Sri Lanka drops to 5th in WTC after crushing defeat by South Africa

South Africa climbed to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a commanding 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Durban on Saturday. Marco Jansen was the standout performer for the hosts, delivering exceptional match figures of 11/86.

After losing the first Test of their away series by a large margin, Sri Lanka dropped to 5th place in the WTC 2023-25 points table, with a points percentage of 50%.

Sri Lanka began the match in 3rd place, holding a points percentage of 55.56%.

Jansen was named Player of the Match for his impactful performance. With a superb all-round display, South Africa displaced Australia from second place and moved closer to securing a spot in the WTC final next year in London. Currently, South Africa holds second place with a points percentage of 59.26%, having won five and lost three of their nine matches. They trail India, who remain at the top with a points percentage of 61.11%, from nine wins and five losses in 15 matches.

South Africa, starting the first Test in 5th place with a points percentage of 54.17%, gained more than 5 percentage points and moved up three spots.

India, following their dominant 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test of the ongoing five-match series, reclaimed the No. 1 position on November 25. With a points percentage of 61.11%, India leads, followed by South Africa. Australia (57.69%) and WTC 2021 winners New Zealand (54.55%) round out the top five.

Tasked with chasing a mammoth 516, Sri Lanka crumbled under South Africa's dominant bowling. Starting Day 4 at 103/5, Sri Lanka’s hopes rested on Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal, who resumed play with slim chances of a remarkable comeback.

As the ball softened due to constant use, Silva and Chandimal capitalized on the conditions, forging a 95-run partnership for the sixth wicket. However, Silva fell for 59 (81) to Keshav Maharaj’s spin, leaving Chandimal and Kusal Mendis to shoulder the burden.

The duo added 75 runs in a resilient display, providing a brief silver lining in an otherwise dismal Test for Sri Lanka. Gerald Coetzee, with his sharp pace, dismissed Chandimal for 83. Jansen then removed Mendis for 48, leaving Sri Lanka’s tailenders with an insurmountable task.

The lower order offered little resistance, and South Africa sealed a comprehensive 233-run victory.

Earlier in the Test, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first after winning the toss. South Africa posted a modest 191 in their first innings, with skipper Temba Bavuma’s 70 leading the effort.

Sri Lanka's batting collapse in reply proved decisive. Jansen's fiery pace devastated their lineup, as they folded for just 42 in 13.5 overs. South Africa capitalized on the advantage, declaring their second innings at 366/5, with Bavuma contributing an aggressive 113 and Tristan Stubbs adding a solid 122 from 221 balls.

With a 1-0 lead in the series, South Africa will aim to secure the series in the second Test, starting on December 5.