By – Rohit Dwivedi
Temba Bavuma’s South Africa has reached the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a dominant 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka at home. Their comprehensive 143-run win in the second Test strengthened their position and solidified their claim for a spot in the WTC final.
The win has also increased the pressure on India and Australia, who are both in a battle for a place in the WTC final. India, which was previously in second place, slipped to third after suffering a heavy 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the second Test match on Sunday.
While South Africa’s triumph brought joy to their camp, it has put Sri Lanka in danger of being eliminated from the race for the final. South Africa, now the table-toppers with a PCT of 63.33%, has increased its chances of qualification, leaving India on the back foot in the race for the final. However, India’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive WTC final are still alive, but they will need to perform well in the upcoming series.
South Africa’s Path to Qualification: South Africa’s victory over Sri Lanka has given them a strong foothold, but to secure a spot in next year’s WTC final, they will need to defeat Pakistan in their upcoming two-match series. If South Africa wins the series 2-0 or 1-0, they will qualify for the WTC final. Their rise to the top position in the points table was at the expense of Australia, which is now in second place, a position they’ll need to defend.
India’s Road to the Final: As for India, they face a crucial challenge in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which is currently tied 1-1. For India to seal a spot in the WTC final, they must win the remaining three matches and finish the series 4-1. If India fails to secure a convincing win, they will have to rely on the outcomes of the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and South Africa. India’s loss in Adelaide has dealt a blow to their hopes, and now they are in a precarious position, where the results of other matches could dictate their fate.
With the competition intensifying and crucial matches coming up, the WTC points table remains highly competitive, and teams like South Africa, India, and Australia are all striving to secure their places in the final.