Mumbai: South Africa on Sunday sealed a spot in the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) with a nail-biting 2-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion.
In the final at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, 2025, the Proteas will most probably face either India or Australia, who are battling hard for supremacy in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Sri Lanka have an outside chance of challenging South Africa for the ultimate crown.
Tottering at 99/8 in pursuit of 148-run victory target, South Africa were rescued by fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada (31 not out) and Marco Jansen (16 not out) who put on a matchwinning 51 runs to break Pakistani hearts in a tense finish.
𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙎𝙏 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇𝙄𝙎𝙏 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙈𝙀𝘿 🇿🇦
South Africa are headed to Lord’s for the #WTC25 Final 🤩 #SAvPAK ➡ https://t.co/vWLh4MSQjm pic.twitter.com/sZ5QBnDAYD
— ICC (@ICC) December 29, 2024
Table toppers South Africa took their percentage points (PCT) to 66.67. Even if Pakistan lose the second Test against Pakistan, their percentage will remain in the top 2.
India, Australia scenario for WTC final
India, who qualified for the first two editions of WTC final (lost both), can make it a hat-trick if they win the BGT 3-1, which will ensure second place with a 61.11 PCT.
In case they end up 2-1 victors or the five-match series is drawn, India’s fate may not be in their hands. Rohit Sharma’s men will have to bank on Australia’s two-Test away series versus Sri Lanka, and hope that the Aussies don’t win any of those matches.
The fourth Test of the BGT is tantalisingly poised on Day 4, with Australia on 228/9 in their second innings and leading by 333 runs.
All three results are possible on the final at Melbourne – an Australia win, an Indian victory or a draw.
For Sri Lanka to pip India and Australia to the final, they have to beat the Aussies 2-0 and hope that the the ongoing fourth Test of BGT and the final one at Sydney are both drawn.
