South Africa vs Sri Lanka: How the 1st Test could shape the WTC final qualification scenario of both teams | Cricket News

South Africa vs Sri Lanka: The race to the ICC World Test Championship final is steadily heating up as the top five teams gear up to give their all in their remaining Test matches to secure a position in the summit clash.
As all the attention is being taken up the Border Gavaskar Trophy, and India’s emphatic win in the first Test in Perth, a very important series in the context of the WTC 2023-25 cycle has begun in Durban, with South Africa hosting Sri Lanka – two teams that are fighting for the top spot.
South Africa Qualification Scenario: For South Africa to qualify for the WTC, it is imperative for them to win the two Test matches against Sri Lanka, and their remaining two Test matches against Pakan at home. This would take their point percentage to 69.11%, which only Australia would be able to cross the end of the cycle. On the other hand, if they end up with even one draw and three wins, it would build their winning percentage up to 63.89%, and a loss with three wins would leave them at a 61.11%, which could positively be crossed New Zealand, and two out of Australia, India and Sri Lanka. The Proteas would find it necessary to hold their fort against the visitors to get a chance to play at Lord’s next June.
SA Current Points Percentage: 54.17%Matches Remaining: Sri Lanka (two Tests, home), Pakan (two Tests, home)
Sri Lanka Qualification Scenario: With new coaching philosophies that have taken over the Sri Lankan camp with Sanath Jayasurya taking up the role of head coach, Sri Lanka have become an entirely different team altogether. Ever since the Sri Lankan legend became the coach of the team, they beat India in the ODI series, marked a Test series win against New Zealand and even regered a win against England in England, which aided their rise in the WTC table. Sri Lanka find themselves in a similar situation to South Africa, sitting in the table at a points percentage of 55.56% on third spot with four Test matches remaining in their cycle.
Just like South Africa, if they win all of their matches, they would secure a place in the finals with 69.23%. If they are to lose one match, it would leave them with 61.54%, and while this could be enough to have a chance, either India or Australia could go past them alongwith New Zealand.
Current Points Percentage: 55.56%Matches Remaining: South Africa (2 Tests, away) and Australia (2 Tests, home)