South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second Test, sweeping the series 2-0 and moving to the top of the WTC 2023-25 points table with 63.33%. Keshav Maharaj’s five-wicket haul was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s collapse to 238 runs, as Sri Lanka’s hopes for a top-two finish dimmed. South Africa next faces Pakistan, while Sri Lanka will host Australia in early 2024.
In the second Test match held in Gqeberha, South Africa triumphed over Sri Lanka by 109 runs, securing a clean sweep of the series. This victory significantly bolstered South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final, as they moved to the top of the points table with a percentage of 63.33 points. After their sixth win out of ten matches, they displaced Australia, who slipped to second place with 60.71 points. The match commenced with Sri Lanka needing 143 runs to win but fell short as Keshav Maharaj dismantled their batting lineup, claiming five wickets and concluding the innings at 238 runs.
The World Test Championship (WTC) is an international cricket competition organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) where teams compete for a place in the final held biennially. The ongoing cycle, encompassing the years 2023-2025, has witnessed emerging contests between various cricketing nations. South Africa, brandishing a strong home advantage, demonstrated their prowess by defeating Sri Lanka, which has implications for both teams’ standings in the championship. Notably, South Africa aims to maintain momentum as they prepare for another series against Pakistan, while Sri Lanka seeks redemption in upcoming fixtures against Australia.
South Africa’s recent victory over Sri Lanka marks a pivotal moment in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, enhancing their standings significantly. With this clean sweep, they have put themselves in a prime position for the final, leading the points table ahead of formidable teams like Australia and India. Sri Lanka’s defeat complicates their prospects but they remain hopeful for upcoming matches that could shift their position. Future contests promise to be equally riveting as teams seek to solidify their standings in the competitive landscape of international cricket.
Original Source: www.news18.com
