Mumbai: The World Test Championship points table saw a tectonic shift after South Africa beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in their home Test series. Temba Bavuma’s team triumphed over Sri Lanka and ascended to the top of the points, displacing Australia.
With a series win, South Africa requires just one more victory to secure an in the WTC final. They are set to face Pakistan in a two-match Test series on Boxing Day December 26. South Africa the WTC points table are Australia and India.
The Sri Lankan team is nearly eliminated contention from the WTC race after losing the Test series. However, they still influence the WTC Final race, as will play Australia in a two-match series at home in 2025. South Africa’s late surge to the top puts India and Australia in precarious positions in the race for the WTC Final.
India must win the last three matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy directly for the final of the tournament. With the series currently tied at 1-1 against Australia, India cannot afford any further losses if they are to retain control over their fate. Should India another match but still win the series 3-, will rely on Sri Lanka to defeat Australia- at home later in 2025.
Following their victory, South Africa emerges as the firm favourites to the WTC Final. They require one win against Pakistan to ensure their qualification for the final at Lord’s. India and Australia are the other two contenders for this position, but only one of them will qualify if South Africa secures a win against Pakistan in one of their Test matches.
