A dominant display by South Africa against Pakistan has reshaped the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, with the Proteas now firmly seated at the summit. Even if Australia win their two remaining games against Sri Lanka, they cannot end up as the top-ranked team.
Ryan Rickelton make merry in Cape Town
Ryan Rickelton’s sublime double-century, complemented by centuries from Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne, powered South Africa to a massive total of 615. Pakistan’s response was hampered by the loss of Saim Ayub due to injury, leaving Babar Azam to shoulder the burden of the innings.
Kagiso Rabada led South Africa’s bowling attack, dismissing Pakistan for 194 in the first innings and forcing the follow-on. Shan Masood’s resilient 145 in the second innings, alongside contributions from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, helped Pakistan avoid an innings defeat. However, South Africa chased the 58-run target with ease, sealing victory inside eight overs. Babar Azam and Shan Masood’s return to form was the only bright spot for Pakistan. With his century, Masood broke many records.
This comprehensive win secures South Africa’s spot at the top of the WTC standings with a PCT of 69.44. Australia remain second, having already qualified for the final at Lord’s. Australia recorded a superb 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) win over India to confirm WTC Final berth.
Updated World Test Championship (WTC) Points Table:
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Penalties | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q 1 | South Africa | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 100 | 69.44% |
| Q 2 | Australia | 17 | 11 | 4 | 2 | -10 | 130 | 63.73% |
| 3 | India | 19 | 9 | 8 | 2 | -2 | 114 | 50.00% |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | -3 | 81 | 48.21% |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 45.45% |
| 6 | England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | -22 | 114 | 43.18% |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | -3 | 45 | 31.25% |
| 8 | Pakistan | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | -8 | 40 | 27.78% |
| 9 | West Indies | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 24.24% |
With Pakistan set to face West Indies in a crucial two-Test series later this month, the battle to avoid the last spot intensifies. The outcome of that series could determine whether Pakistan escapes the wooden spoon or sinks to the bottom of the standings.
