Sri Lanka drops to 5th – Updated World Test Championship Points Table

December 01, 2024 – South Africa achieved a massive 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Durban, moving up to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Marco Jansen was the star performer for the hosts, taking 11 wickets for just 86 runs across both innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.

South Africa’s Rise in the WTC Table

Starting the match in fifth place with a points percentage of 54.17%, South Africa climbed to second with 59.26%. They now trail table-toppers India, who lead with a 61.11% points percentage. India reclaimed the top spot with a dominant 295-run win over Australia in their ongoing five-match series.

Sri Lanka’s Struggles

Sri Lanka began the match in third place (55.56%) but dropped to fifth (50%) after the loss. Chasing an enormous target of 516, Sri Lanka crumbled under pressure, starting Day 4 at 103/5. Dhananjaya de Silva (59) and Dinesh Chandimal (83) put up some resistance, adding a 95-run partnership. Kusal Mendis chipped in with 48, but their efforts weren’t enough.

The lower order collapsed quickly, and South Africa sealed the victory.

Key Performances

• Marco Jansen: Match-winning figures of 11/86.
• Temba Bavuma: Scored a captain’s knock of 113 in the second innings.
• Tristan Stubbs: Contributed a steady 122.
• Keshav Maharaj: Crucial wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva.

Match Summary

• South Africa 1st Innings: 191 (Temba Bavuma 70).
• Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 42 (Jansen’s fiery spell).
• South Africa 2nd Innings: 366/5 declared (Bavuma 113, Stubbs 122).
• Sri Lanka 2nd Innings: 282 (Chandimal 83, Mendis 48).

With this win, South Africa takes a 1-0 lead in the series. The second Test begins on December 5, where South Africa will aim to seal the series.

Updated WTC 2023-25 Standings

Here’s the latest WTC standings after the match:

1. India (IND): Played 15, Points 110, Percentage 61.11%
2. South Africa (SA): Played 9, Points 64, Percentage 59.26%
3. Australia (AUS): Played 13, Points 90, Percentage 57.69%
4. New Zealand (NZ): Played 11, Points 72, Percentage 54.55%
5. Sri Lanka (SL): Played 10, Points 60, Percentage 50.00%
6. England (ENG): Played 19, Points 93, Percentage 40.79%
7. Pakistan (PAK): Played 10, Points 40, Percentage 33.33%
8. West Indies (WI): Played 10, Points 32, Percentage 26.67%
9. Bangladesh (BAN): Played 11, Points 33, Percentage 25.00%