South Africa Climbs to No.1 in WTC Standings with Dominant 2-0 Series Victory Over Sri Lanka

By Gurlal Singh

Cricket Player who is writing about cricket now.

Posted: December 10, 2024
Last updated: January 24, 2025

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South Africa have cemented their position as the frontrunners in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, following a resounding 2-0 series victory over Sri Lanka. A dominant 109-run win in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha propelled them to the summit of the points table, surpassing reigning champions Australia.

Maharaj Spins South Africa to Victory

The Proteas showcased their prowess in all departments, with Keshav Maharaj’s exceptional bowling performance proving decisive in the second Test. His five-wicket haul dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, securing a comfortable win for the hosts. This victory marked South Africa’s sixth win in ten matches, elevating their points percentage to an impressive 63.33.

This series win has significantly impacted the World Test Championship standings. Australia now occupy second place with 60.71 percentage points, while India sit in third place with 56.29. Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the final have suffered a setback, with their percentage dropping to 45.45.

World Test Championship (2023-2025) Points Table

Position	Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Drawn	Points	PCT (%)
1	South Africa	10	6	3	1	76	63.33
2	Australia	14	9	4	1	102	60.71
3	India	16	9	6	1	110	57.29
4	Sri Lanka	11	5	6	0	60	45.45
5	England	21	11	9	1	114	45.24
6	New Zealand	13	6	7	0	69	44.23
7	Pakistan	10	4	6	0	40	33.33
8	Bangladesh	12	4	8	0	45	31.25
9	West Indies	11	2	7	2	32	24.24

South Africa Beat Sri Lanka in the 2nd Test

South Africa seal a 2-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka after a closely-contested win in Gqeberha 🙌 | 📝 :
— ICC (@ICC)

South Africa’s bowlers dominated as Keshav Maharaj claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul, helping dismiss Sri Lanka for 238 in 69.1 overs. Kusal Mendis (46) and Dhananjaya de Silva (50) offered resistance but couldn’t prevent a 109-run defeat. Sri Lanka’s poor start in the first Test, where they were bowled out for just 42 runs, set the tone for the series.