South Africa Beat Australia 2-1 to Boost WTC Final HopesSports

South Africa now sit on a points percentage of 71.43, narrowly behind leaders New Zealand on 72.22, while Australia have slipped to 69.23. Only the top two teams at the end of the cycle, which runs until March, will contest the final in June.

Five wins needed from seven Tests

South Africa need five wins from their seven remaining Tests to be sure of a place in the final. Their run-in begins with two home Tests against Bangladesh later this month, followed by a three-Test series against England over Christmas and the New Year, and two Tests away in Sri Lanka in February.

England will arrive as a dangerous opponent. They begin a new era under coach Stephen Fleming, with Joe Root back as captain, and they have won three of their last four series in South Africa, drawing the other.

South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, described the series against Australia as one that would be remembered, noting that his side had gone ten months without Test cricket before producing such a contest. He said two quality sides had forced each other to play their best cricket.

The result also strengthened South Africa’s standing in the wider game. Their credentials have been boosted by beating India 2-0 away late last year, and now by securing a home series win over Australia, the side they beat by five wickets at Lord’s in the last World Test Championship final.

That previous final appearance had drawn some debate, because South Africa played only 12 Tests in that cycle, fewer than England, Australia and India. They will again play fewer Tests than their main rivals in this cycle, but victories over India and Australia give their record real weight.

How the table is decided

The standings are decided by the percentage of points won out of points contested, rather than by total points. A win is worth 12 points, a tie six points each and a draw four points, with deductions possible for a slow over rate. Teams generally need a win percentage above 60 percent to reach the final.

South Africa’s rivals will also take points off each other in the coming months. India, currently on 51.52 percent, play two Tests in New Zealand later this month, New Zealand then travel to Australia in December for a four-Test series, and Australia head to India in January for a five-Test series.

Next year’s final has been confirmed for The Oval in London, from June 9 to 13. The first three editions of the championship have each produced a different winner: New Zealand won the inaugural title in 2021, Australia took the mace in 2023, and South Africa ended their long wait for a major trophy last year. If they hold their nerve through the remaining seven Tests, they will have the chance to become the first team to successfully defend the title.