South Africa climbed to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table with a commanding 109-run victory over Sri Lanka at St George’s Park. The hosts sealed the series 2-0 after dismissing Sri Lanka for 238 in just 69 minutes on the final day, with the second new ball still 10.5 overs away.
Keshav Maharaj was the star with the ball, claiming his tenth Test five-wicket haul and fourth at St George’s Park. He dismantled Sri Lanka’s lower order, taking four of the final five wickets as the visitors lost five wickets for just 19 runs in 62 balls. Resuming at 202 for 5, Sri Lanka looked steady with Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva adding 83 for the sixth wicket on a placid pitch. However, a fired-up South African attack turned the tide.
Maharaj ended the partnership with a turning delivery that forced Kusal to edge to Aiden Markram, whose low catch was confirmed after review. Kagiso Rabada followed up with the wicket of Dhananjaya, who edged behind after driving at an away-swinging delivery.
Sri Lanka’s tail crumbled soon after. Prabath Jayasuriya fell to a miscue off Maharaj, while Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara fell to aerial shots off Marco Jansen’s bowling. Ryan Rickelton completed the final catch to wrap up the match.
South Africa is now just one win away from securing a spot in the WTC final. A victory in their home series against Pakistan during the Boxing Day or New Year’s Test would guarantee their place. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka remains in contention but must beat Australia at home early next year and rely on favorable results from other matches.
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