WTC 2023-25 Points Table: South Africa vs Sri Lanka

A dominant performance from South Africa saw them beat Sri Lanka by 233 runs in the first Test

WTC 2023-25 Points Table: South Africa vs Sri Lanka

The 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle is becoming increasingly thrilling with every result, as the standings continue to shift dramatically. India (61.11%) held on to their top position after their historic win over Australia in Perth last week, while South Africa (59.26%) has overtaken Australia (57.69%) to secure the second spot in the WTC standings. On the other hand, Sri Lanka (50%) are at fifth spot just behind New Zealand (54.55%) who are on verge to lose their first home test against England.

Click below to explore which teams have the best chances of qualifying for the WTC final:

WTC 2023-25 Points Table: Five teams are vying for a spot in the finals.

1st Test South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Durban, November 27 – 30, 2024

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first on a cloudy morning, making the most of the conditions to leave South Africa reeling at 74/4 by lunch. Despite the regular fall of wickets, skipper Temba Bavuma stood firm with a resilient 70, steering his team to a total of 191 in the first innings. Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando were the standout performers for Sri Lanka, each claiming three wickets.

South Africa faced a setback when Wiaan Mulder suffered an injury while batting in the first innings, ruling him out and leaving the pace trio of Rabada, Jansen, and Coetzee to shoulder the extra workload. Rabada struck early, dismissing Karunaratne, before Jansen delivered a career-best performance. The towering left-arm pacer dominated with incredible figures of 7/13 in just 6.5 overs. Jansen’s sensational spell dismantled Sri Lanka for a mere 42, giving South Africa a commanding 149-run important lead.

WTC 2023-25 Points Table: South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Marco Jansen took 7 wickets for 13 runs to reduce Sri Lanka on 42

Sri Lanka’s innings lasted only 13.5 overs, setting an unwanted record as the second-shortest completed innings in Test cricket history. The dubious record is still held by South Africa, who were bowled out in just 12.3 overs against England in 1924.

South Africa got off to a solid start in their second innings, scoring 90 runs in the first 25 overs for the loss of three wickets. The young sensation Tristan Stubbs (122) and skipper Temba Bavuma (113) then took charge, leaving no room for a Sri Lankan comeback. The duo stitched together a remarkable 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket, both reaching impressive centuries. South Africa eventually declared their innings at 5/366, with Bavuma’s resilient knock coming to an end, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 516 runs.

WTC 2023-25 Points Table: South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Stubbs (122) and Bavuma (113) sticked 249 runs partnership for 4th wicket

Under pressure, Sri Lanka failed to get the start they needed, losing half their side for just 101 runs. Experienced campaigner Dinesh Chandimal (83) stepped up, forging a 95-run partnership with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and another 75 runs with Kusal Mendis (48). Chandimal, though visibly frustrated at missing out on a well-deserved century, anchored the innings. Despite these vital stands, they fell short against the massive target. Sri Lanka’s resistance ended at 282, handing South Africa a commanding win and their first-ever Test victory over Sri Lanka in Durban.