a Kagiso Rabada delivery to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
Maharaj took five wickets, removing Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando. Then, Marco Jansen wrapped up the innings. Sri Lanka were bowled out, giving South Africa a 109-run victory and the series win.
Key Match Stats:
- Top Performers (South Africa):
- Ryan Rickelton: 100 runs (1st innings)
- Kyle Verreynne: 103 runs (1st innings)
- Keshav Maharaj: 5 wickets (2nd innings)
- Top Performers (Sri Lanka):
- Pathum Nissanka: 89 runs (1st innings)
- Dhananjaya de Silva: 50 runs (2nd innings)
