South Africa Moves to Top of WTC 2023-25 Points Table After Beating Sri Lanka
South Africa achieved a 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, winning the second Test by 109 runs and topping the WTC 2023-25 Points Table with 63.33 percentage points. Sri Lanka’s defeat hampers their chances of reaching the final, now ranked fourth with 45.45 percentage points. The match concluded with key contributions from South African bowlers and batters, culminating in a tight finish on the final day.
In a decisive victory, South Africa triumphed over Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second Test held in Gqeberha, thereby achieving a clean sweep of the two-match series. This win significantly boosts South Africa’s prospects in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, allowing them to rise to the top of the points table. With this victory, South Africa has garnered 63.33 percentage points, surpassing Australia, who now holds second place with 60.71 percentage points. The match concluded with Sri Lanka being bowled out for 238 runs on the last day of play, following a commendable performance from South African spinner Keshav Maharaj, who secured five wickets.
On the final day, Sri Lanka needed 143 runs to secure a tie, while South Africa required five wickets for victory. Unfortunately for the visitors, the team could not secure their position, losing crucial wickets quickly. Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva both made notable contributions of 46 and 50 runs, respectively, but their efforts fell short. Sri Lanka’s defeat left them fourth in the standings with 45.45 percentage points, although they remain in contention for the final match set for June next year at Lord’s.
As the series concludes, South Africa looks forward to hosting Pakistan for a two-match Test series beginning December 26, while Sri Lanka prepares to face Australia at home in January. The recently updated points table reflects the shifting dynamics in the WTC, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament between international cricket teams.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) serves as a vital framework for international Test cricket, bringing together various countries in a competitive format lasting several years. The 2023-25 cycle of the WTC involves multiple series between participating nations, where they compete for points that contribute to their overall standings. The series between South Africa and Sri Lanka, including two Tests, significantly impacts the rankings and qualification scenarios for the championship final. South Africa’s recent series win exemplifies their robust performance in home conditions, while Sri Lanka’s losses pose challenges for their title aspirations.
In summation, the recent victory of South Africa over Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second Test has revamped the World Test Championship standings, placing South Africa at the forefront of the table. This series win not only adds vital points for the South African side but also complicates Sri Lanka’s path towards qualification for the championship final. As the tournament progresses, upcoming matches will be crucial for all participating teams as they strive for excellence in international Test cricket.
Original Source: www.news18.com
