Temba Bavuma-led South Africa secured a convincing 40-run victory over West Indies in the second and final Test match, clinching the series 1-0 on Saturday, August 17. This win propelled the Proteas past Pakistan in the World Test Championship standings.
South Africa Clinch Series Win Over West Indies
Set a challenging target of 263 runs to win at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, the West Indies put up a spirited fight. However, disciplined bowling performances from Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, who both claimed three wickets, proved to be decisive. Wiaan Mulder also made valuable contributions with both bat and ball as South Africa displayed a complete team effort to secure the win.
South Africa climbs WTC standings
South Africa's triumph over the West Indies propelled them to fifth position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 points table, surpassing Pakistan who dropped to sixth. The Proteas have secured 2 wins, suffered 3 losses, and drawn one match in their 6 encounters, amassing a points percentage of 38.89. Pakistan, with a record of 2 wins and 3 losses from 5 matches, holds a points percentage of 36.66. India continues to lead the nine-team WTC table with an impressive points percentage of 68.51, followed by defending champions Australia at 62.50. The West Indies, with a solitary win against 6 losses and 2 draws, finds itself at the bottom of the table with a meager points percentage of 18.52, virtually eliminating their chances of qualifying for the WTC final.
Here is how WTC points Table looks like after South Africa's series win over West Indies:
| Position | Team | PCT |
| 1 | India | 68.51 |
| 2 | Australia | 62.50 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 50 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 50 |
| 5 | South Africa | 38.89 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 36.66 |
| 7 | England | 36.54 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 25 |
| 9 | West Indies | 18.52 |
However Pakistan will have a chance to reclaim the fifth position in the WTC standings in their upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh commencing on August 21 in Rawalpindi. A clean sweep of the two-match series could potentially elevate them to the third spot, boasting a points percentage of 54.76%. Concurrently, England and Sri Lanka are set to battle it out in a three-match Test series starting on Wednesday. England will be without their captain, Ben Stokes, adding an element of uncertainty to their campaign. Sri Lanka, currently occupying the fourth position, will be keen to capitalise on the opportunity to improve their standing in the WTC.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Sarfaraz Khan fails to perform against Haryana in Buchi Babu Tournament's opener clash
