December 10, 2024: South Africa’s 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka in the second Test has given the Proteas a significant boost in their World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with skipper Temba Bavuma expressing satisfaction over their position in the table.
On the final day of the second Test, South Africa secured a 109-run victory, completing the whitewash over Sri Lanka. The result not only bolstered their WTC points but also reaffirmed their potential to reach the final in 2025.
Bavuma was full of praise for his team’s performance, highlighting the resilience and fight shown throughout the series. “The championship table looks good. We see ourselves at number one with two games to go,” Bavuma said. While he acknowledged that the mathematics of the WTC standings were still to be fully calculated, the Proteas captain emphasized that the team’s focus was on continuing their strong form.
The second Test, which stretched to a full five days, was a true test of character, as both teams found moments of dominance. Bavuma noted that it’s rare for a Test match to go the distance and be so finely balanced throughout. “There were times when we were on top and times when Sri Lanka were getting the momentum on their side,” he said. Sri Lanka, under challenging conditions far from home, fought hard to stay in contention until the final day.
Looking ahead, South Africa is set to face Pakistan in a two-match Test series starting on December 26. The series promises to be another important opportunity for the Proteas to maintain their momentum in the WTC 2023-2025 cycle, as they aim for a strong finish and a place in the final next year in London.
With a solid foundation built in the Sri Lanka series, South Africa will be eager to carry their winning form into the upcoming series, while also keeping their eyes on the bigger picture of the World Test Championship.
