South Africa became the first team to qualify for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final after a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Centurion.
The Proteas’ dramatic win extended their impressive Test form to six consecutive victories and secured their place at Lord’s for the Ultimate Test from June 11-15, 2025.
How South Africa (SA) Got Qualified For WTC 2025 Final?
Chasing 148 for victory, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 19 for three and later 99 for eight. However, an unbeaten 51-run ninth-wicket partnership between Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada saw the hosts edge over the line on day four. This resilient performance expressed the team’s determination throughout the World Test Championship cycle.
The victory helped South Africa reach 66.67 percentage points atop the ICC World Test Championship standings with just one Test remaining in their cycle. This commanding position ensured their qualification for the final, barring any subsequent point deductions.
Captain Temba Bavuma’s Reaction
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed pride in the team’s achievement: “At the start of this World Test Championship cycle, we set our sights on reaching the Final. Given our journey to this point, it’s a proud moment for the entire team.”
Bavuma emphasized the collective effort that led to their success: “It’s been a great effort from everyone, and it feels like all the hard work we’ve put in over the past 12 months has paid off. Different guys have stepped up at different times — it’s been a real team effort.”
The skipper also praised coach Shukri Conrad for instilling belief in the squad over the past year, citing his backing as crucial to their success. Bavuma added, “To play the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s is a dream come true for any cricketer – it’s a huge occasion, and we can’t wait to take it all in.”
Battle For The Final WTC Spot
With South Africa confirmed, attention turns to the remaining contenders for the second finalist spot. The race is tight, with only six Tests left to play in the WTC calendar:
Australia (58.89 points) – Three Tests remaining
- India (55.88 points) – One Test remaining
- Sri Lanka (45.45 points) – Two Tests remaining
Australia holds the advantage but faces crucial matches against India and Sri Lanka. Following the ongoing Melbourne Test, they have three remaining fixtures. India stands on 55.88 percentage points with just one Test to play – the final contest in the Border-Gavaskar Series in Sydney starting January 2.
Sri Lanka, on 45.45 percentage points, retains a mathematical possibility of qualification. However, they would need to sweep Australia in their upcoming two-match series on home soil and hope for other results to go their way.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests and Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka will ultimately decide who joins South Africa at Lord’s in June 2025 for a week-long celebration of Test cricket’s pinnacle event.
Remaining Fixtures And Scenarios
The final six Tests of the WTC cycle will be crucial in determining the second finalist:
- January 3 – Australia v India, Sydney
- January 3 – South Africa v Pakistan
- January 17 – Pakistan v West Indies, Multan
- January 25 – Pakistan v West Indies, Multan
- January 29 – Sri Lanka v Australia, Galle
- February 6 – Sri Lanka v Australia, Galle
For India to secure qualification, they need to win the remaining Test in Sydney. This would give them a final percentage of 60.53, surpassing Australia’s maximum possible 57.02 if they were to win both Tests in Sri Lanka.
Australia can guarantee their spot in the final by winning the final test against India. Even if they subsequently lose 2-0 in Sri Lanka, they would finish on 57.02 percentage points, enough to edge out India.
Sri Lanka’s path to qualification is the most challenging. They need to sweep their series against Australia 2-0 and hope for specific outcomes in the India-Australia series. A 2-0 win would put Sri Lanka on 53.85 percentage points, which could be enough if the Border-Gavaskar Trophy produces certain results, such as two draws or one Australian win and one draw.
Conclusion: SA Got Qualified For WTC
South Africa’s qualification for the 2025 World Test Championship Final marks a significant achievement for the Proteas, who will compete in this prestigious event for the first time. As they prepare for their appearance at Lord’s, cricket fans around the world eagerly anticipate the conclusion of a dramatic two-year cycle to determine their opponents.
The remaining fixtures promise intense competition and strategic calculations as Australia, India, and Sri Lanka vie for the final spot. With each Test carrying significant implications for the WTC standings, the coming weeks will undoubtedly provide thrilling cricket action and set the stage for an epic showdown at the Home of Cricket in June 2025.
Leave a Comment