South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 109 runs in the second Test match on Monday at St George’s Park to close the two-match series 2-0.
Chasing a daunting target of 348 runs, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238 in just 70 minutes on the final day despite starting the day at 205/5, needing 143 for victory.
Keshav Maharaj played a key role, finishing with figures of 5/76 as South Africa quickly dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower order.
The hosts struggled in the final session of the penultimate day, with Kusal Mendis making 46 and captain Dhananjaya de Silva contributing 50, before keeping out a sharp delivery from Kagiso Rabada.
The final wicket fell when Jansen removed Lahiru Kumara, securing victory for South Africa following their massive 233-run victory in Durban in the first Test.
As a result, South Africa moved to the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The Proteas have accumulated 76 points from 10 matches, with a winning percentage of 63.33%.
Australia, with 14 matches played, is now second with 102 points and a percentage of 60.71%. India is in third place with 110 points from 16 matches with a win percentage of 57.29%.
Sri Lanka remain fourth with 60 points from 11 matches, while England are fifth with 114 points from 21 matches, boasting a win percentage of 45.24%.
New Zealand is in sixth place with 69 points, followed by Pakistan, seventh with 40 points from 10 matches, despite having won 4 of them.
Bangladesh are in eighth place with 45 points from 12 matches, while West Indies are at the bottom of the table with just 32 points from 11 matches, winning just 2 of their games.
South Africa are now focusing on Pakistan as both teams are scheduled to play three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests from December 10 to January 7, 2025.
