South Africa Thrash Sri Lanka to Stay on Track for WTC Final

South Africa moved closer to securing a spot in the World Test Championship final with a dominant 109-run victory over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha. The Proteas needed just 14.1 overs on the fifth day to take the five remaining Sri Lanka wickets, clinching a 2-0 series win. This victory lifted South Africa to the top of the WTC standings, ahead of Australia. To guarantee their place in the final at Lord’s in June, Temba Bavuma’s side must win both Tests in their upcoming series against Pakistan, starting on Boxing Day.

Sri Lanka began day five at 205-5, requiring 143 more runs to win. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis had continued their partnership, which reached 83 runs the day before. However, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj broke through early in the day, dismissing Mendis, who edged a ball to slip. Kagiso Rabada then trapped Dhananjaya behind and Sri Lanka quickly collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 19 runs to be bowled out for 238.

Maharaj played a pivotal role, taking three of the wickets on the final day to complete his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Earlier in the match, centuries from Kyle Verreyne and Ryan Rickelton helped South Africa set a solid foundation while 35-year-old seamer Dane Paterson claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul to give the Proteas a narrow first-innings lead.

In their second innings, Bavuma and Aiden Markram contributed half-centuries, setting a challenging target of 348. Sri Lanka ultimately fell short, unable to chase the required runs, as South Africa secured a comprehensive victory.