Maharaj’s Heroics Secure 2-0 Series Win and Propel South Africa to Top of WTC Table

Sri Lanka’s lower-order collapse, losing five wickets for just 19 runs in 62 balls, proved costly and undid all the hard work they had put in during the previous day. South Africa, on the other hand, secured a commanding 109-run victory at St George’s Park, moving to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table. The hosts wrapped up the series 2-0 after a relentless performance that saw them bowl Sri Lanka out for 238 in just 69 minutes on the final morning, even with the second new ball still 10.5 overs away. This dramatic conclusion highlighted South Africa’s dominance and resilience, securing a decisive series win and boosting their standing in the WTC.

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Maharaj’s Heroics and South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass Seal Series Sweep with Dramatic Final-Day Win

Keshav Maharaj delivered a standout performance, claiming his tenth Test five-wicket haul and fourth at St George’s Park, as he took four of the final five wickets on the last morning. Sri Lanka’s lower-order collapse, where they lost five wickets for just 19 runs in 62 balls, dramatically turned the game and erased their progress from the previous day. Starting the final morning on 202 for 5, with two well-set batters and a seemingly benign pitch, Sri Lanka appeared poised to make an intense chase. The sixth-wicket partnership between Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva had yielded 83 runs, with both batters looking composed against a South African attack that had admitted to overexerting themselves on the fourth day. However, Maharaj’s brilliance and the relentless South African bowling brought the innings to a swift and dramatic conclusion, sealing their 109-run victory and a 2-0 series win.

Returning refreshed on the final morning, South Africa’s attack was energized, with Kagiso Rabada continuing to extract subtle away movement in the easterly breeze. Keshav Maharaj struck early, breaking the crucial Kusal Mendis-Dhananjaya de Silva partnership in the seventh over. Maharaj’s delivery turned away from Kusal as he drove with hard hands, resulting in Aiden Markram taking a superb catch low to the ground. The third umpire was called upon to ensure Markram had control, confirming Kusal’s dismissal.

Just 14 balls later, Rabada’s relentless accuracy paid off when he dismissed the Sri Lankan captain, Dhananjaya de Silva. The right-hander drove at a ball that veered away, edged it, and was caught behind. This breakthrough further dismantled Sri Lanka’s resistance and set the stage for the final collapse that handed South Africa a decisive 109-run victory and a 2-0 series sweep.

South Africa Secures Series Win and Climbs to Top of WTC Table with 109-Run Victory

With no recognized batters left, Sri Lanka’s tail was vulnerable, and it was only a matter of time before South Africa wrapped up the innings. Prabath Jayasuriya seized on a long hop from Maharaj and attempted to smash it over the offside but was dismissed when Temba Bavuma took a sharp catch at extra cover. Sri Lanka managed to reach the drinks break. Still, Vishwa Fernando mistimed a slog across the line in the second over after the interval, sending the ball high into the air. Marco Jansen, stationed at mid-on, had plenty of time to settle under it and quickly complete the catch.

Jansen was soon back in action, and with just one short ball, he dismissed Lahiru Kumara, who swung hard and top-edged to Ryan Rickelton at short mid-wicket. Rickelton judged the swirling ball expertly, securing the final catch to seal South Africa’s comprehensive 109-run victory and a 2-0 series sweep.

This win pushed South Africa to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) table and left them just one victory away from securing a place in next year’s final. They can clinch qualification with a win over Pakistan in their upcoming home matches during the Boxing Day and New Year’s fixtures. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka remains in contention but must defeat Australia at home early next year and rely on other results to stay in the hunt for a spot in the final.